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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  Everything but a cupholder - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By strech - February 7 - 10:00 am

  Really a fun car to drive and own. Have found the engine and ride to be exactly what I was looking for. Capacity is un-matched - holds lots of stuff with the rear seats down = 4 kegs for a family reunion. Wish it had better and more drink holders though.

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  Solid Car - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By MAGICO - January 1 - 10:00 am

  This is a fun car to drive, its safe and has respecable performace from a 4 cylinder.

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  Great ride! - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By saabinvt - December 8 - 10:44 pm

  I bought my Linear with 81,000 miles in 09. Its had some problems, but not outside what youd expect with a car approaching 100K miles. Yes, repairs can be expensive, but Ive done much of them myself, and parts can be found on eBay and junk yards for cheap. This car has a very smooth ride, is very quiet, the stereo is very good, the climate system is great and the controls are well laid out. The dash cupholder is useless, but I just put aftermarket ones on the doors. The acceleration is great, and I installed a high pressure turbo from an Aero, so now it really hauls! While not cheap to maintain, 9-5s can be found used for far less than competitive cars, and they look better too.

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  big bang for the dollars 95 aero - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By matmat - December 7 - 10:00 am

  having tested many european cars for around 40,000 grants, nothing compares with the over all value that saab offers for that kind of money, as far as reliability...remains to be seen ..truly one of the most beautiful car. as far as pure driving pleasure, no motor car is going to defeat bmw, but for 8 grants less then the slower 530i....hey, ...

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  Not Quite Perfect... - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By Chris - December 7 - 12:16 am

  Was a great car at the beginning, until I started having quite a few mechanical problems. Water pump went twice, turbo needed replacing, ignition module left me stranded on the highway, and a few other smaller things went all withing the 1st two and a half years. Maybe I had a lemon, but it was enough to put me off of getting another Saab. When everything is working, the car was a dream on the highway. It gearing felt a bit off when city driving with manual transmission.

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  Dont Buy This Car - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By ivanrothschild - November 25 - 12:03 am

  Got a great deal on it used. It was fun at first, the turbo was a blast. Ventilated seats, neat dash controls, but it started falling apart. Car alarm would go off randomly in the night when temperatures dropped. It burned oil. Was expensive to fix and never was able to fix it. Oil bled into the brake lines. Blue smoke everytime I started it. Finally had to pawn it off to a dealer as a trade-in. LEMON. I loved the features of the car and still miss certain things about it, but it was unreliable and just downright embarrassing with the clouds of blue smoke I left in parking lots.

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  Second Saab wagon - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By nelsoncm - November 20 - 7:46 pm

  Its a nice car for a small family of 3, plus 1 dog. The 06 ride is fairly smooth (for a Saab) and as always, wonderful on the freeway. What brought me back to Saab for a second time was the comfy, supportive seats. Unlike Volvo, headrest is adjustable, which is nice when youre short. All the amenities are here, heated seats, satellite radio, moonroof. Roomier back seat than many other wagons. Decent warranty. Only one problem in first 6 months, a faulty airbag sensor, which was fixed under warranty. Because its a 4-cyl, gets great mileage. They manage to get 260 hp out of this little engine, so it moves, though there is more turbo lag than in my old v-6.

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  Its pretty, its fun, its unreliable - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By Broke in RI - November 14 - 5:36 pm

  I bought my Saab wagon used in 2005. I drive less than 12,000 miles a year, and it has spent way more time in the shop than I care to tally. Oil leak, timing belt pulley, water pump, gas line recall, turbo, wouldnt start when the seasons changed, hatchback handle, drivers side window, passenger window, broken shift cover, seriously too many to list. And the cost to fix is way more than anything Ive ever owned! It was love at first drive, but I cross my fingers every time I go to start it, and every time I hear a rattle. Im far too friendly with my local mechanic. He knows my voice when I call on the telephone before I even identify myself. Do not be lured in by the fun ride!

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  A Good Safe Used Car Value - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By saabsrok - November 6 - 6:10 pm

  5 Sp Aero; My 4th Saab, 3rd Aero. Bought used on ebay w/43K miles and saved big. Now at 110K, even came with a 3 yr warranty. Car has been trouble free for the most part, stranded me once when gas line broke which was later part of a recall. I cant suggest buying new as Saabs depreciate like a rock. Easily get +31 MPG & +500 per tank during mostly highway miles. In the winter these cars really rock especially with 16" Toyo winters. This is one of the best FWD Sport Utility Vehicles out there!

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  Gas milage much better than advertised - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By keith - October 10 - 10:56 am

  I have owned my Saab for over 3 years. Bought it used with 16k and have added another 30k. Have spent zero on maint. Except oil changes. Gas mileage is rated 17 city and 26 highway but I get 33 highway and 28 in mixed driving, not sure how to measure city. No complaints so far. Love the rear parking sensors. Have an aero with spoiler so still looks good although over 5 years old. Sport seats are comfortable. You feel the road which I like but my wife hates. Also rides low (same like/hate). Harman Kardan sound is good but not amazing. Trunk roomy. Cant complain. I know resale is low, but will prob. Give to my son at some point and I only paid $22k used so not too worried