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 1 through 10 of 141.00

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  2003 Saab 9-5 Aero - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Mr. B - September 7 - 2:06 pm

  It took a long time for me to decide to purchase my Aero. I always loved the styling and didnt ever really hear anything horrible about them. Now that Ive put about 6,000 miles on the car including some spirited road runs, stop and go Milwaukee driving, a 345 mile jaunt to the U.P of Michigan, and the late night trek to the grocery store, Ive found the car to be responsive, sure-footed, very smooth, comfortable, and suprisingly reliable. I take care of my autos and this one really seems to have a lot going for it. My only hang up with the car is the cost of parts and labor, when you need it. I havent run into any issues with my Aero yet, but I anticipate that when and if I do, its not gonna be pretty. Thank God for warranty work.

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  Saab? - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By dickie j. - July 21 - 10:00 am

  I had never thought about a Saab. Im glad I did. The interior is excellent. The ride is outstanding. Get a 5 speed. It makes it much more fun to drive. I drove a Passat, and it is no match. Try to buy one soon. The incentive program was a big reason I have one in the garage. The Harmon Kardon stereo is great. I usually replace the stereo in all the new cars I buy, but not this one. Get the upgrade package. Its worth the dough. Its a sweet ride.

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  You have to own a Saab to understand - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By chdavis - June 23 - 12:00 am

  We absolutely love this car. Saabs dont necessarily impress immediately, but live with the car for a good amount of time and youll see what gems they are. The highway passing power is laugh inducing, the comfort is unsurpassed by even cars costing 9x as much. The seats are to die for. Ours has only had small issues, which can be taken care of for very little at our local independent Saab specialist. This has been one of the most reliable cars we have owned, its just extremely important to perform preventative maintenance and not to "let things go". But that really goes for any car, especially European. The build quality is very high and materials extremely good quality.

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  Went from a Sable to a Saab - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By nelsoncm - May 27 - 2:00 am

  I spent my first 2 months in major buyers remorse, mainly because the ride is so jittery compared to my Sable wagon. I bought one of those cheesy vinyl steering wheel covers to reduce vibration on the wheel. It helps a lot. But Ive gotten fairly used to it. Seats are awesome and I like the rear cargo shelf, which gives you extra room in back. The HK stereo ROCKS! The cupholders, as everyone will agree, suck. Supposed to have decent reliability, but Ive already had it in the shop once, so this remains to be seen. Am I a Saab convert? Dont know, but there is something about these cars on a test drive that grabs you.

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  Think Twice - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By KC - June 6 - 4:40 am

  This is a nice car but I would think twice about buying one used. I have found myself back at the dealer getting minor repairs countless times. And the minor problems always seem to stop the car from running i.e., I need a tow. If youre looking for a reliable used luxury car, this probably isnt the one.

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  Entry-level luxury, real sport & utility - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Aerocraft67 - January 30 - 1:40 am

  I upgraded from a Chevy Cavalier, so I am very happy with this vehicle. Imperfections are legitimate trade-offs. It feels large for the engine size. From a stop, the transmission and turbo feel confused unless you throttle very gently or heavily. Acceleration improves at high speeds (passing), and overall high-speed performance is excellent. This is a great highway car, but less nimble in dense traffic and tight spots. Otherwise handles well and feels safe, especially with stability control. The seats are very comfortable, and the controls are nice. Storage areas are inefficient. Underappreciated feature: towing capacity. Excellent value. Refined, safe, comfortable, practical, and economical

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  Saab 9-5 Aero - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By John C. - January 1 - 9:03 am

  Have had my 9-5 about 7 months. Although there have been a few things that needed attention, I love the car. It has a dual personality: practical family hauler (I have 3 kids and do the school drop-off in the mornings... backpacks, musical instruments, computers, sports equipment, it all goes in the trunk), gets close to 35 mpg on the highway, but at the same time is a highly entertaining performance sedan. Great seats, great stereo, but interior ergonomics are not great. I think its one of the best looking 4 door cars on the road. Try to find one that has some factory warranty left on it.

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  Great car, great price - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Michelle - August 26 - 10:00 am

  Saab 9-5 Aero is a great car with style and performance. It produces 250 hp and holds the road like it is on the rails (ESP) is highly recomended. Whe it comes to performance it really kills BMW 530(225 hp), Audi(A6 3.) and MB C320 or even E320. It it more fun to drive then all the cars mentioned above. Interior is not the best when it compared to the rest in the same catagory. Audi A6 is a clear leader but then Audi lacks the sporty stylying of 9-5. My wife drives BMW 530 and I just traded in my A6(2.7T) with Aero and loving it more then the A6. Aero is young and gives a sporty feel. I hope you give a chance to Saab Aero and go for it.

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  Second-hand Saab - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By famvanman - August 2 - 11:20 pm

  Recently bought this car with 56,000 miles. Although it is the Linear base model, it is a very nice machine overall; 4 cylinder economy with the turbo to add power when needed. Very solid feel on the road and good handling without harsh feedback from the pavement. Generous interior space and full size trunk. Many nice features, very good stereo and overall a unique feel to the car.

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  Everything but a cupholder - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By strech - February 7 - 10:00 am

  Really a fun car to drive and own. Have found the engine and ride to be exactly what I was looking for. Capacity is un-matched - holds lots of stuff with the rear seats down = 4 kegs for a family reunion. Wish it had better and more drink holders though.