2000 Saab 9-5: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Saab's "senior" line offers sedan and wagon body styles in base and uplevel SE trim, joined for 2000 by sporty Aero sedans and wagons. The latter have more power, racy lower-body skirting, and an uprated suspension. Also added at midyear is the Gary Fisher Edition wagon named for the manufacturer of all-terrain bicycles; it includes a roof bike rack and a special Fisher bicycle.
All models have standard antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, front head/chest side airbags, and Saab's front Active Head Restraints that spring forward to counteract whiplash in a rear-end collision.
All models have turbocharged engines. Base and Gary Fisher 9-5s use a 170-horsepower 4-cylinder, SEs a 200-hp V6. Aeros share a 230-hp 4-cylinder with Saab's smaller 9-3 Viggen models. Base, Gary Fisher, and Aero 9-5s offer manual or optional automatic transmission, SEs automatic only.
Optional in place of 16-inch wheels and tires for base and SE models are 17-inchers--same size as those on the Aero. A power sunroof is now standard on all 9-5s, as is traction control. Wagons do not offer third-row seating, but GM's OnStar communication system is a new option. General Motors owns this Swedish car company.

COMPETITION

This diverse segment offers the widest price range. It covers everything from the $33,000 Saab 9-5 to the $128,000 Mercedes-Benz SL500. Obviously our Best Buys are somewhere in between. We think that the Acura RL is a steal at $42,000 fully equipped. Though it is a front-drive V6 in a field of V8 rear-drive models, it has a great ride, plenty of power, and is quite luxurious. In the same vein, the more-expensive Lexus LS 400 continues to impress, excelling in every way except for handling.
If you are looking for something a bit more sporting we recommend the BMW 5-Series, Jaguar S-Type, or Lexus GS 300/400. If your taste ranges more toward the luxury end, then take a look at the new Cadillac DeVille or Mercedes-Benz CLK.