2008 Saab 9-5: Road Test
2008 Saab 9-5 ▼
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- MSRP: $37,200 - $39,585
- Invoice: $35,154 - $37,408
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Our road test for the 2008 Saab 9-5 includes a full evaluation of the 2008 Saab 9-5 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2008 Saab 9-5, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2008 Saab 9-5 help you decide if a 2008 Saab 9-5 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Sedan, manual | Sedan, automatic | SportCombi, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
Acceleration is surprisingly strong, given an engine that's small relative to those in other premium midsize cars. It's also 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 9-5s suffer from long throws and imprecise clutch action.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Sedan, manual | Sedan, automatic | SportCombi, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.7 |
In Consumer Guide testing, a sedan with automatic transmission averaged 23.0 mpg in mostly highway driving, and a SportCombi averaged 18.5 in mostly city driving. We've not measured a manual-transmission model. 9-5 uses regular-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| Sedan, manual | Sedan, automatic | SportCombi, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 6.6 |
We judge the 9-5's ride firmer than necessary. Sharp freeway expansion joints register with a jolt, though there's little float or wallow at highway speeds.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Sedan, manual | Sedan, automatic | SportCombi, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7.1 |
Secure and sporty. Any 9-5 responds alertly to changes of direction with nicely weighted steering. Rapid acceleration from a stop and from low speed triggers torque steer. Braking is swift, powerful, and consistent.
QUIETNESS
| Sedan, manual | Sedan, automatic | SportCombi, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 7.1 |
Little wind noise. The 9-5's turbocharged engine is at a disadvantage against rivals with V6s and V8s, as it idles somewhat roughly and whines under acceleration. Tire roar is evident on coarse pavement.
CONTROLS
| Sedan, manual | Sedan, automatic | SportCombi, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.2 |
Clear gauges are unobstructed. The climate and audio controls are easy to use. We don't mind the center-console-mounted ignition switch--a Saab custom. Some of our testers find the power window switches located there inconvenient. Programming the navigation system requires some practice, and with one CD slot, you must choose between playing music or viewing the map CD. A trunk-mounted CD changer is included when navigation is ordered, however.
DETAILS
| Sedan, manual | Sedan, automatic | SportCombi, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 7.5 |
Many cabin surfaces are soft-touch, but we think too many budget-grade plastics detract from this interior's upscale feel.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Sedan, manual | Sedan, automatic | SportCombi, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 7.4 |
Plenty of room. The seats are generously sized but too soft for best support. A manual tilt and telescopic steering wheel is standard, but many rivals offer power operation. Over-the-shoulder visibility is poor.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Sedan, manual | Sedan, automatic | SportCombi, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.4 |
Headroom is adequate, but knee clearance is tight if the front seats are pushed far back. Some testers want more foot space. The rear bench is nicely contoured and supportive, though it's too narrow for comfortable three-passenger trips.
CARGO ROOM
| Sedan, manual | Sedan, automatic | SportCombi, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 8 | 4.1 |
The large trunk has a flat floor and cabin pass-through. The SportCombi's cargo bay is cavernous, with neat under-floor storage. Both body styles have split folding rear seatbacks. There's no excess passenger-compartment storage. Cupholders are limited to pop-out dashboard contraptions that are taxed by larger drinks, and the one in the center console negates use of the armrest.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Sedan, manual | Sedan, automatic | SportCombi, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 4 | 6.5 |
The 9-5 is 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-cylinder automobile. Still, this is a roomy, solid, good-handling car available with the added utility of a wagon body style.
Total Score
| Sedan, manual | Sedan, automatic | SportCombi, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62 | 62 | 66 | 69.6 |
Total Score: 63
Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars
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