2001 Saab 9-5 Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2001 Saab 9-5 includes a full evaluation of the 2001 Saab 9-5 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2001 Saab 9-5, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2001 Saab 9-5 help you decide if a 2001 Saab 9-5 is right for you.

2001 Saab 9-5 Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Road noise

Handling/roadholding	Climate controls

Passenger and cargo room

Build quality

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

Base sdn, man.	SE wgn	Aero sdn	Class Average
5	6	7	6.1

Good in any model. Test 4-cyl/automatic sedan did 0-60 mph in 8.3 sec, SE V6 sedan took just 7.6. We haven't yet timed an Aero, but it feels even quicker. All suffer some turbo lag--a delay in throttle response.

Fuel Economy

Base sdn, man.	SE wgn	Aero sdn	Class Average
6	5	5	4.7

In our tests, base 4-cyl averaged 22 mpg, V6 19.7, Aero 21.1. Aero is the only model to require premium fuel.

Ride Quality

Base sdn, man.	SE wgn	Aero sdn	Class Average
7	7	4	6.4

Aero's sport suspension rides hard; other 9-5s iron out broken pavement and thumpy freeways alike, isolating all but the worst disturbances.

Steering/Handling/Braking

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

Secure and predictable, despite more body lean in hard cornering than we prefer. Low-profile tires on Aero and optional on others have poor wet-weather traction and expose traction-control system's propensity to cut back engine power, which makes it tricky to cross slippery intersections. Braking is swift, powerful, consistent.

Quietness

Base sdn, man.	SE wgn	Aero sdn	Class Average
6	6	5	6.7

Low wind and engine noise add to long-distance comfort, though tire roar intrudes except on glassy asphalt. Standard hard cargo-area cover helps muffle wagon exhaust and rear tire sounds.

Controls

Base sdn, man.	SE wgn	Aero sdn	Class Average
6	6	6	6.1

Dashboard-layout convenience flawed by automatic climate controls that are mounted too low, need lots of adjusting, and can forget setting between startups. Ignition switch is on floor between front seats, and manual transmission must be in Reverse before ignition key can be removed.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

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

Plenty of room. Seats are substantial, supportive. Manual tilt/telescope steering wheel is standard. Optional ventilated front seats cooled from within by small fans; some test drivers find them effective, others don't.

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	4

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

Value within Class

Base sdn, man.	SE wgn	Aero sdn	Class Average
3	5	2	4.7

Base 9-5s aren't cheap for 4-cyl cars, but all these Saabs are satisfying and fairly priced, yet still quite individualistic. A heavily revamped 9-5 is due for '02.

Total Score