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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  Saab makes great cars - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By baco99 - February 19 - 11:23 am

  Our 2003 Saab 9-5 Arc wagon is a superb car to own and drive. Yes, there are a few Saab quirks to get over, but the pleasure of driving it far outweighs any minor nuisances. Ours is equipped with the Sentronic automatic transmission and performs very well. In "Sport" mode the transmission responds very quickly, especially out of 1st gear and is like IRLs "push to pass" button. The interior is quiet and comfortable. The wagon has great cargo room and our 2 dogs love it back there. With a baby on the way, its a very sensible and responsible purchase, with much better gas mileage than our neighbors SUVs. This is our 4th Saab, and well be back to the well again in a few years.

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  Balance of Comfort and Performance - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By rad - February 1 - 10:00 am

  Its a great car, with the right balance of comfort, performance and economy. Its aethetics are hard to beat, inside and out. It has a comfortable rear seat, adequate for 3 adults, perfect for 2 and my 3 kids. I can get 4 ice hockey bags in the trunk, 2 adults and 2 kids. With the AT in SPORT mode, the car plain out hauls, as it does in MANUAL mode (but MANUAL mode can be awkward.) In DRIVE mode, it performs well, at the rate of 28+ mpg. Needless to say, I highly recommend it.

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  Change this seat - 2011 Saab 9-5
  By euro53 - January 26 - 3:28 pm

  Ive been waiting 10 years for this car. I drove 3 premiums and 2 Aeros. Ive been Saab owner of 4 cars since 1982. I love them especially for the best seat ever in any automobile.GM managed to stick this car with a Buick Lacrosse seat. There was no comfortable position to get the lumbar out of my back. Ive spent 2 hours total in this car. The fan and instrument controls are tiny, and could be hard to see while driving.Rear view is not good.Trunk opening ala GM, huge lip in back, hard to put in bags. The 2 liter 4 cylinder is quick enough, and should save gas, while the Aero AWD seems heavy. If they fix the seat, I would buy one Dealer said TOO BAD, as I stuck the check back in my pocket.

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  What a disappointment - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By disappointed - January 16 - 4:43 am

  Have owned many makes and models of vehicles, this Saab is the most disappointing along with any service from dealership. I feel like Im driving on eggshells as this thing bounces all over the road when hitting normal highway bumps in the road. Dealership says shocks are fine. The placement of ignition has got to be the most unsafe place any designer could have chosen. Too many little and big things have gone wrong with this vehicle. I hate it - would never recommend and tell anyone who will listen not to purchase a Saab.

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  Rattle here, buzz there, but... - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By jgoebel - January 13 - 10:00 am

  This is an excellent car; bigger than the allroad and less expensive, and less better performing than the Volvo XC. My only problems have been rattles and buzzes from the stickshift and door. Both where taken car of by the dealer. On a whole, its great.

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  Give it its due - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By scalpel1000 - January 13 - 10:00 am

  The Saab 9-5 Linear wagon is the best car that I have owned. Its performance in and around the city along with its entrance ramp power make it fun to drive. The 185hp is not excessive and provides a good medium between ultimate performance and gas consumption. Buying this car has made me a Saab fan and I would purchase one again.

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  Saab 95 Aero Wagon - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Ownerh - January 13 - 10:00 am

  We have been so impressed with our ownership of this first Saab that we bought a used Saab for our sons first car. The dealerships customer care and service has truely been outstanding. I have owned several vehicles through the years and the most I have ordered I can only state so far this has been the best.

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  What more could you want? - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By Johnny G. - January 13 - 5:30 am

  This car is tough to beat. It is so fun to drive, even with the automatic. The torque just keeps coming, even when doing 70mph or more! Add to this the fact that it has more room, is more practical, and safer than almost anything out there in the price range. I cant say enough great things about this car.

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  luvsaabin - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By tahcan - December 31 - 2:00 am

  this wagon rocks!! i needed a vehicle which can carry my tools everywhere i go but i did not want to drive a truck anymore. this car gets me every where i want to go, great space, easy for the dogs etc. major happy with the performance and gas mileage.

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  needs all wheel drive - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By carguy - December 28 - 11:00 am

  Although this car is front wheel drive, it was fun to drive. I have owned several Saabs, and this 9-5 drove as good or better then all of them. Saabs are known for their torque, and the new 2.3 turbo was strong from second gear on up (first gear was weak). Unfortunately, there is still torque steer under hard acceleration (negative of front wheel drive cars). Seats were very supported and comfortable, stereo was very good, it shifted smoothly, and handled well. If Saab made this all wheel drive, they would have an awesome car to compete with the best from Europe, the front wheel drive on this car stops it from measurng up to other sport sedans. Over all, for the money, its a fun, comfortable car