2000 Saab 9-5 Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2000 Saab 9-5 includes a full evaluation of the 2000 Saab 9-5 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2000 Saab 9-5, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2000 Saab 9-5 help you decide if a 2000 Saab 9-5 is right for you.

2000 Saab 9-5 Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Road noise

Handling/roadholding	Climate controls

Passenger and cargo room

Build quality

Exterior finish

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

Base sdn, man.	SE wgn	Aero sdn	Class Average
5	6	7	6.2

Good in any model. Our test 4-cylinder/automatic sedan did 0-60 mph in 8.3 seconds, an SE V6 sedan took just 7.6. We have not yet timed the new Aero, but it feels even quicker.

Fuel Economy

Base sdn, man.	SE wgn	Aero sdn	Class Average
6	5	5	4.6

Despite plenty of hard driving in our tests, the base model averaged 22 mpg, the V6 returned 19.7, and the Aero got 21.13 mpg.

Ride Quality

Base sdn, man.	SE wgn	Aero sdn	Class Average
7	7	4	6.5

The Aero's sport suspension rides hard; other 9-5s are comfortable over all but the worst bumps.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Base sdn, man.	SE wgn	Aero sdn	Class Average
6	6	7	6.3

Body lean is a bit excessive, except on the Aero, but all feel secure and predictable.

Quietness

Base sdn, man.	SE wgn	Aero sdn	Class Average
6	6	5	6.8

Wind and engine noise are low, but there's noticeable tire roar on most surfaces.

Controls

Base sdn, man.	SE wgn	Aero sdn	Class Average
6	6	6	6.2

The convenient layout is flawed by automatic climate controls that require lots of adjusting.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base sdn, man.	SE wgn	Aero sdn	Class Average
7	7	7	6.9

Plenty of head, leg, and shoulder room. Seats are substantial and supportive.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Base sdn, man.	SE wgn	Aero sdn	Class Average
7	7	7	5.1

Fine head and leg room. Seat is nicely contoured and supportive, but too narrow for three large adults.

Cargo Room

Base sdn, man.	SE wgn	Aero sdn	Class Average
5	7	5	3.9

Large trunk has a pass-through and a flat floor. The wagon's cargo bay is cavernous, and a handy roll-out load floor is optional. Both models have split-fold rear seatbacks.

Value within Class

Base sdn, man.	SE wgn	Aero sdn	Class Average
3	3	2	4.1

Base 9-5s aren't cheap for 4-cylinder cars, but all these Saabs are mighty satisfying and fairly priced, all things considered. They're also the most mainstream Saabs ever, yet still quite individual. If you like being different, you'll probably like the 9-5.

Total Score