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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  Great car, great price - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Michelle - August 26 - 10:00 am

  Saab 9-5 Aero is a great car with style and performance. It produces 250 hp and holds the road like it is on the rails (ESP) is highly recomended. Whe it comes to performance it really kills BMW 530(225 hp), Audi(A6 3.) and MB C320 or even E320. It it more fun to drive then all the cars mentioned above. Interior is not the best when it compared to the rest in the same catagory. Audi A6 is a clear leader but then Audi lacks the sporty stylying of 9-5. My wife drives BMW 530 and I just traded in my A6(2.7T) with Aero and loving it more then the A6. Aero is young and gives a sporty feel. I hope you give a chance to Saab Aero and go for it.

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  awesome car - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By kelb - August 21 - 10:00 am

  I bought the car new and loved it from day one. Very smooth and quick - especially highway driving. Great handling and low noise at 100 MPH (so I hear). Roomy interior easily matches more expensive cars such as BMW 5 series. Masquerades as a stylish family sedan, but absolute road rocket at heart.

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  A real gem... - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By Great car! - August 13 - 5:40 am

  This has been a great car, although once it hit 150,000 miles I sunk $4500 into repairs. Long trips go very fast - very comfortable. I loved the car so much I purchased another 9-5 (Aero).

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  Second-hand Saab - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By famvanman - August 2 - 11:20 pm

  Recently bought this car with 56,000 miles. Although it is the Linear base model, it is a very nice machine overall; 4 cylinder economy with the turbo to add power when needed. Very solid feel on the road and good handling without harsh feedback from the pavement. Generous interior space and full size trunk. Many nice features, very good stereo and overall a unique feel to the car.

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  Took a long time to buy one - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By arline grady - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I am in the market to buy another Saab probably will look at the BMW, Mercedes and a Jag but I know in my heart it will be a another Saab I change every two or 3 years. This will be my 4th. Have had all the others above, but the ride, comfort and dependability in a Saab is the best. I now have a 2001

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  Like the car very much but... - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By kb - July 2 - 5:06 am

  Second SAAB purchased. First a 1995 900s. I like it so much I thought I will buy another. The 1999 95 is a sweet machine!!! Fast, comfortable, safe, quiet with a lot of storage and it looks good sitting in the garage which is usually where it is cause it hardly ever runs. Before 100,000 miles 2 turbos, water pump, alternator, crank sensor, battery, engine temp sensor, transmission safety switch. Check engine goes on and off so does transmission light. Nobody knows why. I researched web taken to repair centers. I am a certified mechanic. It is stuck out front of the house useless as usual. Spent over $3000 in last 20,000mi and still broke again.

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  Super Car - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By George Swatman - May 9 - 10:00 am

  There has not been one repair,even a small one, required on this car. The manual transmission is extremely smooth. Plenty of power is always there at any speed. This is lots of space in the interior, much more than in competition, eg BMW 500 or Audi A6. The large Saab has been probably the safest real world car over the years.

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  2000 9-5 - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By jopped - April 19 - 10:00 am

  I am a life long Saab owner who purchased a 9-5 after much debate about whether to jump ship to BMW. I have been happy wth the performance and reliability but frankly, it looks like GM is influencing too much. I keep looking back at the car and seeing a chevy, so I am thinking about selling for looks alone. Care runs well and reliable and smooth, although the stereo is no where near as good as my old 92 9000S. Still, my wife just bought the 9-3 SE convertable and we love it! So they are not all bad. Just disappointed in the styling.

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  I Laughed, I cried, It Moved Me - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By jzeilinger - March 27 - 9:10 pm

  This has to be the craziest love/hate relationship Ive ever had with a car. One day I hated it, the next day I loved it. This car has a ton of power for a 4-banger and it was a total hoot to drive. It handled corners extremely well with very little body lean, was incredibly quick, roomy, huge trunk, responsive, and got very good gas mileage for a car of this size. I enjoyed this car tremendously. This was my 2nd 9-5 so that tells you something about my love for car. The Aero is pavement hungry & the conservative sport sedan look is very deceptive - cop magnet, be careful!

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  Its a blast to drive - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By Rob - February 10 - 6:23 am

  This Aero really MOVES! I cant seem to keep it under 100 mph. Its fun to drive. I looked at the Audi A6 and the Volvo S60R, test drove them all extensively, but the fun factor and interior room in the 9-5 sold me. I wanted a winter worthy car and front wheel drive is, for most practical highway purposes, as useful as AWD. Great gas mileage on the 9-5 to boot. Just watch out for tickets!