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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  Had one in 73. - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By Jon Walgren - May 17 - 10:00 am

  Drove one, rental vehicle in Sverige (Sweden) in 2000. Had a stick. Drove 2,000 US miles in Sweden. Loved the car. And this 2002 9-5 Aero is so much nicer. Buy/lease it. No, I dontt work for Saab/GM. Go for it. You get LOTS for LESS.

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  Im a real wannabe Saab guy - 2007 Saab 9-5
  By donaldtrump - May 11 - 12:34 am

  I love my Saab. I dont care much about stuff, but my Saab has captured my heart and wont let go. Im writing this review today because I just crashed my Saab and its at the body shop being assessed. Its possible my Saab wont make it. Prayers accepted.

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  Good value for used luxury car - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By jethro64 - May 7 - 8:35 pm

  I bought my 02 Linear used, with low miles and it was pampered. An insane bargain! Really am enjoying the smooth and quiet ride, great turbo power from a 4 cylinder, and gets good gas mileage too...26-28 in mixed driving. If you own one of these, I highly suggest joining an online Saab forum to educate yourself even further....and to save $$. Like any European make, they can be a bit high maintenance. Thats why a lot of Saab owners are DIYers or have a well trusted mechanic programmed in their speed dial. It is mandatory to use synthetic oil in turbo models, and I wouldnt buy any used Saab without interrogating the previous owner about their maintenance schedule until they wept aloud.

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  Very happy with 9-5! - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By MJ1 - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Great car. One year old now and no service calls at all. Great pick-up from 0-60, even better from 40-60. I have never had a car with such passing power. Roomy & comfortable. Good in rain & snow. Heated seats work better than in other cars I have had. Has ventilated seats that cool you in the summer! This car does everything well. Anyone considering an Audi, BMW or Benz should look at this car 1st.

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  best car for the money... - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By sly51015 - April 11 - 2:00 am

  ... and probably the most underrated car on the US market, along with Audi, part of it due to Edmunds editors reviews. My previous cars were BMW and Audi. Saab offers more luxury and safety features than BMW and its far more reliable. It doesnt handle as good as Audi (no other car that Ive ever driven does), but its much faster. 170 hp doesnt seem much, but when you have 207 ft-lbs. at 1800 rpm, it makes all the difference (you get to see in the rear view mirror much more acclaimed brands:) !

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  Love The Saab - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By baddi - April 11 - 2:00 am

  The car is a dream to drive ask for power the turbo kicks and it is there in an instant. Ours is the Auto with Sport Mode, awesome and manual shift on the wheel, screams give me more. trhe car corners like a cat on carpet, no body roll, and torque steer is almost non-existant, quite a trick in a front whell drive. Sitting on a 3 hour drive is no problem, the seats cradle you like baby. The instruments and controls are easy to reach, and driver friendly.

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  AMAZING - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By case - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Ive had the Audi A4 and BMW 330xi all in the last few years, and they cant even touch this car.

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  the best of the best - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By cr92290 - April 6 - 2:00 am

  This feels so fast. It is the best long distance car you can get other than a Bently. very good MPG

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  9 Kick Butt 5 - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By JDSOlds - April 4 - 10:00 am

  I bought a 2002 Nissan Altima with everything. You know what it cost? $29K out the door. You know what it was put together like? A $18K Altima model with a higher sticker. So, I said life is too short and took my wifes Chrysler Sebring convertible ... AND my brand new Nissan Altima 3.5 SE and traded both in... For a 9-3 Turbo Convertible and a stunning black, Saab 9-5 ARC 3.0t. The SAAB is way faster than the 240HP Nissan with only 200HP and get this.. The sticker read $39K (SAAB incentives lowered it to $34K) and it is screwed together better than my fathers Lexus 430LS... Saab.....way to go. The best car I have ever owned.

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  All good but for the little glitches - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By bcrzmon - March 24 - 3:10 pm

  My wife bought this car on ebay. I was initially skeptical and nervous about the higher cost of repair, but this car is very fun to drive and the swedish styling and lux features are hard to beat (especially for the price). The repair bills can be a bit high, but normal for this class. Nothing major has gone wrong though and I can live with a broken sunroof, no backup alarm battery, the cup holder issue, 1 busted seat heater cause ultimately I really like being in this car.