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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  first Saab - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By Keith - Michigan - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Had not intent to buy a Saab. Took the 95 for a ride and that was it. Very impressed with the smoothness of the performance of the turbo. Would recommend one to anyone.

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  I Love my Saab 9-5 - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By Saab forever - September 1 - 5:23 pm

  This is my first "nice" car and I love the performance, comfort, and gas mileage I get (consistently 27-28 MPG). The Turbo engine is something I cant live without. Im looking forward to it handling the snow this winter!!!

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  I love my ARC - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Potamus - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! Its so much fun to drive - handles like a dream! So much fun that the stability control has already kicked in once (oops!). Edmunds said it didnt have enough power - they are very WRONG - it has more than enough - especially with the sport feature. The zenon lights are very cool, I like the dimming mirrors too. Once I got used to it, I liked the back-up sensor. I feel very safe and it is a quiet ride. Overall though it rates a 9.9 out of 10!

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  Fine car but not bullet proof - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By Robert Green - August 2 - 8:00 am

  My wife is the primary driver, but weve both logged enough miles to form an opinion. First, the good: handling, acceleration, brakes, ride comfort. Looks good in an understated way from all angles. Love that tight turning circle. Wife loves the turbo boost, cargo space and six-way seat. 26-28 mpg with manual transmission. The midnight blue, she found, is not invisible to police radar however. The not so good: ABS and water pumps failed, some headlight relay issues, rear ABS sensor/hub replaced. All under warranty. Road noise a bit high with Pirellis and replacement Bridgestone Potenzas. On balance were aiming for 200K, but expect it will not be a cheap ride.

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  Excellent chocie for comfort, fun, price - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By PattyK - July 26 - 2:00 am

  We are extremely satisfied with our SAAB. Considering trading in our other vehicle to get a second SAAB

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  Ill buy another one! - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By VSN - July 15 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Saab nearly 2 years now and have no major problems, other than routine maintenance. It has been a blast to drive. My Aero model has the manual shifters on the steering wheel so I can be performance driven when I need it most! The steering, braking, comfort, interior are awesome and so much better than my previous luxury vehicle (which will go unnamed!) My only minor complaint is lack of interior storage areas for CDs and misc items. But the cup holder is the best in the business! Ill keep buying Saabs until the dealership turns me away. My best car ever!

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  Bank Vault - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By hr - June 29 - 1:33 pm

  I feel safe in my Saab. The 9-5 has rated tops in safety in the real world since intro. I dont know what they mean when they say turbo lag. I remove foot from brake, nail it, the tires chirp and traction control kicks in. How does a 3600 lb 4 cyl automatic do that with turbo lag? 0-60 in under 7! Very comfortable to drive.

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  9-5 Aero - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By 95Aerodriver - June 23 - 7:56 am

  The car is amazing, it performs very well, however I have had multiple problems with it, including headlamp failures, wiper failures, as well as several problems with the rear suspension among other small problems. Despite having difficulties with the vehicle, I continue to enjoy it.

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  Its still a Saab! - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By hr - June 20 - 6:43 pm

  There is one thing that reviews consistently fail to mention about the SAAB driving experience; it feels SAFE! Ive owned Mercedes, BMW, and VW and only my early 90s S class Mercedes gave me the same feeling. Even the electric door locks have a reassuring thunk that makes me think of a deadbolt engaging dorr jamb. I often see mention of turbo lag. Please explain how a 2.3 liter 4 cyl automatic in a 3600 lb car can chirp the tires on full throttle takeoff if there is turbo lag. I take my foot off the brake, nail it, it chirps and the traction control kicks in. If there is lag its in milliseconds. I dont need 6 cylinders and I am getting 23 mpg around town.

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  Dream car! - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By blackadder - June 19 - 2:00 am

  This is the car! Black with sand-beige seats - just BEAUTIFULl!! Had a 2001 9-5SE before this....the HOT Turbo makes all the difference in the world delivering phenom acceleration. Whatever you do, test drive on the highway in sport mode (watch out for the cops and speed traps!!).