2003 Saab 9-5 Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

The addition of steering-wheel transmission controls highlights a short list of 2003 changes to Saab's flagship line. The 9-5 returns in base Linear, luxury Arc, and sporty Aero models. All come in sedan and wagon body styles and have a turbocharged engine, front-wheel drive, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, and traction control. Linear and Aero models have 4-cyl engines with 185 hp in the Linear, 250 in the Aero. The Arc has a 200-hp V6. Linear and Aero come with manual transmission. Standard on Arc and optional on the others is a 5-speed automatic. The automatic can now be shifted manually via Saab's Sentronic system with buttons on the steering-wheel spokes. Also for '03, Linear joins Arc and Aero with a standard antiskid system. Front torso side airbags that also provide head protection are standard; side curtain and rear side airbags are unavailable. All 9-5s have leather upholstery with heated front seats. Arc and Aero have heated rear seats. The Arc's standard ventilated front seats are new Aero options. General Motors owns Saab, and its OnStar assistance system is standard in 9-5s. Wagons do not offer 3rd-row seating.

Competition

With wide price ranges and numerous body configurations, this diverse segment has two clear Best Buy choices--the refined Lexus LS 430 and the unique Audi A6. The LS 430 can't be beat for comfort and features at around $55,000, while the A6 earns Best Buy status for its blend of space, performance, design sophistication, powertrain choices, and workmanship at prices below those of most rivals.

We Recommend the Acura RL--a steal at around $45,000 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. If you are looking for something a bit more sporting, we Recommend BMW 5-Series. If your taste ranges more toward the luxury end, then take a look at the roomy Cadillac DeVille.

News

Saab has been redesigning plans for a redesigned 9-5. The replacement had been conceived around a so-called "premium" platform intended for Saab, GM's German Opel unit, and certain models within the much-troubled Fiat group, in which GM owns a 20 percent stake. But that architecture was cancelled to save money, leaving the front-drive Epsilon platform as the only suitable choice. As a result, the next 9-5 has been postponed a year, to 2006. Despite underskin engineering shared with the newest 9-3, the 9-5 will still be longer, wider and heavier, as well as more upscale in features and, of course, price. Sedan and wagon body styles should continue with a choice of several engines.

Earlier reports predicted an even larger sedan as a new Saab flagship, built on the same Sigma corporate platform as Cadillac's rear-drive CTS, but with all-wheel drive and a Saab-sourced turbo V6. But we've heard nothing more about this idea, which suggests it's been scrapped in another cost-cutting move.

Saleswise, the 9-5 has lately been flat, down a few thousand units in calendar 2001, up a similar number through the third quarter of 2002. That's quite a change from the 20-percent surge in 2000, but not bad for a fairly pricey car in a much more uncertain market.

2003 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	6.5

Linear and Aero suffer some turbo lag--a delay in throttle response--at low speeds, but move out with authority as revs build. The V6 Arc has a more-progressive power delivery. Automatic transmission sometimes slow to downshift, even when using the steering-wheel shift paddles, which can be difficult to locate during hand-over-hand turning.

Fuel Economy

Linear sdn, man.	Arc wgn	Aero sdn, auto.	Class Average
6	6	6	4.5

Test Linear sedan averaged 22 mpg. Test Arc wagon averaged 22.1 mpg. Test Aero sedan averaged 22.4 in mostly highway driving. Saab recommends premium fuel for all 9-5s.

Ride Quality

Linear sdn, man.	Arc wgn	Aero sdn, auto.	Class Average
8	7	6	7.1

Aero's sport suspension rides stiffly; 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
6	6	7	6.7

Secure and predictable, despite more body lean in fast 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, though with too much nosedive in test Linear wagon. Steering has a natural feel and only Aero suffers minor torque steer--pulling to the side under full acceleration.

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	6.6

Automatic climate controls mounted too low for easy use, and some testers found the buttons confusing. Power door lock and window switches inconveniently located on console, along with ignition switch. Manual transmission must be in reverse before ignition key can be removed. Interior materials suit the price.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Linear sdn, man.	Arc wgn	Aero sdn, auto.	Class Average
7	7	7	7.2

Plenty of room. Substantial, supportive seats. Manual tilt/telescope steering wheel is standard. Available ventilated front seats cooled from within by small fans; fans are audible, though the system is quite effective on hot days.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Linear sdn, man.	Arc wgn	Aero sdn, auto.	Class Average
7	7	7	5.5

Adequate head room, but knee clearance tight if front seats are pushed far back. Footwells can get cramped depending on front-seat position, and some testers find front seat tracks intrusive. Rear bench 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	3.9

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

Value within Class

Linear sdn, man.	Arc wgn	Aero sdn, auto.	Class Average
3	5	2	5.7

Few rivals offer a wagon body style, but the 9-5 is among the oldest designs in the near-luxury class. Japanese rivals beat it for reliability and resale value, and Linears and Aeros are pricey 4-cyl cars. The V6 Arc emerges as the best all-around model in a line that appeals to a dwindling body of Saab loyalists.

Total Score

Linear sdn, man.	Arc wgn	Aero sdn, auto.	Class Average
60	63	58	60.5

Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars

Low Score		48
Average Score		60
High Score		70

2003 Saab 9-5 Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 06/06/2003

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

Linear 4-door sedan	$34,335	$32,289	$675

Linear 4-door wagon	$35,045	$32,956	$675

Arc 4-door sedan	$39,040	$36,518	$675

Arc 4-door wagon	$39,745	$37,173	$675

Aero 4-door sedan	$39,040	$36,518	$675

Aero 4-door wagon	$39,745	$37,173	$675

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, antiskid system, daytime running lights, emergency inside trunk release.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, 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, power sunroof, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, trip computer, 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, 215/55VR16 tires, alloy wheels.

Arc adds to Linear:

Powertrain

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

Comfort and Convenience Features

Ventilated front seats, memory system (driver seat, mirrors), heated rear seats, passenger-side mirror tilt-down back-up aid, 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.

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	$1,495	$1,346
Driver-seat memory, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, universal garage-door opener, Harman/Kardon sound system.

Premium and Touring Pkg.
Aero, Arc, Linear	$2,690	$2,422
Premium Pkg. plus rain-sensing wipers, automatic day/night outside mirrors, xenon headlights, rear-obstacle-detection system.

Touring Pkg.
Arc, Aero	$1,195	$1,076
Rain-sensing wipers, automatic day/night outside mirrors, xenon headlights, rear-obstacle-detection system.

Powertrain
5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability
Linear, Aero	$1,350	$1,337


Comfort and Convenience Features
Ventilated front seats
Aero	$995	$866


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Special paint
Aero, Arc, Linear	$500	$450

2003 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.	190.1	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 /181	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

Rollover Resistance	4	NA

Side Impact, Driver	5	NA

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	4	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	10/unlimited on 9-3 Sport Sedan.

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

< 2003 Saab 9-5 Photos

Also in the 2003 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