Overview & Reviews

Saab's replacement for the 9000 line of cars is called the 9-5. Available as a sedan with a turbocharged four-cylinder or turbocharged V6 engine, the 9-5 is designed to compete against conventional cars like the BMW 5 Series and Infiniti I30.

• Satisfying performance, impressive luxury, reasonable price, wagon availability.

User Reviews:

Showing 61 through 70 of 82.00

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  Impressed with ride, not Reliability - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By Last Saab - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 9-5 new in Germany. I bought it for safety, performance, and reliability. Handled great in Europe and is still fun to drive, when it works. Have 70,000 miles on it now and pay average of $600/4 months for service/reoccuring problems. Ex, the clutch system. The clutch lost pressure and became sloppy. Eventually, the clutch no longer engaged! The electronic displays are shorting out, seat controls are fragile. Throttle and ignition controls went out. It is not all bad. The car would cruise smoothly at 130mpr on German roads for 300+ miles/tank with 2x the range in the US. Brakes perform smoothly and stop the car with full control in a short space.

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  Disappointed in the Saab - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By cruzr412 - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Saab 9-5 based on its exterior looks. I should have done more research. The best thing I did was purchase the extended warranty. It has been in the shop for 2 major repairs in the past 12 months. Minor problems also have plaqued the car. (Winshield wiper motars, brake lights, daytime running lights, etc). I expected more from a name like Saab.

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  A very honest car. - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By RED - January 10 - 8:06 am

  In three years, this car has been 99% trouble-free. The only problem has been with the electronic displays, which apparently was a common problem with the 1999. These have since been made more reliable, and the dealer has immediately replaced the ones that have caused trouble. The gas mileage with the manual 5-speed and turbo 4 cyl. has amazed me. On trips from Ohio to Colorado and New Mexico, including city and mountain driving, Ive gotten 31-32 mpg.

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  So disappointed - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By raedej - December 27 - 7:43 pm

  I love the comfort, styling and drive in the Saab 9-5. But the quality and therefore reliability of this car is terrible. Yes, its the electrical system - head/tail lights burn out too quickly, the entire key/ignition system had to be replaced (by me, after the warranty expired), the climate control periodically goes on the fritz; even the digital display loses pixels on a regular basis. A real disappointment on my first and last Saab.

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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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  Great Car - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By nmsaabowner - September 12 - 2:56 am

  Bought my car with 57,000 miles on it in 2004. I love this car--Its comfortable, has classy good looks, and gets great gas mileage (32 mpg consistently). Since purchased, Ive had to replace the DI cassette and throttle body ($900). Repairs can be costly, but the tradeoffs are worth it.

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  Great Saab Travels - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By Saab Guy - May 26 - 2:10 pm

  I used to drive 20,000+ / yr and this car has been a great car. I handles like a champ and corners great. I have had to do a few costly repairs but when speaking with my friends who own BMW, Volvo and Mercedes, this car is much cheaper. On own highway the car glides on the road. If you are mechanically inclined the car is easy to work on. I started doing my own repairs and service about a year ago for fun. I can change out the spark plugs in less than 15 min. Mind you I was used to working on VW Bugs with their pancake engines, which was a hard spot to get to the cylinders. The road noise can be a little louder than competition though.

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  Awesome car after depreciation - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By rb676 - April 3 - 5:00 am

  I bought one two years ago with 91k miles. I have put on a little over 30k. I paid $7k and had to spend about $900 after the first month (all new belts). Its been great ever since. The headlamps burn out a little too frequently and my Theft Alarm has an annoying error. But thats fine, the harmon-kardon stereo is fantastic, the seats are as comfortable as can be, and the car just feels very smart and Scandanavian. I have one of the last Saab-Scanias. Hey... dont buy new! What can I say?

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  SAAB Rocks - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By Rick Rock - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned four other SAAB models and they just keep getting better. The General (GM) is adding some nice touches and improvements - better climate control system, braking, quiet interior. Superb Harmon Kardon sound system, sport car handling, room, comfort and nearly 30 mpg! The best Saab model to date.

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  My Experience with a 99 SAAB - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By relady - October 29 - 2:00 am

  I had never owned a SAAB before but will continue to buy them based on my first experience. I am in my car continually and always find it a pleasure to drive. I love the way it handles. Its sporty, yet very reliable and functional. I have had extremely good luck with mechanics even though I put a lot of mileage on it in my line of business (I sell real estate). The only draw back is the price of repairs, Ive overcome that somewhat by finding a great non-Dealer mechanic who knows SAABs and is not out to make beaucoup bucks!