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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  Pretty nice car if you dont pay retail - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By oddity2 - April 17 - 2:00 am

  My second Saab and a step up from the 9-3 with manual 5-speed. The interior is roomier and more thoughtfully designed and the exterior design is much more attractive than the 9-3, which resembles a cockroach. I chose the V6 because of turbo lag with the 4-banger. The V6 is quick, especially in sport mode. It cruises effortlessly at supralegal speeds. On regular gas it gets 22 mpg in mixed city driving, rising to 32 mpg on the freeway. The car was a sweet lease deal; various incentives brought the cap cost $8500 below MSRP. Having driven the car for 2.5 years though, I really think of it as a $32K car.

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  Great Car - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By Sedona - April 10 - 2:00 am

  All Round Best car I ever drove. Have had MB BMW . Best for the money.

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  Give me back my 9-3 - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By Jim - April 4 - 8:23 am

  In the last 18 months this car has been in the shop 45 days. Transmission hesitates and dogs out, sunroof fixed four times, engine light continues to come on, climate control blows cold air in the front seat and hot air in the back seat, drivers door handle fell off, two climate vents fell apart, air conditioning cant stand up to a California summer. Saab wont stand behind their product and were stuck with an unreliable car. In six months have gone from BEING Saabs #1 fan to vowing to never buy another. Just crossed the 9-7x off my list.

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  Great Value, Sweet Swedish Ride! - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By martinigop - March 6 - 3:46 am

  Just purchased a new 9-5 Aero after owning a 2003 BMW 525i for the past 3 years. My BMW corners better then the SAAB, but I find the 9-5 much more fun to drive. A comparably equipped 5 series is nearly $60K! Having driven both cars, the BMW is not enough better then then the 9-5 to justify the difference in price. The critics are dead wrong about this car. In my humble opinion I think its still one of of the best looking cars on the road. My SAAB turns far more heads then my BMW ever did. There are definitely a few quirky features on the 9-5, but I think it adds to the whole "coolness factor" of the car. If money is not a factor buy the BMW, otherwise save the bucks!

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  9-5 Aero Sportwagaon Automatic - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By Anthony - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Love the car. I am a 31 year old single male and I dive a wagon!. I traded my GMC Jimmy in for the SAAB because I wanted something more luxurious that was sporty, good on gas and could haul my stuff from HomeDepot. I got it all and in a very sexy (at least I think so) package. The car had a few issues when I picked it up but they all were taken car of in a prompt manner by the service department. I would give the service department an excellent rating and the sales department a moderate rating. My sales man was not well informed about the cars features and suggested I try things out to see if they worked. I hope the car proves to be reliable.

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  Meets Expectations - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By Baron - March 2 - 9:40 pm

  Got an automatic linear with the ESP, Harmon-Kardon Audio, memory steats, etc. package. Smooth and sporty feel even with snows (these make the car as good as a 4WD in winter where originals are sketchy) Improved suspension from old 9-5 helps but it still understeers a bit. Great trunk room which is key since I went from a pickup to the 9-5.

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  First Saab - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By pcdrj - February 27 - 2:00 am

  This was my first Saab. The car has been very reliable so far at 61000 miles. Performance is Ok. It could definitely use more power. Economy is so-so at about 21 mpg. Handling is too soft. Turning radius is poor. Interior room was pretty. Trunk space and rear seating is good. Front seats are as comfortable as Ive. Console infringed on leg room a bit too much. Interior ergonomics leave a lot to be desired. Needs more/better cup holders. Computer is useless. Climate control worked well but need easier controls. Paint quality was poor and difficult to keep clean. Wheels were impossible to keep clean unless you wash them at least once a week.

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  Nothing But Praise - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By Copa - February 25 - 10:00 am

  Excellent Car. If you want a good size wagon with great performance, the Saab Aero is it. Bigger than the 540 wagon and much less than either the BMW or Audi. The best bang for the buck.

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  Can a Family Sedan be Fun to Drive Too? - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By DCAR5 - February 20 - 10:00 am

  The 9-5 is a good sedan, maybe even a very good sedan. Depending on what you are looking for in a sedan. If your looking for fun, it is just is not there. The turbo might as well not be there for all of the power is puts out. I had a Saab SPG and that car moved. Even my 10 year old Volvo 960 has more power. However, as a family sedan you just can beat it. Fits a family of five and everything they need for a trip to the beach (and my family need to bring alot along). It looks nice, gets you complements (from the family crowd), but it just doesnt have the power to make it a fun car on the road.

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  Love my Saab - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By jg - February 20 - 10:00 am

  Great car. Very reliable, comfortable. Great looking. In sport mode its very powerful.