2002 Saab 9-5 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$34,620 to $39,975

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.2

avg user rating

(22 reviews)
2002 Saab 9-5 Preview summaryImage

The 2002 model year brings several mechanical enhancements and trim level adjustments to Saab's mid-size sedan. Most revisions focus on the 9-5's performance. Highlights include more responsive steering, a new electronic traction control system, improved suspension, and more horsepower on the sporty Aero models. Saab has also added an adaptive front airbag system and an optional five-speed automatic transmission.

The 2.3t and SE trim names have been dropped. The base level 9-5 is now called the Linear, and the mid-level model has been renamed the Arc. The top tier Aero trim returns with the same name. All three trims are available with both the sedan and wagon bodies. Despite several notable improvements, the 9-5 prices changed little between 2001 and 2002.

There are three engines available with the 9-5, and all are dependent on the trim level. The Linear houses a 2.3 liter inline four, turbocharged for 185 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. The Arc inherits the SE's 3.0 liter V-6, which generates 200 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque. Like the Linear, the sporty Aero is powered by a 2.3 liter four cylinder engine, but a more powerful turbo produces 250 horsepower, up 20 horses from 2001, and 258 pound-feet of torque here. Linear and Aero buyers can choose between a five-speed manual or an optional five-speed automatic transmission. The Arc's V-6 can only be paired with the five-speed automatic.

Saab's 9-3 and 9-5 sedans and wagons continue to receive considerable praise for strong fuel economy, considering the ample power supply. The 2.3 liter-powered 9-5s have EPA estimates of 20/30 for the automatic and 21/31 mpg for the manual. The less efficient Arc gets 18 mpg in city driving and 26 mpg on the highway. Drivers report mixed driving miles-per-gallon in the low to mid 20s.

The 9-5 has also been acclaimed for its new and improved automatic transmission, responsive steering, solid handling, and abundant cabin room. The 9-5 continues to earn low marks for value-in-class and reliability. Reviewers have commented that Saab's sedan now seems a bit antiquated compared to steadily emerging European competitors, and owners continue to caution prospective buyers about the frequency, cost and frustrations associated with Saab service. However, the 9-5 still offers a unique interior and exterior design, which continues to attract new buyers.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2002 Saab 9-5

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User rating:
by George F
Sep 16, 2024
I have owned several of these 9-5s, excellent comfortable and quick vehicles. If you are interested in Saabs and you can find a clean rust free 9-5 you will not be disappointed. The 2002 aero trim provides comfortable bolstered seats, plenty of power and a stylish exterior with large improvements over the original 2001 iteration. Be warned, as these cars are over 20 years old at this point, most of them will need lots of refurbishment, if you are a DIY, then this is a great project to be had for under 5000. This is the kind of car that should be maintained by someone who knows Saabs if you do not work on your vehicles. Parts availability is still decent for the 9-5, all of the maintenance parts are cheap and fairly easy to install. The pitfalls of this car are rust, especially in the rear wheel arch, foggy headlights, most cars still have their original suspension and motor mounts which will lead to sloppy ride and a commonly misdiagnosed oil leak from the chain tensioner seals. Overall I would highly recommend this car if you can find a clean example. I would budget around 2000 for annual maintenance. Sep 16, 2024
by Anonymous
Dec 15, 2012
It was a beautiful European car low miles in great condition the only bad part was window didn't go down at 1st got that fix cheap and then had bad a.c. problems got that fixed after I found out it was Lily parts that needed repairDec 15, 2012
by Anonymous
Aug 26, 2012
Really am enjoying the smooth and quiet ride, great turbo power from a 4 cylinder, and gets good gas mileage too...26-28 in mixed driving. Smooth turbo, comfortable seats, great on the highway. This car is FAST for a wagon and SAFE. It's a very sturdy, solid car being quite able to zip up a steep hill without a problem. I also love the design. Several times strangers on the street have commented to me how 'good looking' this car is! I'm also impressed how roomy the back is. I can get my large bike right in w/ the back seats down. I also like the low profile of the rear 'floor' easy to get things (including our dog) in & out. Aug 26, 2012

2002 Saab 9-5 Pricing

Original MSRP
$34,620 to $39,975
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
N/A
YoY price change
N/A

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Roof

Moonroof: power

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front and rear · Upholstery: leather

Telematics

Satellite communications: OnStar

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Roof

Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front and rear · Upholstery: leather

Telematics

Satellite communications: OnStar

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Lights

Headlights: Xenon

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Roof

Moonroof: power

Safety

Parking sensors: rear

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather

Telematics

Satellite communications: OnStar

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Lights

Headlights: Xenon

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Roof

Moonroof: power

Safety

Parking sensors: rear

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather

Telematics

Satellite communications: OnStar

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Lights

Headlights: Xenon

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Roof

Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black

Safety

Parking sensors: rear

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather

Telematics

Satellite communications: OnStar

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Lights

Headlights: Xenon

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Roof

Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black

Safety

Parking sensors: rear

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather

Telematics

Satellite communications: OnStar

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

See all trims (6)