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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  Love the 9-5 aero - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By cueball1 - June 22 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car. It was purchased used with only 27000 miles. I cant imagine buying one new and eating the horrible depreciation, but what a bargain used for under $20000. This car makes amazing power, is incredibly smooth, handles great and you dont pass yourself on the road every 5 minutes. Drove this car 13 hours straight at nearly 80 MPH and it got an amazing 32 mph. Ventilated seats and the cooler in the glove box are great when on the road long distances. Quirky sometimes means imaginative. Terrific car for the same price I would have paid for a boring mid line accord or camry.

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  9-5 aero...a joy to drive - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By canemagic - June 11 - 10:00 am

  this is a fine performane vehicle...fun to drive....something different....priced 5-7000 less then compatible bmw

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  Sleeper car - 2007 Saab 9-5
  By saab driver - June 9 - 8:26 pm

  This car is a Q ship. It has more power than a lot of other cars in the same price range, handles like a dream, and is very reliable. Who cares if it hasnt had a major restyling in nine years? They got it right then. Very solid, quiet, great stereo, and pretty good on gas too, not to mention crashworthier than a lot of coveted Japanese cars.

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  No justice for one of the finests cars.. - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By fedomg - June 8 - 10:00 am

  When the test drive of the Aero here in Mexico no vendor was at the time and one of the mechanics came with me. We both were atonished. Acceleration is incredible, handling in curves is equal to none and the ride quality, even with the tunned suspension, is absolut comfort. Also tested the 330iA. Just said, "..thanks, but I will have the Saab". Not many 9-5 (neither 9-3s) can be seen in Mexico, so this is realy a head turner. BMWs are now in every corner. What most impreses me is that Saab was not even in my third choice (also considered the A4 and Volvo S60) and almost got unnoticed, if not given the advise to test drive it by a friend.

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  2002 Saab 9-5 Aero review - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By nate - June 5 - 6:23 am

  I have owned Saabs my entire life, this being the first "GM" saab. I am pleasantly surprised with the ride/seat comfort on long trips. The handling on the Aero is much better than that of a standard 9-5 turbo that I have driven. And the sound system is amazing. Only thing I do not like is the small amount of storage space. Overall, I am very happy with the car.

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  It may be slow of the line, but... - 2007 Saab 9-5
  By ultimate95aero - June 4 - 2:38 pm

  The pull between 50-120, scary. I had to pass a guy yesterday going around 55mph and had a small time period to do it in. Shifted my automatic into Manual Mode (complete with steering wheel shifters) and put it in "M3" (3rd Gear). I passed him with ease and came up on the car in front of him in no time. Looked down at the speedometer, and I was at 95mph in what seemed like 4 seconds. Once you get the turbo spinning at 100,000 RPM (yes, thats the correct number), the car acceleration is, Ive said it before, scary. I have had only 2 problems, compared to my problem-some Buick, the ignition coils (DIY $179) are very sensitive, and the gas cap ($14.99) needs to be replaced every 50,000 miles.

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  Saab- 2002 -9-5 review - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By Scott Gault - May 27 - 2:00 am

  The Saab 9-5 combines great performance with safety and comfort. This car is better on ice and snow than my 4-WD truck. The traction control is awesome. Great Mileage and stop in your tracks good looks.

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  saab - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By brinckerhoff - May 17 - 10:00 am

  wne to buy an Audi or BMW but drove the Saab once and bought it instead.

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  Brilliant - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Andy - May 16 - 3:53 am

  I am in Australia and I have the Arc. May I first say before I start that I owned a BMW 3 series and was after something more. I wanted another BMW (5 series) but I saw this beautiful thing across the car yard. I took it for a test drive and immediately fell in love with it. Quick off the line, the mid range clout was like nothing I have felt before. If you are thinking of buying a BMW, forget it, get a SAAB 95 Arc. More luxury and more power!!

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  BMW 5-series killer - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By John T - May 14 - 7:43 pm

  I bought the Aero after looking at a BMW 5 series and an Audi A6. Bottom line, just as nice, great stereo, handles like a dream, VERY quick and nimble, lots of torque all across the rpm range, you know, its a rocket - what can I say. So it having compared favorably, it is a much better value $$$. Very sweet car.