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 Car - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By Kennn - December 6 - 10:00 am

  This has been a fantastic automoblie. It had fairly high milage when I purchased it (60K) but it feels like it was just getting broken in. It is tons of fun to drive in sport mode and gets excellent mileage in normal mode. All around - very quiet and smooth. Took it on a cross country road trip this summer and loved every minute. I will definitely be looking at another Saab when it comes time to purchase another.

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  Lovely - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By tommy2 - December 6 - 10:00 am

  The only car Ive ever had that I love to just go out driving. Outstanding feature -- road trips -- further the better. Loves to run - settles down about 70 and gets better after that. Great sound system too. Addictive if you are used to Detroit iron.

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  SAAB has done it again - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By william72 - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I used to own a 9-3, wonderful car, but my new 2002 9-5 AERO is close to perfect. The handeling extremly good, the SAAB engine is worth a Nobel-price (as usuall in SAAB) etc. Ive tried every Volvo made but they have nothing to compare with SAAB. SAABs number 1!

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  Most underrated car? - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By maltesefalcon - November 23 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Saab 9-5 Aero for 21 months now. I bought it because it had the best combination of everything I was looking for. Where can you get really good performance yet get 32 MPG on the highway. The trunk is huge and handling is great too. And with the onstar system, you get a built in phone. Just push the button and start talking, hands free. Ive surprised a lot of people sitting at a stoplight. I just punch in the sport mode and this thing takes off like a rocket from a standstill. Ive had no problems or repairs so far. Which leads me to conclude that this is one of the most, (if not the most) underrated cars for sale today.

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  Love mine!! - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By lalzaga - November 23 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Aero almost a year now. Has 8500 miles on it. Ive had not trouble with it. Ive been service dept free. The only time Ive had to go in to the service dept is for the 30day inspection thats part of the warranty. I love owning and driving this car. I like to so much, Im think of buying a 9-3 conv. :)

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  Built to Last - Designed to Protect - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By saabzerphun - November 8 - 8:33 pm

  I love this car. It is my 4th Saab; I have enjoyed it the most. Accelerating is a lot of fun; the manual tranny is my favorite part. Inside, the seats are perfect for long trips. Both front and back are heated. In the snow, you are the big dog on the road with a set of Gislaved Nord Frost 3 winter tires. I have had no reliability issues in almost 39,000 miles. At around 60,000 miles I fell asleep and left the road at 60 mph; flew about 35 and came to rest in the ditch. I needed a tow out of the ditch but drove it home and the small dealer I bought it from fixed it up fine. Im still driving it and, except for the drivers side front floor mat, the car looks and drives as new. Great car.

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  You just cant beat for the $. Excellent - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Jolie - November 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Saab after upgrading form an 9-3. There is absolutely no comparison. I am leasing this vehicle for the price that someone would pay for a loaded Accord or a Camry. The car is extremely confortable to drive. Saab offers free maintenance for up to 30,000 miles, and the luxury level is second to none. The car has plenty of pep, especially if driven in sports mode I might buy it after my lease is over. I really doubt that I will be able to find a better buy in another two years.

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  Saab 9-5 Aero sedan - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By DavidH - November 4 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car Ive ever owned. My last car was a BMW 740. Its comfortable and a blast to drive. It has been extremely reliable to date. The only complaint I have is that road noise is a litte loud for a car in this class. This supposedly can be improved by different tires. Ill have to wait until the current ones wear out to find out.

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  Not impressed - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By Kris - November 3 - 10:53 pm

  Bought our 9-5 off a lease with typical lease mileage. The first thing that went was the SID (Saab Info. Display) which was costly and frustrating. Next, the turbo kept needing adjustment. The vehicle would stall for no reason. Costly and frustrating. It seems to constantly have a light out somewhere and it is absolutely terrible on gas.

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  Fun Car to DRIVE! - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By toxicavenger70 - October 18 - 7:56 am

  Awesome wagon! I have had a Linear wagon, a Volvo wagon and 3 Subarus. The Gary Fisher is the best one so far! It has the standard turbo lag at first but when it takes off it is good to go. I did have the DIC replaced due to recall and SIDs should be a recall item too. But other than that it is a great car for the price. Also I went back to Subarus for awhile but honestly I missed the comfort of my Saab.