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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  Second Saab 95 - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By Saab Owner Greg - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Very responsive and fun to drive. Extremely comfortable seating and controls.

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  Saab 9-5 Arc - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By - December 10 - 2:00 am

  In 2000 miles, Ive experienced a car with oustanding highway & city driving capabilities. The seats are exceptionally comfortable (w/ heat and a/c !) Driving through a downpour on the highway provided me a great deal of confidence due to traction & stability control. The Sport mode on the trans. launches the car like it has 50 more hp The stereo (240 watt Harmonn Karden) is awesome. The build quality is very good.

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  Saab 9-5 Arc - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By gtoman - December 10 - 2:00 am

  In 2000 miles, Ive experienced a car with oustanding highway & city driving capabilities. The seats are exceptionally comfortable (w/ heat and a/c !) Driving through a downpour on the highway provided me a great deal of confidence due to traction & stability control. The Sport mode on the trans. launches the car like it has 50 more hp The stereo (240 watt Harmonn Karden) is awesome. The build quality is very good.

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  Great car, doesnt get enough credit - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By jzeilinger - December 7 - 7:10 pm

  Ive owned my 9-5 for 5 years and look forward top getting behind the wheel every time. I log 30,000 miles/year so I spend a lot of time behind the wheel. This car is great on long trips and the seats are the best Ive ever experienced. The other great feature is the huge trunk, it will haul a LOT of stuff! The gas mileage is good too, Ive gotten around 35 mpg on the hwy, not bad! For a car in this price class, the ride is noisey on the open hwy. The sheet metal is strong and I feel safe behind the wheel. This is a very underrated car and makes a KILLER deal for a used car. I suggest you try one of these. Overall, LOVE my 9-5.

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  Tow after Tow after Tow after Tow - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By hatesaab03 - December 5 - 10:36 am

  I had purchased this vehicle not even 2 weeks and it died on me. I had bought it with about 57K miles, and two weeks later on the way to a mini vacation it leaves me stranded in the middle of the freeway. I took it back to the selling dealer and also their Saab dealer and they slapped the machine on it and "Nothing is wrong with it, it drives like a champ." Again it had just died as i was accelerating through town, and then my speed gauge gradually goes down once again! On my way back from work on the freeway it died again! DO NOT BUY THIS MODEL. By the way i failed to mention i had to waste my money towing this vehicle every single time it died on me. STAY AWAY!

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  Lots of extras for your money - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By seelos - November 29 - 10:00 am

  This is the 6th SAAB in a row that I have owned and the quality has really improved over the years. They used to be a real sob story as far as quality went and repairs in this area (San Diego) were a problem. Now the dealership has changed and it is great. We get a new SAAB as a loaner any time we take it in! Free maintenance for 45,000 is a plus since my 3 year lease @15,000 miles per year should end when I hit that mark.

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  Amazing Used Car Value - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By Big Mark - November 22 - 5:00 am

  I have put 6000 miles on my 9-5 ARC which I purchased with 66,600 miles on it. So it now has about 72000. This car is an AMAZING VALUE! It is SAFE, Fast and in Sport mode quick enough for most anyone but a real drag racer. Great through snow! Factually if you are considering buying a used car and you do not check out the value at a SAAB dealer you are making a HUGE mistake! It is probably best to get an extended warranty as it is really on any used car. Both myself and my son are 6 foot 300 pound guys and we can both sit comfortably in the front. If you want a car that handles well, has panache, is FUN and SAFE. Find a good used SAAB and YOU WILL BE IMPRESSED. Great Dealer!

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  Done with Saabs - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By otto - November 16 - 10:00 am

  Read just a sample listing of some of the mechanical and electronic issues people have had and that has been my experience and then some. The most recent and the last episode with any Saab product was the turbo. Done. This car was constantly in the garage. No mas.

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  Under Rated!!! - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By MUWOLV - November 5 - 2:00 am

  I am amazed by the J.D. Power and Editors reviews. Ive owned my 9-5 Aero for about 10 months and have 11,500 miles on it. I have not had one problem. The car is fun to drive, tight, and different. You dont see a lot of Saabs in the Detroit area. I drove the BMWs, Audis, VWs, Lexuses, Infinitis, etc. and none of them were the complete car that the Aero was. Furthermore, the Aero was actually cheaper when you added the eqivilant options to the other brands. I would recommend a 9-5 Aero to anyone. I enjoy it more every day that I drive it.

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  Still Love It - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By ek - October 17 - 10:00 am

  I have had the car for nearly a year now and 11,000 miles and still enjoy driving it every day. It is spacious, comfortable, and handles very well. The only part of the car that leaves something to be desired is the climate control. It is not intuitive, but I have gotten used to it. It is unique and gets good gas mileage. I would recommend it to anyone.