1999 Saab 9-5 Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.24/5 Average
82 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

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.

Pros:
  • Satisfying performance, impressive luxury, reasonable price, wagon availability.
Cons:

User Reviews:

Showing 71 through 80 of 82.00
  • SAAB Story - 1999 Saab 9-5
    By -

    This car when running is great. But it breaks at the drop of a hat and it is a thousand here and a thousand there. Luckily I can wrench on it myself and save some money. Expect to replace and engine and expect GM to flip you off unless you live in Europe. They honor the warranty there.

  • Horrible Vehicle - 1999 Saab 9-5
    By -

    This vehicle by far is one of the worst made of all time. Bought for 6700 and have put just about the same into it. Engine had sludge buildup even with regular oil changes and all scheduled maintenance. Problem after problem after problem. Truly lives up to its Saab acronym of Something Almost Always Broken... buyers beware of any Saab.

  • Strong Car built to last - 1999 Saab 9-5
    By -

    Very reliable, good dealership support, nothing has failed in 80,000 miles (usual wear items excepted). Very strong engine and excellent acceleration. Good winter car

  • Sobbing over my SAAB - 1999 Saab 9-5
    By -

    Thought I did enough research before purchasing, I was wrong. The car is wonderful when everything is working properly. Which was about 2 weeks! Have done more repairs than I can list here. Parts are often hard to come by and expensive! Unfortunately, Saab quit employing Aircraft engineers decades ago. Im an aircraft mechanic and I have no doubt their early models held up best because of their aviation background. Im convinced their partnership with GM was their ultimate downfall. If you already bought a 9-5, Four words: CHANGE THE OIL OFTEN! Change the ATF or manual GB oil often as well! Do maintenance yourself if possible. Mechanics hear "SAAB" and they see $$$$

  • First Car & $4,500 Loss - 1999 Saab 9-5
    By -

    I bought my 1999 9-5 as my first car from a sleazy car dealer with 132k miles. It looked great and was unique. I loved it at first. First week I had to replace the emission tubes. About 2 weeks later as I was getting dressed for work it died in the driveway. I rolled into the street, blocking traffic and looked like an idiot pushing my car back into my driveway. I ran a stop sign because it stalled and luckily avoided a collision. It cost me tons to fix fuel pump, spark plugs, and carburetor. Weeks after that the timing belt broke on my way to work. On the busiest street possible of course. About $3000 to fix. Sold it for $800. Had it for 4 months, made 3 payments. Lost 4k. Own a 9-3 now.

  • saab 9/5 - 1999 Saab 9-5
    By -

    very solid car over the past 4 years. The car does need more power though. Other than that it is a fine automobile.

  • all around fun - 1999 Saab 9-5
    By -

    really enjoy this car! definitely a unique experience...had lexus and audi in the past. Extremely comfortable! Great seats (ventilation system is awesome) I cant wait to see what saabs next 9-5 will be like!

  • Runs like a champ - 1999 Saab 9-5
    By -

    Bought my 4- cyl turbo se special edition with BBS wheels brand new. Fun to drive, a great value for the money if you buy used. My 9-5 has 125,000 miles on it and I plan on going to 200k. Change oil with synthetic or semi- synthetic and only have had minor problems with electrical system. The panel goes bonkers sometimes but overall would buy again. Need to buy the Aero next time or Saab should make other models sportier with lowered suspension. Out handles many a surprised BMW, Audi and M-B drivers. Shock value is high.

  • Over Engineered and Poorly Built - 1999 Saab 9-5
    By -

    This has been a very unreliable car. Lots of things have gone wrong and have been replaced. Have become good friends with mechanics since I see them very regularly i.e. at scheduled maintenances and many times in between. Bad electrical system - head lights burn out regularly; climate control system that dictates to you. Very expensive to repair. Noisy when travelling. Still have original brakes but not much else original. High roof line so I can see out the front and my head does not hit the roof. There is no sunroof!!! Great cruise control and good mileage: 29.1 mpg for 95000 miles. In summary most expensive and worst new car that I have ever owned.

  • STAY AWAY - 1999 Saab 9-5
    By -

    Listen to the warnings before purchasing this car! This car is not worth the headaches you will more then likely endure. I purchased this car with 85K miles in March of 2011. I was carpooling with a group of peers so I drove the car for ONE full week during that first month. On day 34, my engine seized. I replaced that engine. Since then, I have also replaced numerous belts, sensors, pumps. Every 3-4 weeks this car was in the shop and needed a new overpriced part that was impossible to find. Engine failure is a common problem with this year as I have learned the hard way. The engine I purchased to replace the original one seized on us recently as well. Please save your $$ and think twice!!

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