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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  NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By LDFJR1 - April 6 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for 1 year and 20000 miles and have had nothing but service problems. They range from having the headlights and wipers fixed to replacing the turbo. So far this is whats been fixed. I have three more repairs pending. Needless to say I would not recommend this car.

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  Okay At First But Then...... - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By BeetleCraze - December 7 - 2:00 am

  When I first bought this car I did like it. I bought it used with just 11,000 miles. I just hit the 50,000 mile mark and I have dumped so much money into this car already. When it runs, its very nice to drive. The trouble is this car breaks down way too much. This is my first Saab and certainly my last. For a better vehicle, look to Mercedes, BMW, Volvo, or Audi. The Saab is not a good choice!

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  Never buying Saab again - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By szthdy - December 1 - 11:20 am

  Afte having a Saab 900 that ran forever and bought used, I carefully researched wagons and came to the 9-5 purchase expecting good things. Ive had problems with the the theft alarm and various things almost since day 1. Now, only 7 yrs. old, it needs more repair than it is even worth, and Ive waited for tow trucks 4x in less than 2 yrs., not counting prior to that. I can only expect that reliability has gone down even further. I got a lemon, and will be glad to soon be rid of it! Cramped rear, flimsy and inconvenient (albeit cool) cupholders. It is a nice car, all except for the reliability problems.

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  Cant wait to give it back! - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By Washout - October 6 - 2:00 am

  When I 1st leased this car I thought Id grow to love it. Now I cant wait to turn it in. Initial build quality was not good. Panels popped up and burnt out bulbs. Handling was fine and the interior was comfy and well laid-out. In the 2 years Ive had it Ive had mysterious display problems, many more burnt out bulbs and incredibly crappy gas mileage. Exterior styling and finish is not aging well. It makes me glad my lease was only 3 years.Its VERY pokey off the line, with power only at freeway speeds. Extremely annoying.

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  AVOID SAABS - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By Jerry4 - July 21 - 10:00 am

  My 2001 Saab 9-5 has 40300 miles on it and since I purchased it, it has been at the dealership every other week. Please avoid this vehicle at all costs. Save yourself the hassle of going to the dealership and receiving the worst service especially if you go to Charles River Saab where they try to charge you for parts that are under warranty. I have been stranded 3 times with this vehicle and missed a major client meeting.

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  wow, a piece of dirt - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By Stephanie - April 16 - 7:30 am

  Ive had my Saab for one year, and I am already replacing the transmission. This is not the first thing that has gone wrong. I have also experienced the headlights going out multiple times, hub bearing replacement, among other things. DO NOT buy this Saab. It is a piece of dirt.

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  My last Saab - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By Dan J - August 14 - 5:30 am

  We bought our 9.5 wagon new and drove it approximately 10,000m per year. After a very short period, we began to experience a broad range of mechanical issues and failures. This was in spite of the fact that we brought the car back to the dealer for every scheduled maintenance item. The list of failures is very long and the costs have been very high. The final straw was when, after replacing the timing belt as required, the bearing in the timing belt assembly failed and the engine was destroyed. Do not buy this car under any circumstances unless you are ready to pay for many repair bills and want to become best friends with a mechanic.

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  So disappointed - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By raedej - December 27 - 7:43 pm

  I love the comfort, styling and drive in the Saab 9-5. But the quality and therefore reliability of this car is terrible. Yes, its the electrical system - head/tail lights burn out too quickly, the entire key/ignition system had to be replaced (by me, after the warranty expired), the climate control periodically goes on the fritz; even the digital display loses pixels on a regular basis. A real disappointment on my first and last Saab.

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  OK, but not really happy - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By bar_ml - April 28 - 8:26 am

  I bought this in mint condition last spring. I have put about 20K on it. Driving on the highway is great, especially here in Europe. But, this car is starting to drive me nuts. 1 cup holder, no armrests, waywayway too many buttons for the heater, etc. Give me some dials so I can concentrate on driving and not have to search for a button and almost wreck. They key should be on the steering column. Thats where my cell, wallet etc. go. Give me wipers that I can set where I want, not some electronic sensor. Always too fast or too slow for me. Display constantly missing pixels. reverse help never works. Key batteries die very fast. I have had no engine/tranny problems.

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  Too Much Hassle - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By John G - April 18 - 2:40 pm

  Lots of mechanical issues. Two ignition modules, SIDs display is failing, heater controls cause the right side to switch to uncontrollable full on heat. Engineering stinks - catalytic converter right next to oil pan and cooks the oil. Must change the oil at no more than 5K miles. Very noisy interior. At 60,000 miles the engine failed. Recommended 10K oil changes followed religiously. Saab knew this was faulty but did not publicize in States tho Europe knew all about it then tried to stiff me on an engine replacement until lawsuit broke loose a new engine. Apparently system does not save fault codes on many failures.