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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  PERFECT - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By Anne - February 6 - 10:00 am

  I use it for light trips and use the OnStar, its great- travel info, where is ther nearest hotel with an indoor pool? , Onstar in the SAAb can tell you- Have a flat, SAAB roadside assistance or Onstar roadside can help. Car handels great!!! awesome in dry and wet. fun to drive witht he turbo, and its so reliable, # 1 in JD Power and Assc. in Initial quality. Safest car in the world- 9-5 no lie.

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  My first Saab - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By zheng1798 - January 26 - 10:46 pm

  I test drove the Saab 95 five years ago, and finally bought one last week. Compare to the other cars in the same price range (BMW 325, Audi A4, Lexus E330), the Saab is neither the most sporty, nor the most refined, but it offers a unique stylying and lots of utility. The rear seat is spacious, and the trunk is like a cave compare to the BMW. SAAB uses high quality material through out the cabin. I still could not tell whether the door inserts are real leather or not. The seats are very comfortable, as well as the head restraint.

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  Love/Hate Relationship w my Saab - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By SAAB??? - January 25 - 3:00 pm

  I bought this car thinking it had great gas mileage which was perfect for the kind of job i have. Come to find out two weeks later my new Saab broke down on me on my way to a mini vacation. Ive took it back to the selling dealer and they said "there was no problem". Took it from there dealership that same day on my way home it jerked and left me stranded in the middle of the road again! I hate this thing! It probably broke down on my more than 6-7 times before i took it into mechanics who really know foreign cars! Found out it was the fuel pump. I could not believe the dealerships could not find a problem. I guess Im more upset with them than i am my car. i guess i love/hate this car

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  Swedish Marvel - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By Hugh Garnett - January 6 - 12:03 pm

  I drive over 65,000 miles per year, mostly highway, and this is the best road car made--superb handling, braking, acceleration (turbo), amazing gas mileage (31+), comfortable heated seats, auto climate control, the best sound system Ive heard, and air bags in side doors as well as front. Ive got two other Saabs (900S)with over 400.000 miles as well as a 1999 Saab 9-5 with 168,000 miles. These cars are made to last, the 4 cylinder engine is the best ever made and the body and paint are very durable. What more could one want?

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  My Saab - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By joan kent - December 28 - 5:56 am

  The car is very spacious, nicely appointed and fun to drive. The styling of the car both exterior and interior is very tasteful. The car has some ingenious accessories that can be purchased for storage.

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  love my saab - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By pootzes - December 21 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun and comfortable car to drive, even for long distances. I never feel exhausted after a long trip. I always feel sporty driving it, even though it is a wagon. This is my fourth Saab and although I have enjoyed each of them, this is my favorite because of the comfortable luxury.

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  Buy Different - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By ambrose01 - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Basically, this car offers you much more than a BMW 3 series or a base Lexus. It is distinctive, the interior is WAY better equiped, the pick-up is respectable (especially for the stick or the V6) and best of all... you dont see yourself coming and going. These cars depreciate fast when new, and so you can find awesome deals is you buy a nearly new model.

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  Lead dont follow!! - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Gun99 - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Just bought the 9-5 Aero automatic. What a joy to drive, smooth as silk on the freeway.Eats traffic signs up.Drove the beemers and wanted to own the infiniti G35 but was smitten by the quality of the interior and feel of the Saab. I live in beemer land but could not pull the trigger after driving the Saab. 0% financing to boot, you kidding me where do I sign. Best keep secret on the road.

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  saab wagon 9-5 se - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By karen - December 12 - 8:46 am

  great car-practical and fun to drive-terrific cargo space-on star and phone very helpful.

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  9-5 Aero - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By Saabhlic - December 10 - 6:30 am

  This is the vehicle that provides it all--performance, safety and comfort. I have found no better choice in the price range that the 9-5 Aero occupies. The Aero Academy (2-day driving school at Road Atlanta) is the icing on the cake. I love my Aero!