2001 Saab 9-5: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Saab's luxury line features sedans and wagons in base, SE, and sporty Aero trim, the last with lower-body skirting and sport suspension. All have antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, traction control, front head/torso side airbags, and front head restraints designed to counteract whiplash. Base models have 185 hp, Aeros 230, both from turbo 4-cyl engines. SE V6 has 200 hp. Automatic transmission is standard for SE, optional elsewhere. General Motors owns Saab. Its OnStar assistance system is standard, includes voice-activated Internet, phone, and e-mail. Saab covers scheduled maintenance for 3 years/36,000 mi., excluding wear items like tires. Wagons do not offer 3rd-row seating.

COMPETITION

This diverse segment offers the widest price range. It covers everything from the $34,000 Saab 9-5 to the $130,000 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. Mercedes-Benz E-Class, though a bit long in the tooth, also continues to impress with its impeccable road manners and luxurious comfort.

If you are looking for something a bit more sporting we recommend the BMW 5-Series. If your taste ranges more toward the luxury end, then take a look at the Cadillac DeVille or Lexus GS 300.