1999-2008 Saab 9-5: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1999-2008 Saab 9-5 and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration
- Handling/roadholding
- Build quality
- Passenger and cargo room
Cons
- Road noise
- Climate controls
Vehicle Highlights
Saab launched its "senior" series for 1999 to replace the old 9000 models. A front-drive luxury automobile, the 9-5 ("Nine-Five") came in sedan form at first, later joined by a station wagon. Base and uplevel versions went on sale in spring 1998. A 170-horsepower, 2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder served as the base engine, and a 200-hp turbo V6 was optional. Either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission worked with the 4-cylinder engine, but the V6 was automatic only. All models had antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, traction control, and front head/chest airbags. Active front head restraints were designed to spring forward to counteract whiplash in a rear-end collision. Saab's larger model competed against the Acura RL, Audi A6, BMW 5-Series, Lexus GS 300/400, Lincoln LS, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Saab 9-5 Aero Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 7 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 7 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 5 | |
| Value within Class | 2 | |
| Total Score: | 55 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1999-2008 Saab 9-5. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1999-2008 Saab 9-5.
Year to Year Changes
2000 Saab 9-5:
A sporty new Aero sedan joined the lineup for 2000. In addition to an upgraded chassis, the Aero featured lower-body skirting. The Aero used a turbocharged 230-horsepower 4-cylinder engine (from the high-performance 9-3 Viggen), while the SE got a 200-hp, 3.0-liter V6 as standard equipment. That V6 had been an option in 1999, but was no longer available for base models. A power sunroof and traction control now were standard on all versions. Newly optional 17-inch wheels could be installed on base and SE models, to match those on the Aero. Because General Motors owned the Saab company, GM's OnStar emergency/communications system was newly optional.
2001 Saab 9-5:
Base models got more power for 2001, as the 2.3-liter engine gained 15 horsepower (now rated at 185). GM's OnStar system moved to the standard-equipment list and added voice-activated phone, Internet-access, and e-mail functions.
2002 Saab 9-5:
Styling was revised this year, an antiskid system became available, and a 5-speed automatic transmission replaced the 4-speed unit. Base models now were called Linear, midrange versions were renamed Arc, and the Aero again ranked as the top model--with a 20-horsepower increase. An automatic transmission was standard on the Arc and optional on other models. The antiskid system was standard on the Aero and optional on others. It helped prevent skids in turns by regulating braking and engine power. Xenon headlights also became optional. Front airbag deployment now was affected by occupant size and position.
2003 Saab 9-5:
Buttons on the steering-wheel spokes allowed the automatic transmission to be shifted manually.
2004 Saab 9-5:
The 9-5 lost the optional 200-hp turbocharged V6 in 2004.
2005 Saab 9-5:
Saab's 9-5 gained an available navigation system for 2005.
2006 Saab 9-5:
Saab gave its flagship 9-5 line freshened styling and a revised instrument panel for 2006. Linear, Arc, and Aero trim levels were replaced for '06 by models tagged 2.3T and 2.3T Sport, which are available in both sedan and SportCombi wagon body styles.
2007 Saab 9-5:
Newly available for '07 was the Anniversary Special Edition with specific 17-inch wheels and unique interior trim.
2008 Saab 9-5:
The 2008 Saab 9-5 carried over with no major changes. OnStar assistance and rain-sensing windshield wipers were newly standard on the 2008 Saab 9-5.
Our road test for the 1999-2008 Saab 9-5 includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1999-2008 Saab 9-5 and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1999-2008 Saab 9-5 is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Base and SE models (later known as Linear and Arc) are pleasant, stable, relaxed, high-speed cruisers that can entertain on twisty roads. Both 4-cylinder and V6 models provide brisk takeoffs and strong passing sprints. A 4-cylinder sedan with automatic accelerated from 0-60 mph in 8.3 seconds, while an SE V6 sedan did likewise in 7.6. Aeros are rather tepid off the line, but they deliver outstanding power by about 40 mph. Each engine suffers some turbo lag, especially with automatic. Despite plenty of hard driving, a 4-cylinder averaged 22 mpg while the V6 returned 19.7 mpg, both running on regular fuel. Handling is secure and predictable, but body lean is a little too noticeable. Low-profile Aero tires have poor wet-weather traction and, on take-off, expose the traction-control system's propensity to cut back engine power. Braking is swift, powerful, and consistent. The ride is outstanding. These cars iron out broken pavement and thumpy freeways, isolating all but the worst flaws. Wind and engine noise are low, but tire sounds can intrude except on glassy asphalt. Interiors are nicely appointed, and these Saabs are spacious for their exterior size. Six-footers may ride comfortably in tandem. Head room is decent, even with a sunroof, though the back seat isn't quite wide enough for three large grownups. Front seats are supportive and hug just right. Drivers enjoy ample seat adjustment, too. The ignition switch is on the floor, and the manual shifter must be in Reverse before the key can be removed. Automatic climate controls are too low and demand a lot of adjusting, but the dashboard layout is good. Sedans have a big flat-floor trunk. Wagon cargo bays are cavernous and well-finished.
Value for the Money
Overall, the 9-5 is an impressive European car with a distinct personality that appeals to individualists and to anyone interested in efficient design. They're mighty satisfying and fairly priced, but road manners and refinement don't match top European rivals.
Overall, the 9-5 is an impressive European car with a distinct personality that appeals to individualists and to anyone interested in efficient design. They're mighty satisfying and fairly priced, but road manners and refinement don't match top European rivals.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Saab 9-5 Aero Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 7 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 7 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 5 | |
| Value within Class | 2 | |
| Total Score: | 55 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Saab 9-5 includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Saab 9-5 .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Cold-starting problems:
Starting problems (both hot and cold) are corrected by having the ECM reprogrammed. (1999)
Dashboard lights:
Water can leak into the antilock brake module causing warning light to come on. (1999-2000)
Electrical problem:
Intermittent no-crank caused by primary electrical connection nut working loose. (2000-04)
Electrical problem:
About 600 cars were being recalled to have the wiring harness rerouted because it was too close to the ABS bracket. (1999)
None:
Lack of power and no turbocharger boost because clip breaks on waste gate actuator arm. (1999-2002)
Poor transmission shift:
The shifter may not move from the park position. Dealers were replacing shift-lock solenoids in a customer-service recall campaign. (1999-2000)
Security alarm:
A defective antitheft siren causes a "check theft alarm" message. The company notified owners to have it replaced at no charge. (1999)
Water leak:
Water leaks in some cars is caused by a hole created during the welding at the factory and must be plugged with a sealer. (1999-2000)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $415 |
| Alternator | $315 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,030 |
| Brakes | $260 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $470 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $670 |
| Exhaust System | $270 |
| Radiator | $255 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $440 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $280 |
Our price chart for this generation Saab 9-5 details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2008 | |||
| 9-5 2.3T | $26,800-28,800 | $24,900-26,800 | $18,000-19,300 |
| 9-5 2.3T Aero | $28,500-30,500 | $26,500-28,400 | $19,400-20,700 |
| 2007 | |||
| 9-5 2.3T | $21,500-23,500 | $19,800-21,600 | $14,000-15,300 |
| 9-5 2.3T Aero | $23,000-25,000 | $21,200-23,000 | $15,000-16,300 |
| 2006 | |||
| 9-5 2.3T | $16,500-18,000 | $15,000-16,400 | $10,600-11,500 |
| 9-5 2.3T Sport | $18,000-19,500 | $16,600-17,900 | $11,500-12,500 |
| 2005 | |||
| 9-5 Arc, Aero | $13,000-17,000 | $11,800-15,500 | $7,500-9,900 |
| 9-5 Linear | $12,000-13,300 | $10,800-12,000 | $6,700-7,400 |
| 2004 | |||
| 9-5 Arc, Aero | $9,900-12,900 | $8,900-11,600 | $5,100-6,700 |
| 9-5 Linear | $9,000-10,200 | $8,100-9,200 | $4,700-5,300 |
| 2003 | |||
| 9-5 Arc, Aero | $8,400-10,500 | $7,600-9,500 | $4,400-5,500 |
| 9-5 Linear | $7,500-8,500 | $6,800-7,700 | $3,800-4,300 |
| 2002 | |||
| 9-5 Arc, Aero | $7,100-9,200 | $6,300-8,200 | $3,400-4,400 |
| 9-5 Linear | $6,300-7,400 | $5,500-6,500 | $2,800-3,300 |
| 2001 | |||
| 9-5 SE, Aero | $6,000-7,200 | $5,200-6,300 | $2,500-3,000 |
| 9-5 sedan/wagon | $5,400-6,200 | $4,600-5,300 | $2,200-2,500 |
| 2000 | |||
| 9-5 SE, Aero | $5,400-6,300 | $4,600-5,400 | $2,200-2,600 |
| 9-5 sedan/wagon | $4,700-5,500 | $3,900-4,600 | $1,800-2,100 |
| 1999 | |||
| 9-5 sedan | $4,000-4,800 | $3,300-3,900 | $1,300-1,500 |
| 9-5 wagon | $4,800-5,500 | $4,000-4,600 | $1,800-2,100 |
|
|
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This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Saab 9-5 include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 106.4 | 106.4 |
| Overall Length, in. | 189.2 | 189.3 |
| Overall Width, in. | 70.5 | 70.5 |
| Overall Height, in. | 57.0 | 58.9 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3360 | 3470 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 15.9 | 73.0 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18.5 | 18.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.7 | 38.7 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 37.642.4 | 42.4 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.6 | 38.2 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.6 | 36.6 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Each version of the Saab got its own turbocharged engine. Base models (later called Linear) used a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder that made 170 horsepower--boosted to 185 in 2001. A 3.0-liter V6, rated at 200 hp, went into the SE (later called Arc). The sporty Aero held a 230-horsepower 2.3-liter 4-cylinder, which grew to 250 hp for 2002. Saab drops the turbocharged 200-hp V6 for the 9-5 in 2004.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| Turbocharged dohc I4 | 2.3 / 140 | 170-185 | 207 | 5-speed manual: 21/29 4-speed automatic: 19/27 5-speed automatic: 20/29 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- 5-speed automatic: -- |
| Turbocharged dohc I4 | 2.3 / 140 | 230-250 | 258 | 5-speed manual: 20/28 4-speed automatic: 18/24 5-speed automatic: 20/30 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 19.2 5-speed automatic: -- |
| Turbocharged dohc V6 | 3.0 / 180 | 200 | 229 | 4-speed automatic: 18/26 5-speed automatic: 18/26 |
4-speed automatic: -- 5-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Sweden
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Saab 9-5 include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1999-2008 Saab 9-5 directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1999-01:
Airbag alert labels may not be permanently affixed as required.
1999-03:
If drivers change tires seasonally, rust may build up on the steel tire, causing grinding and the fracturing of the wheel bolts. Dealer will inspect and replace affected parts.
2000-02 w/B205/B235 four-cylinder or B308 six-cylinder engine:
Overheating and burnout of isolated gated bipolar transistor may occur, most often at engine start-up.
2001-05 9-5 sedans:
The fuel pump retaining tabs holding the fuel lines were damaged during production. Over time, this could cause the fuel lines to loosen from the pump resulting in fuel leakage. Dealers will install a bracket that will secure the fuel lines to the fuel pump.
2002:
Steering-knuckle castings may have been contaminated during the casting process. If they break, steering control could be lost.
2002-03 9-5 w/B308 6-cylinder gasoline engines:
Engine stalling may occur due to a faulty ignition discharge module. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.
2002-2008:
An interior surface falls short of a Federal safety standard and poses an increased risk of injury in a crash. Dealers will install A-pillar trim with improved energy-absorbing capability.
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