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2008 Saab 9-5 Full Review
Date Published: 7/15/08
Also in the 2008 Saab 9-5 Review:
2008 Saab 9-5 Review
The 2008 Saab 9-5 carries over with no major changes. This is Saab's flagship car and is available as a sedan or wagon called the SportCombi. The sole engine is a turbocharged 260-hp 2.3-liter 4-cylinder. It pairs with a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and front side airbags. OnStar assistance and rain-sensing windshield wipers are newly standard on the 2008 Saab 9-5.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Midsize Cars sport interior dimensions similar to Midsize Cars. Premium Midsize Cars offer more luxury, performance, and prestige when compared to Midsize Cars.
Our Best Buys include the Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G, and Lexus ES 350. Our Recommended picks are the Acura TL, Infiniti M, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
New or significantly redesigned models include the BMW 5-Series, Cadillac CTS, Volvo V70, and Volvo XC70.
Our Best Buys include the Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G, and Lexus ES 350. Our Recommended picks are the Acura TL, Infiniti M, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
New or significantly redesigned models include the BMW 5-Series, Cadillac CTS, Volvo V70, and Volvo XC70.
News
A redesigned 9-5 is long overdue. When it appears, it will be one of several General Motors cars on the new global front-drive "Epsilon 2" platform engineered by GM's German Opel branch. Dimensions should increase, though it's unclear by how much, and fairly radical 4-dr fastback styling is rumored. Transverse GM-sourced V6s will likely replace Saab-designed 4-cyl engines, likely a 3.6 and a turbocharged 2.8, the latter already offered in the 9-3 line. Available all-wheel drive has been mentioned, but it's still unconfirmed.
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2008 Saab 9-5 Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration | Road noise |
| Handling/roadholding | Climate controls |
| Build quality | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
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.
| Sedan, manual | Sedan, automatic | SportCombi, automatic | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.6 |
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
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.
| Sedan, manual | Sedan, automatic | SportCombi, automatic | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 6.3 |
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
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.
| 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
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.
| Sedan, manual | Sedan, automatic | SportCombi, automatic | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 |
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
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.
| Sedan, manual | Sedan, automatic | SportCombi, automatic | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.1 |
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
Many cabin surfaces are soft-touch, but we think too many budget-grade plastics detract from this interior's upscale feel.
| Sedan, manual | Sedan, automatic | SportCombi, automatic | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 7.4 |
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)
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.
| Sedan, manual | Sedan, automatic | SportCombi, automatic | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 7.3 |
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)
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.
| Sedan, manual | Sedan, automatic | SportCombi, automatic | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.2 |
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
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.
| Sedan, manual | Sedan, automatic | SportCombi, automatic | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 8 | 4.2 |
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
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.
| Sedan, manual | Sedan, automatic | SportCombi, automatic | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 4 | 6.2 |
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 | 68.4 |
Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars
| Low Score | 56 | |
| Average Score | 68 | |
| High Score | 78 |
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2008 Saab 9-5 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/04/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| 2.3T 4-door sedan | $37,200 | $35,154 | $775 |
|
|
|||
| 2.3T SportCombi 4-door wagon | $38,470 | $36,354 | $775 |
|
|
|||
| 2.3T Aero 4-door sedan | $38,220 | $36,118 | $775 |
|
|
|||
| 2.3T Aero SportCombi 4-door wagon | $39,585 | $37,408 | $775 |
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
| Model | Rebate & Incentives | Type | Expires |
|
|
|||
| 9-5 | 5.9%-7.9% financing. | Customer | 07/31/08 |
|
|
|||
| 9-5 | $3500 dealer incentive. | Dealer | 07/31/08 |
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
2.3T
Powertrain
2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, front-seat active head restraints, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system, emergency inside trunklid release (sedan), daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, OnStar assistance system w/one-year service, tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, 8-way power front bucket seats, memory system (driver seat, mirrors), center console, split folding rear seat w/trunk pass-through, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors w/turn signals, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power sunroof, harman/kardon AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, digital-media player connection, satellite radio, tachometer, compass, outside-temperature indicator, trip computer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage door opener, cooled glovebox, illuminated visor mirrors, rain-sensing variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer (wagon), automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, roof rails (wagon), front and rear fog lights, headlight washers, 235/45VR17 tires, alloy wheels.
2.3T Aero adds to 2.3T:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Unique interior and exterior trim.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Sport suspension.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Visibility Pkg.
|
||
|
2.3T, 2.3T Aero
|
$1,295
|
$1,152
|
|
Rear-obstacle-detection system, automatic day/night outside mirrors, xenon headlights.
|
||
|
|
||
Powertrain |
||
|
5-speed automatic transmission
|
||
|
2.3T, 2.3T Aero
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Navigation system
|
||
|
2.3T, 2.3T Aero
|
$2,945
|
$2,621
|
|
Deletes satellite radio. Moves in-dash 6-disc CD changer to trunk.
|
||
|
Power sunroof delete
|
||
|
2.3T, 2.3T Aero
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
Upgraded upholstery
|
||
|
2.3T, 2.3T Aero
|
$1,500
|
$1,335
|
|
Ventilated front seats
|
||
|
2.3T, 2.3T Aero
|
$995
|
$886
|
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Special paint
|
||
|
2.3T, 2.3T Aero
|
$550
|
$490
|
|
|
||
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Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 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. | 190.4 | 190.6 |
| Overall Width, in. | 70.5 | 70.5 |
| Overall Height, in. | 57.2 | 57.7 |
| 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. | 37.1 | 38.7 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.4 | 42.4 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.0 | 38.2 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.6 | 36.6 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| Turbocharged dohc I4 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.3 /140 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 260 @ 5300 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 258 @ 1900 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 5-speed manual | 18/28 |
| 5-speed automatic | 17/26 |
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 | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 | 5 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 4 | 4 |
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 | 5/100,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 6/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 5/100,000 | -- |
| 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
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Also in the 2008 Saab 9-5 Review:
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