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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  High Performance Tank - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Kuzzy - April 19 - 2:00 am

  The Saab 95 Linear we have has an automatic transmission and just begs to be driven. We have had very good luck with the car during the first 9 months. The only real problems have been with the On-Star system which was not important in our buying decision. The automatic adjusting rear view mirror with the compass did not work properly at first but was immidiately replaced and that was our only problem to date. I would highly recommend this car to anyone looking for a combination of luxury, performance, safety and price.

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  NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By LDFJR1 - April 6 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for 1 year and 20000 miles and have had nothing but service problems. They range from having the headlights and wipers fixed to replacing the turbo. So far this is whats been fixed. I have three more repairs pending. Needless to say I would not recommend this car.

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  Saabs Best - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By Chagrin - April 2 - 10:00 am

  This is second to none in its class. More roomy cabin than the others and makes bmw look lazy and Audi look cheap. Dash designed like an airplane, drives like one too. We purchased the manual transmission for the wagon and got sports, function and fuel economy just before the gas $ went up. We went to the auto show in NYC looking for a bmw or Audi and came out sure that the Saab 95 Aero was the right vehicle. This is the only car that felt right to my wife when she sat in it. Saab has done a great job marketing this car to women as we can now testify. We also look at used car reliability ratings and this is the only one in its class with a positive rating.

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  Great car - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By tbruce - March 22 - 11:16 pm

  Ive had my 2006 for about two weeks now. I traded in my 2003 Aero. My 2003 was great (just wanted a new one). I love the 9-5. Has all the comforts and amenities I need in a car. Great price also when compare to the Euro competetion. My Saab went to the dealer maybe twice a year for very minor things. Torque steer is was not noticeable untill you really pushed the car.

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  csi - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By Stephen Moore - March 21 - 3:20 pm

  fun to drive, unique exterior styling sets it apart from other sedans

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  Fun Toy - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By oforibk1 - March 12 - 4:43 pm

  Exhillarating (yet quiet) 4 CYL. Sport button coverts this into a fun toy. Build quality could be improved (cheap looking heated seat controls and open/close vent thingys). Stereo is very good. For a car build for Northern Europe, it handles quite lousily in snow. The winter setting doesnt actually do a whole lot of good. Certainly would not recommend it as an only car if snow and hills feature in your life.

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  underated fun and luxury - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By saabfan - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This is my first saab after owning 4 mercedes. What a pleasant suprise!! Its powerful, luxrious, fun to drive and NOT ordinary like the lot of new Mercedes, BMWs, Jaguars etc.. Not that they are bad in any way....but this is a wonderful treat!

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  Hope You Have A Fat Bank Account - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By sundawg18 - March 4 - 10:06 pm

  I bought this car used, from the original owner, with 60,000 miles. In the few years Ive owned it - and over 30,000 miles later - Ive had at least $5,000 worth of work done to it. Around 65,000 it stalled during rush hour. A few years later it started to stall on the freeway - luckily I had enough time to pull off and into a parking lot before it died. The throttle had to be replaced - to the tune of $900, and Ive gone through a couple of batteries that all cost over $200. Now Im facing an oil leak that my mechanic cant seem to find a cap for since Saab isnt making these cars anymore. Correct me if Im wrong, but this seems like an awful lot of work for a car still under 100,000 miles.

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  Saab 9-5 Combi - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By AZJim - March 3 - 4:46 am

  Wasnt even considering Saab. Found out about the deals on 2006 models and went to check them out. Found one of only 3 2006 SportCombis left in AZ. Test drove it and fell in love. This wagon hugs the road and is mighty quick.The ventilated seats are awesome especially here in AZ!! Sentronic is fun. Great sound system and loads of cargo space. Love It!!!

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  Great Car!!!!!!!!!!! - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By mohamed rehman - March 1 - 10:26 pm

  Fun to drive in turbo mood. Excellant music system(have bose in mdx- no match to this one)