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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  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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  Saab 95 Arc wagon - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By momn8r - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive. Great pick up. As much fun to drive as my old Infinti I30. OnStar is no longer a standard feature as the 2003 model. The audio has that Delco sound.The whistle sounds when the keyless remote functions are acivated are obnoxious. Alarmed when "add coolant" flashed on the SID (Saab Info Display) after only 372 miles and three days after delivery. I was in the desert and there is a dealer about 20 miles from our place. the dealer attributed the warning to a possible air pocket in the line that displaced the coolant level indicator. No other problems after two weeks and 1800 miles.

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  Fast comfortable sedan - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By tedsmith944 - July 26 - 5:46 pm

  Just bought this 2002 Saab 9-5 Aero sedan. Went with the 5-speed manual. This car is very, very fast at cruising speeds and is the perfect highway passing vehicle. Torque steer and turbo lag are noticeable when driving around town. I really like the Xenons as this is my first car with that type of lighting. As an engineer, I am attracted to the engine technology; 250hp/258lb-ft is mighty impressive from 2.3 liters of displacement. Furthermore, the engine management and gearing allow me to get great gas mileage. Also, I wanted something that you dont see everyday, so the Saab is way cooler than a 330i (for example) in that respect. Overall, I am very happy.

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  Fast comfortable sedan - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By tedsmith944 - July 26 - 2:26 pm

  Just bought this 2002 Saab 9-5 Aero sedan. Went with the 5-speed manual. This car is very, very fast at cruising speeds and is the perfect highway passing vehicle. Torque steer and turbo lag are noticeable when driving around town. I really like the Xenons as this is my first car with that type of lighting. As an engineer, I am attracted to the engine technology; 250hp/258lb-ft is mighty impressive from 2.3 liters of displacement. Furthermore, the engine management and gearing allow me to get great gas mileage. Also, I wanted something that you dont see everyday, so the Saab is way cooler than a 330i (for example) in that respect. Overall, I am very happy.

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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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  AVOID SAABS - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By Jerry4 - July 21 - 10:00 am

  My 2001 Saab 9-5 has 40300 miles on it and since I purchased it, it has been at the dealership every other week. Please avoid this vehicle at all costs. Save yourself the hassle of going to the dealership and receiving the worst service especially if you go to Charles River Saab where they try to charge you for parts that are under warranty. I have been stranded 3 times with this vehicle and missed a major client meeting.

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  2006 9-5 good, but could be better - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By darryl greer - July 18 - 7:26 pm

  I just put my first 1000 miles on the new 9-5, having recently turned in a 2003 9-5 Arc with 50,000 miles, (flawless mechanical record). Good news is that the car is largely unchanged in handling and ride. Braking and headlights are superior. Yet the 2.3L four is much rougher than the old V-6, with noticable turbo-lag and torque steer. The updated dash is improved, but Saab uses cheaper materials inside, below prior quality. Seating remains the same- comfortable;and ventilation has improved. Overall, the car like previous 9-5s seems at its best cruising at higher speeds, and on extended highway drives, resulting in a smooth, safe and secure ride with performance and comfort.

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  2000 Saab 9-5: A quality ride - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By FloJo - July 15 - 10:00 am

  Since buying my certified pre-owned 2000 Saab 9-5 in July of 2003, Ive been enjoying a smooth, comfortable ride with little to no quality problems. I would definitely recommend this car to other purchasers, particularly the certified pre-owned program at Saab. The trunk space is fantastic, and it drives great in the harsh winter weather on icy roads (I live in Michigan). A very safe feeling car. My only complaint is a little big of lag in the acceleration, but its not so much that it drives me crazy. Overall a great car at a solid price.

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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!