2001 Saab 9-5: Overview

Archived Review

2001 Saab 9-5 

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  • MSRP: $33,995 -$40,875
  • Invoice: $31,955 -$38,218

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Pros

  • Acceleration
  • Handling/roadholding
  • Passenger and cargo room
  • Build quality

Cons

  • Road noise
  • Climate controls

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.

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Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)

Category Base sdn, man. Rating Premium Midsize Car Average Rating
Acceleration 5 6.1
Fuel Economy 6 4.7
Ride Quality 7 6.4
Steering/Handling/Braking 6 6.3
Quietness 6 6.7
Controls 6 6.1
Details
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front) 7 7
Room/Comfort (rear) 7 5.1
Cargo Room 5 4
Value within Class 3 4.7
Total Score: 58 57.1

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