2002 Saab 9-5 Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Revised styling, an available antiskid system, and a 5-speed automatic transmission keynote 2002 additions to Saab's flagship. All 9-5s come as sedans and wagons. For '02, base models are called Linear, SE versions are renamed Arc, and top-line Aero editions return. All have front-wheel drive, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, and traction control. Front torso side airbags that also provide head protection are standard; side curtain and rear side airbags are unavailable. Airbag deployment is now designed to account for occupant size and position. Linear and Aero models have turbo 4-cyl engines; the Linear has 185 hp, the Aero 250 (vs. 230 last year). Arc has a 200-hp V6. Standard on Arc and optional other models in place of manual transmission is a 5-speed automatic transmission, which replaces a 4-speed. Antiskid control is optional on Linear and standard on other 9-5s. For '02, Xenon headlights are newly optional and the base model gets standard leather upholstery with heated front seats. The Aero adds heated rear seats. General Motors owns Saab and its OnStar assistance system is standard in 9-5s. Wagons do not offer 3rd-row seating.

Competition

This diverse segment offers the widest price range and obviously our Best Buys are somewhere in between. We think that the Acura RL is a steal at $44,000 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. The refined Lexus LS 430 can't be beat for comfort and features at just under $55,000. 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 roomy Cadillac DeVille or Lexus GS 300.

News

Sales of Saab's senior line were essentially flat in 2001, down a mere 339 units year-to-year through the third quarter. That's quite a change from the 20-percent surge of calendar 2000, but still a commendable performance for a fairly pricey car in an uncertain economic climate.

A full redesign is due for model-year 2005, when 9-5 joins sister 9-3 on parent General Motors' Epsilon midsize platform. Despite the shared architecture, the 9-5 will remain longer, wider and heavier than 9-3, as well as more upscale in features and, of course, price. Sedan and wagon body styles should continue with a choice of several engines.

Besides redesigned 2003-model 9-3s, Saab will use the Epsilon platform for a midsize crossover wagon and perhaps a sports car. In addition, GM is reportedly considering a larger sedan to take over from the 9-5 as Saab's flagship. Sources say this could bow sometime in 2005, perhaps as an '06 model, but it's not a done deal yet. If the big Saab does go ahead, we think it will be a sort of Swedish Cadillac Seville, built on a version of GM's Sigma corporate platform, introduced with Cadillac's 2003 CTS, but with standard all-wheel drive and a Saab-sourced turbo V6 instead of a V8.

2002 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

Linear sdn, man.	Arc wgn	Aero sdn, auto.	Class Average
6	6	7	6.2

The addition of the smooth-shifting 5-speed automatic improves acceleration and passing response--especially on V6 models. Linear and Aero suffer some turbo lag--a delay in throttle response--but move out with authority if you let the revs build.

Fuel Economy

Linear sdn, man.	Arc wgn	Aero sdn, auto.	Class Average
6	5	5	4.6

In tests of 2001 models, 185-hp 4 cyl averaged 22 mpg, V6 19.7, Aero 21.1. Expect highway fuel economy to improve slightly with the addition of the 5-speed automatic. Saab recommends 90 octane fuel for the Linear, 93 for the Aero and Arc.

Ride Quality

Linear sdn, man.	Arc wgn	Aero sdn, auto.	Class Average
8	8	6	7.2

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

Steering/Handling/Braking

Linear sdn, man.	Arc wgn	Aero sdn, auto.	Class Average
7	7	8	6.7

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. Improved structural rigidity for 2002 helps reduce torque steer and gives the steering a more natural feel.

Quietness

Linear sdn, man.	Arc wgn	Aero sdn, auto.	Class Average
6	6	5	6.8

Moderate wind and low 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

Linear sdn, man.	Arc wgn	Aero sdn, auto.	Class Average
6	6	6	6.3

Dashboard-layout convenience is flawed by automatic climate controls that are mounted too low and by too many buttons and knobs. 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)

Linear sdn, man.	Arc wgn	Aero sdn, auto.	Class Average
7	7	7	7

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

Room/Comfort (rear)

Linear sdn, man.	Arc wgn	Aero sdn, auto.	Class Average
7	7	7	5.4

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

Cargo Room

Linear sdn, man.	Arc wgn	Aero sdn, auto.	Class Average
5	7	5	4.2

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

Linear sdn, man.	Arc wgn	Aero sdn, auto.	Class Average
3	5	2	5.1

The 9-5 is among the oldest designs in the luxury class, and this year's revisions can't hide the fact. Road manners and overall refinement don't match those of top European rivals, and Linears and Aeros are pricey 4-cyl cars. The V6 Arc with the new 5-speed automatic emerges as the best all-around model in a line that continues to appeal mostly to individualists.

Total Score

Linear sdn, man.	Arc wgn	Aero sdn, auto.	Class Average
61	64	58	59.5

Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars

Low Score		49
Average Score		59
High Score		72

2002 Saab 9-5 Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 12/07/2001

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

Linear 4-door sedan	$33,995	$31,969	$625

Linear 4-door wagon	$34,695	$32,627	$625

Arc 4-door sedan	$38,650	$36,152	$625

Arc 4-door wagon	$39,350	$36,806	$625

Aero 4-door sedan	$38,650	$36,152	$625

Aero 4-door wagon	$39,350	$36,806	$625

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Linear

Powertrain

2.3-liter dohc turbocharged 4-cylinder 185-horsepower engine, 5-speed manual transmission, traction control.

Safety

Dual front airbags, front side airbags, front-seat active head restraints, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, daytime running lights, emergency inside trunk release.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate control, interior air filter, OnStar System w/one-year service (roadside assistance, emergency services; other services available), power steering, tilt/telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated power front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat w/trunk pass-through, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, trip computer, power sunroof, glovebox refrigerator, illuminated visor mirrors, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, remote decklid/fuel-door release, automatic-off headlights, parcel shelf/cargo cover (wagon), floormats, theft-deterrent system.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Roof rails (wagon), front and rear fog lights, headlight washers, cornering lights, 215/55VR16 tires, alloy wheels.

Arc adds to Linear:

Powertrain

3.0-liter dohc turbocharged V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission.

Safety

Antiskid system.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Ventilated front seats, memory driver seat and mirrors, tilt-down passenger-side mirror, Harman/Kardon sound system, automatic day/night rearview mirror.

Aero adds to Arc:

Powertrain

2.3-liter dohc turbocharged 4-cylinder 250-horsepower engine, 5-speed manual transmission.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Heated rear seats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Deletes: ventilated front seats, wood interior trim.

Sport suspension, 225/45WR17 tires.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Premium Pkg.
Linear	$1,695	$1,475
Antiskid system, driver-seat memory, heated rear seats, automatic day/night rearview mirror, upgraded sound system.

Touring Pkg.
Arc, Aero	$895	$779
Rain-sensing wipers, Xenon headlights, rear obstacle detection system.

Powertrain
5-speed automatic transmission
Linear, Aero	$1,200	$1,044


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Special paint
Aero, Arc, Linear	$475	$413

2002 Saab 9-5 Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Saab 9-5 4-door sedan	Saab 9-5 4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	106.4	106.4

Overall Length, in.	190.0	190.1

Overall Width, in.	70.5	70.5

Overall Height, in.	57.0	57.0

Curb Weight, lbs.	3470	3620

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	15.9	73.0

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	18.5	18.5

Seating Capacity	5	5

Front Head Room, in.	38.7	38.7

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.4	42.4

Rear Head Room, in.	37.6	38.2

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	36.6	36.6

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	Turbocharged dohc I4	Turbocharged dohc V6	Turbocharged dohc I4

Size, liters/cu. in.	2.3 /140	3.0 /180	2.3 /140

Horsepower @ rpm.	185 @ 5500	200 @ 5000	250 @ 5300

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	207 @ 1800	229 @ 2500	258 @ 1900

Availability	Standard	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed manual	22/31	--/--	21/31

5-speed automatic	20/29	18/26	20/30

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Saab 9-5 4-door sedan	Saab 9-5 4-door wagon

Front Impact, Driver	5	NA

Front Impact, Passenger	5	NA

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	None/--	--

Bumper-to-bumper	4/50,000	--

Corrosion	6/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	4/50,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	3/36,000	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: Sweden

Drivewheels: front-wheel drive

< 2002 Saab 9-5 Photos

Also in the 2002 Saab 9-5 Review:

Saab 9-5

Saab 9-5 Road Test

Saab 9-5 Prices & Equipment

Saab 9-5 Specs & Safety

Saab 9-5 Photos

Saab 9-5 Full Review

All Saab 9-5s

All Saabs