Key fob won't lock or unlock doors, or trunk. Kepaced key fob batteries. Just purchased
Key fob won't lock,unlock, or open trunk. Replaced key fob bateries.
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2008 Saab 9-5 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Following Saab's jet airplane analogy, which the automaker frequently uses to describe the design of its cars, we'll refer to the 2008 Saab 9-5 as in a holding pattern. Since its introduction for the 1999 model year, the 9-5 has retained the same basic exterior and interior design, although it did receive a minor design refresh in 2006. And with a full redesign scheduled for 2009 (or perhaps even 2010), the '08 version of the 9-5 changes little from the previous year.
Fortunately, the 2008 9-5, while not cutting edge, doesn't seem too dated. Available in a single trim, the 2.3T, the 9-5 features aerodynamic headlights, a three-port front grille, and clean, simple lines. A 260-horsepower, 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine drives the 9-5, though some critics note that the engine's exhaust note fails to inspire. Still, the engine moves the sedan along quickly enough, with decent fuel economy. The engine links to either a five-speed manual shifter or an optional five-speed Sentronic automatic transmission.
Despite the lack of a fresh design, the 9-5 comes nicely equipped with such features as a power moonroof, leather-appointed seats that are heated in the front, a six-disc in-dash CD player, dual-zone automatic climate control, XM satellite radio, and OnStar.
Two other features might make the 9-5 an attractive purchase for car shoppers. A 100,000-mile warranty inspires confidence in the vehicle's quality, while no-charge scheduled maintenance for the first three years or 36,000 miles certainly adds a nice bonus.
The 9-5 also excels in safety features, with active head restraints, a full range of air bags, and traction and stability control. In addition, the 9-5 has done very well in government crash testing in past years.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2008 Saab 9-5
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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 2008 aero trim provides comfortable bolstered seats and plenty of power. Be warned, as these cars are approaching 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 iteration are rust, especially in the rear wheel arch, foggy headlights, poor interior quality especially tears in the seats, 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
Jan 22, 2011
This drives beautifully and gets great milege on my weekly commute to Boston 33MPH on the Mass pike. there is nothing negative I can say about this car except that we are selling it. It is fun to drive the visability is excellent the quality is excellent. We find it to be a great all around family car.Jan 22, 2011
by Lee U
Mar 06, 2008
Beautiful, fast, and smooth. The 2.3 engine puts out 265hp, and the turbo has little to no lag. Smooth performance anywhere in the RPM range.Mar 06, 2008
What users have asked
when I look up the make and model of my car I can't find it on the site. did my for sale ad not publish? thx paula
I can't find it on the site. did my for sale ad not publish? thx paula
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2008 Saab 9-5 Pricing
Original MSRP
$37,200 to $38,220Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Side airbags: front with head protection chambers
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Total Number of Speakers: 11 · 200 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.3 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Dash trim: simulated wood · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Parking sensors: rear · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Headrests
Fixed rear headrests: 1 · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Video system: auxiliary audio/video input
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Xenon
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power folding
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass
Safety
Active head restraints: driver
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather · Ventilated: front
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: DVD navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Total Number of Speakers: 11 · 200 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.3 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Parking sensors: rear · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Headrests
Fixed rear headrests: 1 · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Video system: auxiliary audio/video input
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power folding
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: with wind deflector
Safety
Active head restraints: driver
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium leather · Ventilated: front
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: DVD navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing