Overview & Reviews

Cars tend to last about five to six years between redesigns. Occasionally, a company will squeeze out another year, but anything longer is an anomaly. Well, the original Saab 9-5 lasted 11 years, which in human terms is like kicking off at the ripe old age of 178.

Now, our editors initially thought pretty highly of the Saab 9-5, but then they were also pondering "Who Let the Dogs Out?" and chuckling at Monica Lewinsky jokes. As the years went on, the 9-5 sank to the bottom of the midsize luxury sedan pack and eventually nearly disappeared from our attention altogether.

Well, Saab has finally turned a page and there is a new 9-5. Designed when Saab was still owned by General Motors and based on the same platform as the Buick Regal, the 9-5 certainly doesn't have the engineering panache of its German competition. However, it's cheaper than those competitors, it's fun to drive and boasts unique style inside and out. We wouldn't call it class-leading by any means, but it's definitely a worthy alternative in that midsize luxury sedan pack.

Current Saab 9-5
The Saab 9-5 is a midsize luxury sedan available in Turbo4, Turbo4 Premium, Turbo6 XWD and Aero trim levels. The Turbo4 models are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard, along with a six-speed manual transmission. A six-speed automatic is optional. This is certainly a modestly powered engine for the midsize luxury class, and we wonder if shoppers will scoff at a four-cylinder in such a pricey car, but its fuel economy is at least strong -- especially with the manual.

There is another turbocharged engine, however, a 2.8-liter V6 that sends 300 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels through a standard six-speed automatic. This results in a solid average performance for an all-wheel-drive luxury sedan, while returning competitive fuel economy. With the Aero trim, a sport-tuned suspension, communicative steering, a limited-slip differential and the advanced all-wheel-drive system combine to produce one of the most rewarding and involving driver's cars in the class -- even more so than the BMW 5 Series.

Even the base 9-5 comes standard with features that can be optional on competitor sedans, like driver memory functions, leather upholstery and an iPod interface. Going up through the trims can net you items like a panoramic sunroof, a lane-departure warning system, tri-zone climate control, a navigation system and a rear seat entertainment system.

All of this stuff comes together in a cabin that'll be easily identified as a Saab. The center control stack wraps toward the driver, bringing all controls within easy reach. Other Saab hallmarks include the egg-crate air outlets, the Night Panel switch that dims instrument lights at a single touch and (of course) the ignition switch, though this is now a keyless button. However, many climate and electronics interfaces have been lifted wholesale from General Motors, even if the layout and green backlighting is unique to Saab. These bits are actually quite nice, but like the rest of the interior, just aren't up to Audi or Mercedes standards.

Used Saab 9-5 Models
The current Saab 9-5 dates back to 2010; however, very few were sold that year and it was only offered in loaded, Aero guise. The rest of the lineup arrived for 2011.

The original Saab 9-5 sedan was produced from 1999-2009 and went through several changes over its lifetime -- especially in regards to engines. The 9-5 retained much of its Saab 9000 predecessor's distinctive lines, but replaced the 9000's five-door hatchback design with a more traditional four-door sedan arrangement. The wagon variant followed a year later.

Since this 9-5 lasted so incredibly long, how well it stacks up to the competition depends on how far you go back. Things like equipment levels, interior quality and engineering sophistication will seem relatively stronger when comparing an older 9-5 to an equally aged BMW or Lexus. Regardless of year, however, most drivers will find this Saab 9-5's seats exceptionally comfortable, especially those equipped with optional heating and ventilation. Passenger room was also excellent all around. A split-folding rear seat and nearly 16 cubic feet of trunk space gave it an added level of versatility, while the SportCombi wagon supplied up to 73 cubic feet of cargo space for those with lots to carry.

In the beginning, the 9-5's lineup consisted of a base 9-5 model, an SE version packed with amenities and a performance-oriented Aero model. The standard 2.3-liter turbo four-cylinder in the Saab 9-5 base models produced 185 hp (170 hp for '99) and was mated to a five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic transmission. The 9-5 Aero versions featured a 230-horse, 2.3-liter turbo four with a manual transmission. Initially, the 9-5 SE could be powered by either the light-pressure 2.3-liter (170 hp) or a 200-hp, 3.0-liter turbo V6, but starting with the 2000 model year, all SEs had the V6 and the four-speed automatic.

Although it looked similar, the 2002 9-5 underwent extensive reworking. Three distinct models (Linear, Arc and Aero) now had their own style and equipment specs: The previous year's base model became the Linear and offered the 185-hp turbo four, while the SE became the luxury-oriented Arc and had the turbo V6. In addition, a new five-speed automatic was available across the line, and the 9-5 Aero's turbocharged four-cylinder got a power boost to 250 hp. Revisions to steering and suspension helped dynamic performance, while electronic stability control and adaptive front airbags further improved safety. From a used-vehicle purchasing standpoint, going with a 2002 or newer Saab 9-5 is probably a good idea.

Detail changes carried through to 2004, when feature content was shuffled. The Linear model was made a wagon-only trim level and the Arc model dropped its 200-hp V6 in favor of a 220-hp turbo-4. A year later, DVD-based navigation was added to the options list. For '06, the 9-5 received updated exterior styling and a revised suspension, and the high-output 2.3-liter turbo-4 became standard, along with bumping its power up to 260 hp. Additionally, the wagon was renamed the SportCombi, and the familiar Linear, Arc and Aero trim levels went away in favor of a single trim. The Aero and its sport-oriented bits and pieces technically became a package for two years, before resuming its duties as a full-fledged trim alongside the newly christened 2.3T base model.

User Reviews:

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  Beautiful Car - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By nediamnori - April 21 - 7:23 am

  Pictures do not do this car justice. I love the fact they dont look the same as most vehicles. So what if they look like a "SAAB". Thats what I want. You can spend the same on a used Pontiac but I gurantee most SAABs are kept up way better because the owners LOVE them so much. I love cleaning and caring for it. The little quirks u may find "annoying" I love. What cars have a cup holder(s) like a Saab 9-5 ? The trunk is huge. Its a common sense great vehicle. 5 stars

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  2000 9-5 - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By jopped - April 19 - 10:00 am

  I am a life long Saab owner who purchased a 9-5 after much debate about whether to jump ship to BMW. I have been happy wth the performance and reliability but frankly, it looks like GM is influencing too much. I keep looking back at the car and seeing a chevy, so I am thinking about selling for looks alone. Care runs well and reliable and smooth, although the stereo is no where near as good as my old 92 9000S. Still, my wife just bought the 9-3 SE convertable and we love it! So they are not all bad. Just disappointed in the styling.

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  Well Built and Fast - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By aerodriver - April 16 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Saab, and it has been a blast to drive since I bought it as a dealer demo in 03. No problems whatsoever. The trunk is not quite as cavernous as my previous 9000 hatchback, but thats a small quibble.

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  My fifth Saab - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By Paul in PA - April 9 - 2:26 pm

  Another great Saab. Lots of room for camping and a comfortable ride. My gas mileage was 32 driving to South Carolina with the AC on full time (5-speed manual.) Just like a tank in the snow with four snow tires, of course. Just won a Peoples Choice award at Saabs in Carlisle at the Carlisle Import/Replicar show in May, so the looks are great.

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  ECO Power ! - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By buddhabman - April 7 - 2:00 am

  We just purchased the 2003 Saab Aero Wagon as my wifes car. We got a great hassle free deal from Saab of Santa Ana. The car is loaded and georgeous. Decided on it versus great deals on new 2002 Audi Allroads or A6 Wagons. The others are beautiful also, but the hinging factors were reliability concerns and gas mileage. The Aero wagon is just like any nice sports sedan. It feels connected, smooth and powerful. For the price and features, it matches well with the other luxury makes. The audis are a bit nicer inside and have AWD advantage, but you have to shell out alot more cash to beat it perfomance wise.

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  GMs New Vega - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By Charlie - April 4 - 1:43 am

  Towed countless times to shop or home (cant remove rust on wheels, dead direct inginition bank, failure to start, etc.). Interior falls apart around you (carpet disintegrating, rear brake light housing fell off). Blew shocks at 45K. Leaks antifreeze from unknown location at 17K. Trunk release, data display and seat heaters, inoperative since 50K

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  SAAB 9-5 Aero - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By vintravia - April 1 - 10:30 pm

  I love this car. Its quick, gets good fuel economy and looks expensive. The mid-range acceleration of this car is amazing and theres no turbo lag. I like how the engine is 2.3 liters instead of 2.0 because it makes it so theres not as much lag and the car doesnt have to rely on the turbo as much so the power band is much more linear. If you get this car make sure you get the Aero. Its the best model. It gives you 230 HP according to Saab (But its been said to be more like 250) and 258 lbs. ft. of torque. It feels even quicker than that though and it can really handle in the corners as well. The steering quickness and feel is excellent and it provides good road and even engine feedback!

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  I Laughed, I cried, It Moved Me - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By jzeilinger - March 27 - 9:10 pm

  This has to be the craziest love/hate relationship Ive ever had with a car. One day I hated it, the next day I loved it. This car has a ton of power for a 4-banger and it was a total hoot to drive. It handled corners extremely well with very little body lean, was incredibly quick, roomy, huge trunk, responsive, and got very good gas mileage for a car of this size. I enjoyed this car tremendously. This was my 2nd 9-5 so that tells you something about my love for car. The Aero is pavement hungry & the conservative sport sedan look is very deceptive - cop magnet, be careful!

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  our saab rocks - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By dr. j - March 27 - 10:00 am

  We needed a wagon to haul our 2 unruly basset hounds and our stuff. Suvs were not an option as they seem unsafe and a puffed up vestige of 90s consumerism. We test drove subaru, volvo, audi and bmw. As previous saab owners, we werent going to look at saab due to the lack of an AWD option. The minute we sat in this wagon, and then drove it, the search was over.

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  Saab Ownership - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By cedric long - March 25 - 2:30 pm

  Second Saab this year (other 9-3 convertible). Excellent build quality, very responsive handling, and power delivery of Aero exceeds expectations. Seats are very supportive. Financially, a very attractive package that delivers all of the features of my previous BMW 530i but at a much more realistic price. Not a mainstream vehicle but value certainly exceeds other competitors when you take into account attractive lease options.