Acceleration

2.3T Aero sdn, man.	2.3T Aero sdn, auto.	2.3T Aero SportCombi, auto.	Class Average
7	7	7	7

Strong, given an engine that's small relative to those in other premium midsize cars, and reasonably linear, given that it's turbocharged. Throttle response is delayed by moderate turbo lag, however, and by the automatic transmission's occasionally slow downshifts. Manual transmission suffers from long throws, imprecise clutch action.

Fuel Economy

2.3T Aero sdn, man.	2.3T Aero sdn, auto.	2.3T Aero SportCombi, auto.	Class Average
5	5	5	4.6

With automatic transmission, test 2.3T Aero sedan averaged 23.0 mpg in mostly highway driving, and 2.3T Aero SportCombi averaged 18.5 mpg in mostly city driving. No opportunity to measure with manual transmission. Saab recommends premium-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

2.3T Aero sdn, man.	2.3T Aero sdn, auto.	2.3T Aero SportCombi, auto.	Class Average
5	5	5	6.6

Only Aero models made available for testing. We judge ride firmer than necessary; sharp freeway expansion joints register with a jolt. Little float or wallow at highway speeds.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2.3T Aero sdn, man.	2.3T Aero sdn, auto.	2.3T Aero SportCombi, auto.	Class Average
7	7	7	7.2

Secure and sporty. Car responds alertly, with nicely weighted steering. However, rapid acceleration off the line and from low speed triggers torque steer--unwanted pulling to the side. Braking is swift, powerful, consistent.

Quietness

2.3T Aero sdn, man.	2.3T Aero sdn, auto.	2.3T Aero SportCombi, auto.	Class Average
6	6	6	6.9

Little wind noise. Engine idles with a throb absent in rivals with V6s or V8s. Some turbo whine apparent during highway passing. Tires rumble, roar on coarse pavement.

Controls

2.3T Aero sdn, man.	2.3T Aero sdn, auto.	2.3T Aero SportCombi, auto.	Class Average
6	6	6	6.8

Gauges unobstructed. Climate, audio controls easy to use. We don't mind the center-console-mounted ignition switch--a Saab custom. But some testers find window switches located there inconvenient. Programming navigation system requires some practice, and with one CD slot, you must choose between playing music or viewing map CD, though a trunk-mounted CD changer is included when navigation is ordered. Many cabin surfaces are soft-touch, but some testers say too many budget-grade plastics detract from this interior's upscale feel.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2.3T Aero sdn, man.	2.3T Aero sdn, auto.	2.3T Aero SportCombi, auto.	Class Average
6	6	6	7.4

Plenty of room. Seats generously sized, but too soft for best support. Manual tilt/telescope steering wheel is standard. Poor over-the-shoulder visbility.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2.3T Aero sdn, man.	2.3T Aero sdn, auto.	2.3T Aero SportCombi, auto.	Class Average
6	6	6	5.4

Adequate head room, but knee clearance tight if front seats are pushed far back. Some testers want more toe room. Rear bench nicely contoured and supportive, though too narrow for comfortable three-abreast trips.

Cargo Room

2.3T Aero sdn, man.	2.3T Aero sdn, auto.	2.3T Aero SportCombi, auto.	Class Average
5	5	8	4.2

Large trunk has flat floor, cabin pass-through. Wagon's cargo bay is cavernous, with neat under-floor storage. Both body styles have split folding rear seatbacks. No excess passenger-compartment storage. Cupholders limited to pop-out dashboard contraption that's taxed by larger drinks, and center-console insert that negates use of armrest.

Value within Class

2.3T Aero sdn, man.	2.3T Aero sdn, auto.	2.3T Aero SportCombi, auto.	Class Average
3	3	4	6.1

The 9-5 is a roomy, solid, good-handling car available with the added utility of a wagon body style. But it's among the oldest designs in the premium-midsize-car class, and counts among its shortcomings the absence of curtain side airbags. It's also pricey for a 4-cyl automobile, and Saab trails Japanese-brand rivals for resale value and in reliability surveys.

Total Score

2.3T Aero sdn, man.	2.3T Aero sdn, auto.	2.3T Aero SportCombi, auto.	Class Average
56	56	60	62.2

Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars

Low Score		49
Average Score		62
High Score		75