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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  Saab - highly underrated balance - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By RSDonahoe - July 16 - 10:00 am

  this is an outstanding car with the perfect combination of safety and performance. While we all want performance, few are willing to give up safety....this is perfect balance.

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  Great Car - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Tommy M - June 14 - 2:00 am

  The 9-5 has me sold on Saab. Fun to drive, safe and reliable are my imperatives since I am in the car so much. At highway speed, this little turbin can roar. First gear is a little short or Id give this straight tens.

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  Asphalt-eating, value-minded, rocket - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Aero Slaab - June 6 - 12:26 am

  Exceptional value in the used market. Great punch 2000-5000 rpms where the turbo really shines. The sport mode on the auto works very well. Seats are extermely comfortable, even on long drives > 12 hrs. I really appreciate gas mileage near 26 MPG around town, near 30 on highway fully loaded with family and vacation gear; but premium gas reqd for the Aero is a bit to bite on. Exterior is a bit dated, but very clean lines are aging well. Just a terrific overall car that is vastly under-appreciated in the used market. Good examples will be easier to get as 3 yr leases on these expire. Saabs CPO program yields an excellent warranty to boot.

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  Outstanding - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By pattyB - May 9 - 10:00 am

  I find it hard to believe that there is an entire wagon behind me when I drive! It is so much fun and tons of space! I have had NO problems at all in any way with this car...LOVE IT!

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  SAAB(MW) - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By AJUNA - March 27 - 10:00 am

  I had a 3 months of Saab-free interval after selling my 90 Saab 900S, and simply HAD to test drive a 9-5. And this car is simply a Swedish equivalent of a BMW!!! The design inside-out is first rate, and the ride and handling have reached that perfect balance of sure-footedness and comfort. This is a very much improved, much refined in comparison to the older Saabs. In fact, I look forward to drive this car every morning as much as I enjoy my Prosche!!

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  Solid Car - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By bah - February 22 - 3:13 am

  Very nice car, frustrating issue with in dash display module indications that appears to be a factory issue. Excellent handling in ice and snow/rain. Very solid fit and finish. Gets a little expensive out of warranty.

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  Outstanding car - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By chalkpie - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Just got an *outrageous* deal on an 03 9-5 Aero with the touring package. It was a leftover and I bought it directly from the dealer (they held the title) with 100 miles on the odometer and plastic still on the seats. This car has met and exceeded all of my expectations significantly. This car is a perfect cross between a luxury sedan and a European sports sedan. It is very unique all the way down to the pop-out cupholder. I could not ask for more power in a car - this machine always has *plenty* on reserve thanks to the fantastic turbo. This car is also *comfortable* and very roomy. The auto transmission is very smooth and works like a charm.

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  What a gem of a car. - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Wallerich - December 30 - 5:26 pm

  Ive had over 14 Saabs in the past 20 years, but this Aero takes the cake. Put some Goodyear F1 tires on it, and theres no car on the road that can surpass the ride, cornering, and mileage for less money. No other car is more fun to put through its paces as the Aero. This car has been flawless and 100% reliable. Perhaps the stereo could be a touch better, but at 130mph, Im not focusing on the music. 2 yrs ago a guy blew a light at 65 mph and creamed me. I was going 40. I walked away. Thanks to GM for not screwing up a classic, and keeping the price reasonable. Yahoo.

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  That Saab is So Fine - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By adamthestar94 - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I think that saabs are very comfortable they are very good looking on the outside and the inside. When I was in a saab, I felt like I was in a different planet. When I was in the back seat,it was kind of small though. Well,thats about it.

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  saab builds good cars - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By trollhatten - November 6 - 2:00 am

  This is the 4th Saab I have owned. Unlike most American and imported cars, built for somebody who is tall. Excellent performance, impeccable reliability, easy to park, good fuel mileage. What more do you want?