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2005 Saab 9-5 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$33,270 to $41,470

Original MSRP

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expert review

5.0

avg user rating

(5 reviews)
2005 Saab 9-5 Preview summaryImage

The Saab 9-5 engines and trim levels are unchanged for 2005. Arcs get a restyled wheels, and a DVD-based navigation system is now optional on all trims. The mid-size Swedish sedan is otherwise unchanged.

The same three trim levels are available in 2005, although the base Linear style is only available with the wagon. The wagon is offered in all three styles, while the sedan is available in the Arc and Aero trims. Each trim has a different power supply, but all models are powered by turbocharged 2.3 liter four cylinder engines. Horsepower increases with price.

The Linear Wagon's 2.3 generates 185 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque, while the Arc's mill delivers 220 horsepower and 228 pound-feet of torque. The flagship Aero includes the most potent power plant, producing 250 horses and 258 pound-feet of torque. All engines are matched with a five-speed manual transmission, while a five-speed automatic is optional.

One of the strongest selling points for both the 9-3 and 9-5 Saabs is fuel economy. EPA estimates are 21/29 mpg with the manual and 19/28 mpg with the automatic. According to owners and reviewers, the 9-5 offers an enjoyable driving experience. Despite a slight throttle response delay due to the turbo, acceleration is fairly brisk on all models. The Arc and Linear models offer a smooth ride on most reasonably groomed surfaces, but the Aero's sport-tuned suspension may be a bit too stiff for some.

The 9-5 offers class-leading cargo room in the wagon, with 73 packable cubic feet. And the sedan, which loses 16 cubic feet, compensates with one of largest trunks of any mid-size sedan.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
Sometimes our content pages are the result of a team effort. As with all CarGurus editorial, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2005 Saab 9-5

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User rating:
by Dylan M
May 14, 2013
I love this car. It is so versatile. The back seats fold completely flat. The only bad part about that is it limits the way you can position the front seats. The turbo is awesome, and the Sport button on the shifter transforms the car from a granny mobile into a track car. The traction control works great and saved me from hydroplaning into a guard rail on a curvy road the other day. It's very reliable. Just change the oil every 5,000 miles and remember to use synthetic, preferably Mobile 1, because it is has a turbo. I like the typical Saab styling, but I wish it was more sporty looking. My headlights are kind of "foggy" from sun exposure and like any OE headlights, they are expensive to replace. Wish there were real cup holders. The one next to the radio is broken in my car and only fits certain cups. That's just one of those quirky Saab things though.May 14, 2013
by Steven Q
Apr 09, 2010
Saab make some great cars,and my 9-5 has been a joy to drive over the years.On long journeys the vehicle comes into its own and is very economical,It does have a full service every year at my local garage and this also works out very well with no frustrating problems to date.I think if safety and space are a priority for you then the 9-5 estate takes some beating,yes you could go for a bmw or a mercedes but I have always felt that with a saab you are getting something a little different, a bit out of the ordinary. Apr 09, 2010
by Anonymous
Feb 11, 2009
acceleration from 60 mph is amazing and comfort is always on par. excellent feul economy on highway. this car is like flying private jet! one down fall is resale value because the cars are given a bad rap by car magazines.Feb 11, 2009

2005 Saab 9-5 Pricing

Original MSRP
$33,270 to $41,470
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 · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Door trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Moonroof: power

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Rear wiper: 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 · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Lights

Headlights: Xenon

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Moonroof: power

Safety

Parking sensors: rear

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather · Ventilated: front

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 · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Lights

Headlights: Xenon

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Moonroof: power

Safety

Parking sensors: rear

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather · Ventilated: front

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Rear wiper: 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 · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Center console trim: alloy · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · 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: auto-dimming

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Moonroof: power

Seats

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

Suspension

Front Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Spring Type: coil springs

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 · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Center console trim: alloy · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · 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: bench

Roof

Moonroof: power

Seats

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

Suspension

Front Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Spring Type: coil springs

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Rear wiper: intermittent

See all trims (5)
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