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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  155,000 miles - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By Great Car - September 3 - 11:30 pm

  Ive owned BMWs, Fords, Mitsubishis, an Audi and an Acura, but Im most impressed with the SAAB. These are truly under rated cars. Mine has 155K miles. Its quick (in sport mode) great ride/handling combination. Paint and interior look nearly new. Reliability has been much better than expected. 25K MPG average is icing on the cake. Even with my miles the car feels solid and has no rattles. I change oil every 3-5K miles and change transmission oil every 30K. Ive had the head bolts tightened (apparently important with 4 cylinder). Only unscheduled fix was a turbo at 140K. If SAAB would change the body style, I would buy another.

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  New Saab Fan - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By speeedy94 - August 29 - 1:30 pm

  Overall a fantastic sedan. Original classic styling. Drive quality is a wonderful blend of luxury and sportiness. European drive and styling. High quality feel throughout interior. More room inside than other sedans of similar price. Also not all over the road like Acura Tl, Infiniti G-35, Lexus ES 350, BMW 3 series , Mercedes C-class or Audi A-4. I did consider all of the sedans above but Im glad I went for the underated Saab.

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  Good! - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Alexxx - August 18 - 2:00 am

  My other choices were the Audi A6, the new E60 BMW 5-series, E220cdi and Volvo v70. However, I just fell in love with this vehicle. I tried it in May, but I decided to keep my old car. Now that I saw it as a 2004 model I decided to go for it.

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  Love my 1st Saab - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By Ray B - August 16 - 3:33 pm

  After 30 years of driving only BMWs, I leased a Saab 9-5 to save about $240.00 per month. I am amazed at how much I truly enjoy this car. The interior ergonomics are great as is the sound system.

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  9-5 aero - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By dfeldm - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Really enjoy the driving experience. The Aero with the ventilated leather seats are very comfortable

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  Affordable Luxury - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By CCC - August 2 - 10:00 am

  An affordable, large car with athletic style and european ride and handling. I like that 4 people can ride in comfort (including the driver and one behind). Car is responsive (though more so in sport mode) and handles well.

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  Saab 95 - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By Jim Crawford - July 29 - 2:00 am

  Great car for the money

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  Wonderful - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Lawrence - July 29 - 2:00 am

  I got the 9/5 Linear for a steal since it was a demo with 600 miles on it (under $30k). I looked at the BMW 525 (almost bougth the Bimmer), for the money this was a great deal. Here in Italy there is no regard for posted speed limits, so I had the oppertunity to open this baby up and cruise at 120 mph on the autostrada for about 10 klicks, it was like riding on a cloud. This car is quick in either sport or normal trans mode. Silky smooth, ultra quite and tight. Swedish Bimmer, mabye 525 killer. Fit and finish is tight, driver comfort and controls exellent, killer sound system. This car is a 10 in my book. The more I drive the 9/5 the more I like it.

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  Saab Aerowagon Rocks! - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Diane Davis - July 24 - 2:00 am

  So pleased with my Aerowagon - Coming from an 8 cylinder Lexus I was concerned about power and pickup - no problem here. Great accelaration, sporty, fun to drive - and practicle! I figure if Im going to have a stationwagon, Id like to have one that can move around those teen punks without any effort... And so much better mileage than a SUV. Im doing my part to reduce dependence on Middle Eastern Oil... Great Car!

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  Steath superstar Saab - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By another_SAABer - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Ive had a the 900 V6, the 900 turbo and an earlier 9-5 2.3t. The Aero is a remarkable evolution of the car and just about anything I had wished were a bit better in the 2000 9-5 I owned, has been addressed. Its handling is crisp, the powerband stunning (but watch out how silently that speed can build)and the comfort as good as it gets. Also striking is the even better build quality on this one. It feels like it was carved out of a single piece of steel.