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4.5 Overall rating

(186 reviews)

Customers say

The Saab 9-5 has consistently impressed owners with its stylish design, comfort, and strong performance across its various models. Many drivers appreciate the powerful turbocharged engines, roomy interiors, and smooth handling, making it enjoyable for both daily drives and longer journeys. However, some common concerns include high maintenance costs, engine noise at idle, and reliability issues linked to older models. Overall, the Saab 9-5 is viewed as a unique vehicle that blends luxury and performance, with a distinct character that appeals to its loyal fanbase.

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George F

3.0

Reviewed a 2008 Saab 9-5 on 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.

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Craig N

3.0

Reviewed a 1999 Saab 4 Dr SE 2.3t Turbo Sedan on Feb 14, 2008

Quirky but good power and great to drive. Particularly like the throttle-by-wire that has different sensitivity depending upon when 'sport' button is pressed.

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Anonymous

4.0

Reviewed a 2011 Saab Turbo4 Premium on Oct 24, 2013

We custom ordered this 9-5 arc from Sweden in 2004 and after 176,000 it is still going strong. Mobil1 0w 40 every 5,000 miles and routine transmission fluid flushed are the key. This is a great family/sports/luxury car that has been very reliable. Only had to replace the throttle body and ignition casset. Great car and I would highly recommend it.

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Anonymous

5.0

Reviewed a 2010 Saab Aero XWD on Aug 23, 2013

Love that it has everything except ventilated seats! It has navigation, voice commands, rear seat DVD entertainment system, all wheel drive, amazingly unique stylling, power, heads up display, adaptive xenon head lights, 18" wheels. 2.8 liter Turbo charged V6. This car turns heads everywhere I go. "That's a really nice car!" the original MSRP was $54,000 and I got it in 2012 for $25,000.

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