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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  Fun and practical vehicle - 2007 Saab 9-5
  By Acura-man - December 3 - 12:40 am

  I traded in my 2007 Honda Pilot for this wagon in Jan 2010 - vehicle only had 15k miles on it. I havent been disappointed. Although I did lose a lot of room, this car is just so much more practical and convenient. It was a pain to load my bikes onto the SUV, but this roof-line is lower and easier to do; I also have a canoe (yeah, you dont see many Saab owners driving around with canoes!) - also much easier to load. The car is solid, fun to drive, and comes standard with so many features. I also have a 2007 Acura (and have always had Honda), so its a new experience to drive the Saab. Its extremely fast, great styling, and many of the features seem a-ha (like the dual sunshades).

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  Great Car - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By Patrick - December 2 - 5:50 pm

  Traded in our 00 9-5. Very fun car to drive. We drove competitors and found the Saab to be the best car for the price.

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  Single Moms styling - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By Ruby Begonia - December 2 - 10:00 am

  Ive driven Saabs for many years. I love this car however I may have to give it up. My 15 year old is 62" and his leg dont fit very well anymore, especially with his sister and all their gear. Please, please dont tell me to get a minivan.

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  Sports car with a patio! - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By bRAD - November 30 - 10:00 am

  I wanted a sports car and I wanted a car to haul around all my stuff like camping gear and mountain bikes. Ive only got room for 1 car and this is it. Itll outrun most other cars- and you can take 4 friends and all their gear with you! Fuel economy is great as long as you stay out of the turbo but it performs so great youll always be going fast. Great car for going long distances in a hurry. With incentives and low sales this car is a hidden gem. Youll get this car for far less than the "competition" and you can spend the money you save on upgrades from Hirsch Performance- then youll have a wagon with 310hp and 325ft-lbs of torque!

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  Solid Car - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By swinnie - November 17 - 2:00 am

  I had concerns when purchasing the vehicle that it may be under powered. i have been pleasantly suprised with the performance and extremely impressed with the gas mileage. Im averaging 28.5 miles to the gallon with an automatic model

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  I Really Like It - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By crwindy - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I replaced a Passat V6 GLX wagon with this used Saab. I couldnt be happier. The overall quality and solidity of this wagon makes the VW seem like an old minibus. The engine is so powerful and smooth; the ride so good and the handling is very good especially for a wagon. The interior is very comfortable and the seats are great. I get 30 MPG on the highway and 26-27 overall. This car is certainly worth a look. P.S. I have the 5 speed.

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  2006 Saab 9-5 - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By Saab #3 - October 30 - 11:40 pm

  Love driving this car... it is my 3rd saab and they all have been quality, unique cars. I still have not seen another one on the highway... its good not to own the cookie-cutter vehicles all the time. Only negative note is why cant saab make a car with a couple of useable drink-holders?

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  2004 9-5 aero wagon - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By Dan T - October 23 - 5:40 pm

  I was put-off by an older 9000 I owned before but was impressed the moment I got behind the wheel. Purchased this instead of a BMW wagon because of better interior space, much better mileage and impressive power.

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  Very SAFE Car! - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By SafeSAAB - October 6 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 9-5 used after trading in a BMW. A few weeks ago I was cut off by a moron and impacted the vehicle at over 45mph. Both airbags deployed. My child was in his carseat in the back. The accident as extremely violent and when I opened my eyes I expected serious injuries to all 4 passengers. The Saab held up very well despite being totalled. No one was seriously injured which is a testament to the superb design and solid construction of this car. I am getting another!

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  The Aero Soars - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By hr_consultant - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my 02 Aero for 6 months and I have not had one problem with it. Ive not experienced any turbo lag at any speed, as a matter of fact, there is torque in every gear. Saab has included ESP (electronic Stability Program) that virtually eliminates torque steer. I have to be careful, Im generally way over the freeway speed by the time I shift into fourth! Unique look and feel, I always get lots of positive feedback when anyone asks about the car. After all that cool technical stuff, one of the things that gets the biggest reaction is when the cupholder opens, go figure.