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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  Middle Age Fun - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By mike souris - March 24 - 2:00 am

  Purchased this car on impulse, and have not had any regrets. I look forward to my next one. It feels good, and is fun to drive.

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  Best Saab So Far - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By shelbysaab - March 17 - 2:23 pm

  Ive owned 4 Saabs, and this is the best one yet. Ive never had a car that offers so much performance and economy along with comfort and a reasonable price. Saab should do more to promote the 9-5, it really is alot of car for the money. Im sure it would be a best seller if it was available in All-Wheel-Drive

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  Saab 9.5 - best car Ive ever had (Im 66) - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By GeeBee - March 16 - 4:43 am

  My wife has driven about 30K miles/yr as a salesperson for 25 years, and NEEDS a comfortable, reliable, safe car. THIS IS IT! Super comfortable seats (sports pkg seats are even better than the std ones), and adjustable (in & out + up/dn) steering wheel fit her perfectly. And, at only 5-2" she can now reach the gas pedal & still be a safe distance from the steering wheels air bag. The car has LOTS of other features we didnt expect, like super fast turbo acceleration, the seat air blowers, a GREAT stereo, and rather low, easy access to load from the rear door. And, its almost as fun to drive as my Mini. Overall, its simply the best car weve ever had - and weve had a LOT.

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  Great car, great value - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By kevin - March 14 - 2:56 am

  Ive always had Volvo wagons but decided to try a Saab this time around. Went in to look at the 9-3 when I saw the new 9-5. I was sold from the test drive. Its impressively powerful, more so than my previous V70 T5. The seats are comfortable and there is a lot of space in the wagon area. The back seat is also roomy. But the best part is the price. I paid less than 40 grand for what cost about 45 grand on my Volvo and over 50 on any other luxury make. The 9-5 Sport Combi makes more sense than an SUV if you dont need the all-wheel drive and it is far more stylish.

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  No Saab story here........ - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By UMR Engineer - March 11 - 11:03 pm

  Wed give this, our second Saab an A. Very few criticisms (see below). Styling is great. Really fun to drive. Lots of room.

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  03 Saab AERO sedan - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Jon Messer - March 10 - 2:00 am

  Thers nothing quite like it - if you can afford an Aero. For long drives, my back and neck are indebted to Saab for the Aero. The "attitude" most luxury car dealers have is non- existant with Saab. I have the best: Dealer, sales mgr., service mgr and Master Tech in the entire USofA = Garden City Saab on Long Island. PLEASE keep it up !

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  Poor mans luxury sport - 2007 Saab 9-5
  By tbill2 - March 9 - 3:09 pm

  For some reason there are a glut of these 9-5s off-lease and available at reasonable prices. Im basically happy with mine, its been reliable, a good and economical performer although mine is plagued with the same as others gripe about; harsh ride at slower speeds and a persistent rattle. The turbo provides abundant acceleration (sport mode is a blast) and the car is a dream to drive in tight x-way traffic. It has the best brakes Ive ever experienced, very comfortable seats, excellent sound system, and it looks classy (IMO). My Saab dealer has also been responsive thus far. No real worries.

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  Best car ive owned - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By hanley - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Overall, this car is a great driving experience. It offers the speed of a high performance car, and the safety associated with Swedish designed cars. Truly love driving this car !

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  Was thrilled at first. - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By John - February 24 - 7:50 pm

  I bought this car 10/04 with 39,000 miles on it. I got if for a good price and was thrilled. In five months of ownership, Ive spent $3,500 in repairs. BEWARE, all Saabs esp. for models years 99-01 have an inherent problem with their electronic distributors. They fail regularly and cost $450+ per distributor to replace (theres 2 on the V6). Its a great car and fun to drive, but OOH THE COST TO FIX! You shouldnt have to carry a spare distributor in the trunk as many Saab owners have taken to doing.

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  A Unique, soulful car - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By beau - February 19 - 3:46 am

  The last of the current Saab models thatactually has that Saab look. A unique car that you dont see dozens of while driving. Sturdy build, fun to drive,with lots o space.