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 1 through 10 of 82.00

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  First Saab - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By pcdrj - February 27 - 2:00 am

  This was my first Saab. The car has been very reliable so far at 61000 miles. Performance is Ok. It could definitely use more power. Economy is so-so at about 21 mpg. Handling is too soft. Turning radius is poor. Interior room was pretty. Trunk space and rear seating is good. Front seats are as comfortable as Ive. Console infringed on leg room a bit too much. Interior ergonomics leave a lot to be desired. Needs more/better cup holders. Computer is useless. Climate control worked well but need easier controls. Paint quality was poor and difficult to keep clean. Wheels were impossible to keep clean unless you wash them at least once a week.

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  Can a Family Sedan be Fun to Drive Too? - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By DCAR5 - February 20 - 10:00 am

  The 9-5 is a good sedan, maybe even a very good sedan. Depending on what you are looking for in a sedan. If your looking for fun, it is just is not there. The turbo might as well not be there for all of the power is puts out. I had a Saab SPG and that car moved. Even my 10 year old Volvo 960 has more power. However, as a family sedan you just can beat it. Fits a family of five and everything they need for a trip to the beach (and my family need to bring alot along). It looks nice, gets you complements (from the family crowd), but it just doesnt have the power to make it a fun car on the road.

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  Bring back the hatchback!!!! - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By turkeyrun - February 1 - 8:53 pm

  This is my fourth Saab. Will buy another. Minor problems are constantly buying lightbulbs. Major problem in this car was a starter. But love the "old look." That was a classic style.

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  Great car until 100k miles! - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By Donna B - October 14 - 9:33 pm

  I loved my Saab until the warranty ran out. Great space, comfortable and the size of the trunk is unmatched! After the 100k warranty was up, major mechanical problems... ABS brakes, gas tank corrosion, leaking gaskets, serpentine belt... trade before its too late!

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  Saab Story - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By TurboJim - July 27 - 10:00 am

  I liked the car when I bought it but my 45k miles of ownership has been painfull. First just some 1st model year build quality problems fit, AC drain leaking on my foot, musty smell from the AC. I almost got past this, then it died on the highway, dealer replaced the electronic module. Next it started leaking oil dealer replaced almost every gasket in the engine, then the rear suspension went. All was covered under warranty, but who wants this much pain from a new car ... not me

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  Pauls Review - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By pdozier - June 8 - 10:00 am

  Own a 99 black 9-5 Wagon. Great car. Rides like a sedan. Handles better than my BMW 5 series. Needs more storage, which could be accomplished by moving the ignition to the dash (Goes against Saab purists). Great handling, mediocre gas mileage..did not see 20+ until the car had 30,000 miles? Intermittent problem with the on-board computerized A/C (Goes blank, quits working, but eventually works) Dealer is poor (no licensed Saab mechanic) which lowers my rating. Love the turbo power when merging, passing. Would consider buying a new one, but Saab needs to drop pricing. Its not a BMW. Glad to see Saab addressing this on 03 9-3.

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  Different, but in a good way... - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By MRF - May 9 - 2:06 am

  I bought this car with 52K mile in 02/2002. The car came with leather and winter pkg. 5-spd is the way to get the most out of the engine. I have over 130K miles now and still on the original clutch. Turbo started to go at around 90K, but its still boosting just fine (makes noise). Ive had several problems with A/C heater core (they have a $200 fix now), ignition, direct ignition. Ive found a good mechanic which is the only reason Ive kept the car. Car handles well, looks great, and offers a unique alternative to Lexus, Infiniti, Volvo. Overall a very satisfying experience, but only since Ive found an alternative to the dealership. This is an extremely comfortable, practical car.

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  SAAB 9-5 - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By Kevin - November 15 - 8:40 am

  Had to put in rebuilt trans at 92K, had to rebuild engine at 129K. Performed maintenance as scheduled. Very expensive car to own.

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  Better Know a Good Mechanic - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By BrianM - October 14 - 7:20 pm

  Engine has been torn apart 3 times for misc oil leaks, turbo has been replaced, muffler replaced. Misc sensor and electrical systems failures. We are on a first name basis with our mechanic. We spend at least $1000-$1500 per year on maintenance. Much more than any other vehicle weve owned. Every part is amazingly proprietary and expensive. $300 plastic turn signal lights... $900 mufflers... etc. It was just crazy. The best thing that ever happened to us was that car getting nearly totally in an accident (and of course that no one was hurt) so that we can take the insurance money and run.

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  Fantastic in-betweener - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By Kiwidude - July 28 - 10:06 pm

  Weve had our 95 for 5 years now and love it to bits, the whole family loves it. It is a great alternative to a Toyota Camry (or similar) as it is much nicer, has more style and feels much better than the standard Japanese plastic box. It isnt at the same level as a BMW 5 or Audi A6 but neither is the price so what you get is a lovely solid car that does everything reasonably well at a great price. People moan about how it doesnt have the performance of a BMW 5 etc but it doesnt have the price either so! If you want a solid well performing comfortable car look no further. Mine has been reliable but like all cars you can find owners who disagree.