Overview & Reviews

After last year's extensive round of improvements, the 9-5 received only minor upgrades for 2003. All five-speed automatic-equipped models now have the Sentronic manual-shift feature with steering wheel-mounted controls. Ventilated sport seats are now optional on the Aero, while electronic stability control is now standard on all models.

• Best-in-class crash scores, long list of standard features, plush highway ride, supportive seats, large trunk.

• Turbo lag at low speeds, suspension too soft for aggressive driving, interior materials could use improvement.

User Reviews:

Showing 21 through 30 of 141.00

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  You just cant beat for the $. Excellent - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Jolie - November 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Saab after upgrading form an 9-3. There is absolutely no comparison. I am leasing this vehicle for the price that someone would pay for a loaded Accord or a Camry. The car is extremely confortable to drive. Saab offers free maintenance for up to 30,000 miles, and the luxury level is second to none. The car has plenty of pep, especially if driven in sports mode I might buy it after my lease is over. I really doubt that I will be able to find a better buy in another two years.

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  Best in class. - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By M.A.D.MikE - August 19 - 1:13 pm

  Used to own a 1994 VW Passat VR6, and didnt want anything slower. Narrowed my search to A4 or Passat with the same 1.8T engine, BMW E39 or 46, C Classe and Mazda RX-8. Didnt even consider Saab at that time. But after sitting in different cars at used car lot, felt in love with 2000 Arc model and went straight home to do some research. Found a black 2003 Aero and bought it the same day. Its 440 pounds heavier than my old car but the acceleration is just stunning! The only major problem with this car is $3000 I had to pay on my 90k servicing :( Nevertheless I would buy it again if I had the chance and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a compromise between sport and luxury.

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  Big Surprise, Small Price - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Alfabet - June 12 - 10:06 pm

  I bought this used in August of 06 since I had a "price point" in mind as children were in college and cost was important. The terrible depreciation is the used car buyers gain and I bought three years from new for about 45% of list. The car turned out to be a big surprise after 4 years and about 40K miles I have driven. Few mechanical problems, although they were either covered by the remaining factory warranty or the extended one I bought. I am very impressed with the highway cruising ability but it is not my prior 911 or 540 (nor did I expect it to be). It is generally an all around good car with lots of room and decent driving fun. Go find one with low mileage!

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  Typically good Saab - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By sgylfe - April 24 - 2:00 am

  This is my third Saab, and I have found them to be dead on in terms of ride comfort, lots of convenient features, great trunk space and passenger room, and has great turbo. Gas mileage isnt as great, but thats with city driving.

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  My Feeling Are HURT - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Rivets - April 14 - 2:33 pm

  I once loved this car. I traded my 1999 9-5 Linear with 110k mi for this AERO. The Linear was much better. The only leg up this car has is the acceleration and body cladding. In one year, I have replaced the engine, replaced the head gasket for the replacement engine, fuel pump, injectors, turbo, DI cassette, SID display, tabs that keep the windows from rattling, an electrical junction box, and I paid for emission hose updates (not covered by warranty), and yesterday a pully broke leaving me stranded. The car has only 71k miles, and Ive owned it for only a year. This is my 3rd and worst SAAB. This car was built for the service bay and not the road. My love affair with SAABs is over.

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  turbo power - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By aniszaman - June 18 - 10:00 am

  Power,when you need it most i,e, at passing is there with the turbo.An excellent value with all the features.

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  Why do I still Like this car? - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Ted - April 27 - 10:20 pm

  Bought the Linear model new but at a deep discount ($30k). Have had the typical failures -- fuel pump, heater valve, ignition cartridge, sunroof, and most recently the brake booster. Repairs are crazy expensive, and Ive spent way too much on them. But then I get behind the wheel and realize I really like the driving experience. Fuel economy is great, and the turbo is there when you need some punch. Its a great travel car, and the trunk is spacious. One of my criteria was "4 men and 4 sets of golf clubs". It works.