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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  Fantastic in-betweener - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By Kiwidude - July 28 - 10:06 pm

  Weve had our 95 for 5 years now and love it to bits, the whole family loves it. It is a great alternative to a Toyota Camry (or similar) as it is much nicer, has more style and feels much better than the standard Japanese plastic box. It isnt at the same level as a BMW 5 or Audi A6 but neither is the price so what you get is a lovely solid car that does everything reasonably well at a great price. People moan about how it doesnt have the performance of a BMW 5 etc but it doesnt have the price either so! If you want a solid well performing comfortable car look no further. Mine has been reliable but like all cars you can find owners who disagree.

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  Still a Head-Turner! - 2007 Saab 9-5
  By Daniel - July 5 - 8:50 am

  Fourth Saab. Very happy with the car overall. I like the old dashboard better from 1999-2005 (Seems more classic Saab than GM). Nice ownership experience from Saab, bought me back from Subaru.

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  Pretty, comfortable, powerful, stylish - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By odoyal - June 22 - 10:00 am

  This car is fun, stylish, and very comfortable. The sport mode of the 95 saab is a real nice kick when you hit the gas and is a considerable step up from the normal mode. The cup holders are a negative but with the long list of standard features, it more than makes up for it. Also OnStar is nice to have if your willing to pay the extra $120-$300 a year. I would get the 3 liter because there is more than enough power and isnt as noisy as my friends aero version.

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  Think Twice - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By KC - June 6 - 4:40 am

  This is a nice car but I would think twice about buying one used. I have found myself back at the dealer getting minor repairs countless times. And the minor problems always seem to stop the car from running i.e., I need a tow. If youre looking for a reliable used luxury car, this probably isnt the one.

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  Verdict Still Out - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By JOHN - May 26 - 6:56 am

  Bought certified used with 36,000 miles on it. Less than 5,000 miles later needed new oil pump, new water pump (covered by warranty) and replaced the brake light bulbs twice. Very comfortable car and relatively fun to drive. Does have slight but noticable turbo lag, but car is nimble. Gimmicky cupholder is useless. Very little storage space in cabin for things like coins, etc. I like the car but early indications of reliability give me pause.

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  Swedish Meatball - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By Wmstrahan - April 17 - 4:00 pm

  Great car until many things begin to go wrong. The car is constantly throwing up trouble lights and things are breaking. Will never buy another Saab (we have two 9-5s) but I hope my friends do so I can ride in them.

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  No BMW - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By bayviewwilliams - March 4 - 5:23 am

  My 9-5 was swift, not fast. Exceptionally comfortable. Interior packaging was great, trunk space awesome, even good gas mileage. But GM really let Saab go, and the performance, build quality or materials cannot hold a candle to contemporary BMWs.

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  Entry-level luxury, real sport & utility - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Aerocraft67 - January 30 - 1:40 am

  I upgraded from a Chevy Cavalier, so I am very happy with this vehicle. Imperfections are legitimate trade-offs. It feels large for the engine size. From a stop, the transmission and turbo feel confused unless you throttle very gently or heavily. Acceleration improves at high speeds (passing), and overall high-speed performance is excellent. This is a great highway car, but less nimble in dense traffic and tight spots. Otherwise handles well and feels safe, especially with stability control. The seats are very comfortable, and the controls are nice. Storage areas are inefficient. Underappreciated feature: towing capacity. Excellent value. Refined, safe, comfortable, practical, and economical

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  Saab 9-5 Aero - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By John C. - January 1 - 9:03 am

  Have had my 9-5 about 7 months. Although there have been a few things that needed attention, I love the car. It has a dual personality: practical family hauler (I have 3 kids and do the school drop-off in the mornings... backpacks, musical instruments, computers, sports equipment, it all goes in the trunk), gets close to 35 mpg on the highway, but at the same time is a highly entertaining performance sedan. Great seats, great stereo, but interior ergonomics are not great. I think its one of the best looking 4 door cars on the road. Try to find one that has some factory warranty left on it.

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  Combi is well named - 2007 Saab 9-5
  By Bluewater 42 - December 1 - 7:33 pm

  I like this wagon. It offers a ton of space for trips to the recycling center or the boat or 2 dogs and a blast around town, back roads, and the highway. If youre in the market for a mid-size wagon, and you like european brands, youll find a huge price variance between this and and a BMW, MB or Audi wagon. My wife has a 2.5T V70, very similar but a bore to drive. She loves driving the Aero, wants to swap cars. The engine is plenty powerful and it corners flat as my buddies 2001 530 Bimmer. I would recommend this car for someone needing a combination sport sedan/SUV. Tried 9.3 Combi, too small but nice wagon too.