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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  Great Car but requires lots of repairs - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By jdowen - February 15 - 3:50 pm

  It is a very comfortable vehicle that is fun to drive. It is a quiet drive and handles very well. I really enjoy the car when it works correctly. However, it is a very unreliable car. I was stranded on the side of the road twice - at 60K miles and 65K miles in 2003 (only 2 year old vehicle), both times it was a failed Ignition Cassette causing the Catalytic Converter to melt (very expensive parts). It is a common problem, the NHTSA Office of Defects is investigating the problem. If you are looking to purchase one of these vehicles, please search Google for "Saab DI Cassette failure" for more information about this common problem and consider this when making your decision.

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  Horrible Vehicle - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By Anna - October 9 - 9:23 pm

  This vehicle by far is one of the worst made of all time. Bought for 6700 and have put just about the same into it. Engine had sludge buildup even with regular oil changes and all scheduled maintenance. Problem after problem after problem. Truly lives up to its Saab acronym of Something Almost Always Broken... buyers beware of any Saab.

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  Saab Story - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By jon_e_quest - August 28 - 4:16 am

  This is my 7th Saab, 2nd 9-5. It will be my LAST! Bought with 37K miles. Replaced the Turbo, ACC control module, trip computer, & entire dash facia at 46K (all warrantied). Now with 68K miles, have a short in the no. 8 fuse circuit that nobody can find. Unless I drive with that fuse out, battery dies. Intermittent engine light due to a faulty coil pack (possibly under recall, but I had to purchase one for my last 9-5.). Intermittent oil light (replaced the sending unit, but now it looks like a $1K oil pump replacement). Replaced the left side ACC air dist. stepping motor which controls temp adjust. Replaced both fog lights. Needs left side ball joint. Sunroof rattles. I give up!

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  No Resale Value - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By TheRonTonDon - August 14 - 4:40 pm

  DO NOT buy this car on the used market. Bought mine CPO in 2006 for $19k. Owned it for 2.5 years, still owe $11k on this. Heard from dealer that they are going for $4k at auction. So Im in the hole $7k. Car is not worth it. Yeah its quick, gets good gas mileage, and is fun to drive, but thats about it. Reliability is crap. Eats through tires and is in the shop at least 2 times a year. Go with a BMW, youll be much happier.

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  Over Engineered and Poorly Built - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By PRR - June 29 - 2:00 am

  This has been a very unreliable car. Lots of things have gone wrong and have been replaced. Have become good friends with mechanics since I see them very regularly i.e. at scheduled maintenances and many times in between. Bad electrical system - head lights burn out regularly; climate control system that dictates to you. Very expensive to repair. Noisy when travelling. Still have original brakes but not much else original. High roof line so I can see out the front and my head does not hit the roof. There is no sunroof!!! Great cruise control and good mileage: 29.1 mpg for 95000 miles. In summary most expensive and worst new car that I have ever owned.

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  Expensive to keep - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By Disa - April 24 - 2:20 am

  Saw the price list for Service at the Dealership. Will sell this car after the free service. Charging close to $1000.00 for a major service. And charges of $480 for minor service. That is pretty steep to change oil and fuilds on minor service and that does not include pads on brakes or belts and timing chains. You will pay for all the free service before. Not worth the car.

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  Dont think the dealer should know my name - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By Frank - April 18 - 6:13 pm

  This car is a nice cheap option used and comes with a nice warranty. Once the warranty expires GET RID OF THE CAR! Car currently needs $5000 worth of repairs (head gasket, rear main seal and abs module). What a hunk of garbage! DO NOT BUY A SAAB, spend the extra few grand and get a Honda, Toyota or Nissan. The dealer knows, my name, my wifes name and my kids names. Unfortunately I also have a Saab 95 wagon. Cant wait to get rid of that either. GARBAGE CAR!!!! If they are born from Jets, then I am done flying!

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  Terrible smell - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By Jay Simon - March 28 - 10:00 am

  I leased my Saab new in Nov. 2000. Ever since I brought the car home it has emitted a sulfur smell from the catalytic converter. The Saab service department told me to change gas brand and octanes and that the problem would clear up after 6000 miles. Then they said 10,000. I did everything they suggested and nothing helps. I cant even open the windows. The smell of sulfur makes you sick. But, what makes it worse is Saabs refusal to fix the problem. I was told by the dealership mechanic that they wouldnt do anything for me.

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  Last Saab Owner - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By Scott - January 3 - 3:26 am

  Great car to drive but when it runs. Without a doubt the least dependable car Ive ever owned (including a Chevette in college). 52,000 miles and Ive replaced the turbo twice, two oil leaks, digital dash display and the front left wheel bearing. Now, it wont start-jury still out as to why. I bought this car $12k under MSRP new and 3 years into a 5 year note Im still $3k upside down. It seems many people know not to buy this car reflected by its resale, or lack there of. Maybe its the 6-cyl as Saab quite making it. My Saab experience has been unbelievably poor to say the least. RUN!