Overview & Reviews

After last year's extensive round of improvements, the 9-5 received only minor upgrades for 2003. All five-speed automatic-equipped models now have the Sentronic manual-shift feature with steering wheel-mounted controls. Ventilated sport seats are now optional on the Aero, while electronic stability control is now standard on all models.

• Best-in-class crash scores, long list of standard features, plush highway ride, supportive seats, large trunk.

• Turbo lag at low speeds, suspension too soft for aggressive driving, interior materials could use improvement.

User Reviews:

Showing 71 through 80 of 141.00

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  Saab AERO price point is tops - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By jimmy22 - February 24 - 10:00 am

  Ive driven this car for the summer ow and am still in "like". I couldnt affortd the BMW 5 wagon and the 3 series was too small and cost the same. I truly have to agree that this car much like the Audi A6 is more a high way car rather than a stop light to stop light stormer, but thats where I drive most. If I was living in a major urban center Id take a taxi .

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  Saab makes great cars - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By baco99 - February 19 - 11:23 am

  Our 2003 Saab 9-5 Arc wagon is a superb car to own and drive. Yes, there are a few Saab quirks to get over, but the pleasure of driving it far outweighs any minor nuisances. Ours is equipped with the Sentronic automatic transmission and performs very well. In "Sport" mode the transmission responds very quickly, especially out of 1st gear and is like IRLs "push to pass" button. The interior is quiet and comfortable. The wagon has great cargo room and our 2 dogs love it back there. With a baby on the way, its a very sensible and responsible purchase, with much better gas mileage than our neighbors SUVs. This is our 4th Saab, and well be back to the well again in a few years.

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  Rattle here, buzz there, but... - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By jgoebel - January 13 - 10:00 am

  This is an excellent car; bigger than the allroad and less expensive, and less better performing than the Volvo XC. My only problems have been rattles and buzzes from the stickshift and door. Both where taken car of by the dealer. On a whole, its great.

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  Give it its due - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By scalpel1000 - January 13 - 10:00 am

  The Saab 9-5 Linear wagon is the best car that I have owned. Its performance in and around the city along with its entrance ramp power make it fun to drive. The 185hp is not excessive and provides a good medium between ultimate performance and gas consumption. Buying this car has made me a Saab fan and I would purchase one again.

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  Saab 95 Aero Wagon - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Ownerh - January 13 - 10:00 am

  We have been so impressed with our ownership of this first Saab that we bought a used Saab for our sons first car. The dealerships customer care and service has truely been outstanding. I have owned several vehicles through the years and the most I have ordered I can only state so far this has been the best.

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  One Sweet Swede - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By NineFiveAero - December 24 - 4:43 pm

  You would have to be pretty hard pressed to find a better sport sedan for what these cars bring used. Saab has tuned the Aero with usable power. Tons of torque and very responsive. Goes to show you that you dont need a big, heavy, gas guzzling V8 to have power. These cars are true "sleepers". A timeless design and high quality interior materials, especially the beautifully sculpted sport seats wrapped in high quality leather. The performance, equipment, and styling are impossible to beat at this price point, plus, Saabs are still relatively exclusive. It will definitely stand out in the packs of 5-series BMWs. These cars deserve much more credit than they get.

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  What a car - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Michel Jefferson - November 12 - 10:00 am

  What a car, 250 hp, really great torque, a real mile eater but also great fun to race around town with. If your looking for greate wagon for the hole family: Check out the 9-5!

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  Gotta Love the 9-5 - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Domer90 - October 14 - 2:50 pm

  This is my 3rd Saab and I love each new one better than the last. The interior is very large and the styling is simple yet functional. You can sit in the car and in under a minute know where everything is, and how to use it. The turbo is great especially with a 4- cyl. It handles great in and out of traffic and takes an on/off-ramp at 70 (not that anyone would do that) like it is stuck to the road. Winter mode makes snow travel easy and safe. the trunk is gigantic, especially with split fold down rear seat. As you can see I love this car.

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  My family wants to like it, but.... - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By imissmysubie - September 29 - 10:00 am

  2.3 Linear Automatic, NYC We leased the car in late May. In mid- July it started gushing transmission fluid. Roadside assistance took 2 days to pick up the car. Sat on dealer lot for 5 days before someone looked at it. By that time, transmission fluid leaked into ignition system. Took another 2 days to fix. We were supposed to get a Saab as a loaner car; we got a Ford Focus instead. My parents (we share the payments) drove it to Atlanta. They averaged 66 mph and 32 mpg. Thumping noise started coming from Air conditioning. This morning, it began to leak transmission fluid again.

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  Very good - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Frank - September 11 - 2:50 pm

  Everything is excellent, only the fuel economy is not so good, but you cant have it all.