1999 Saab 9-5 Review
1999 Saab 9-5 Review
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+5
Used 9-5 for sale
Appraise This CarSaab 9-5 model years
Saab 9-5 types
- Sedan
- Wagon
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Satisfying performance, impressive luxury, reasonable price, wagon availability.
Cons
- Saab's premium sedan is no longer available with a hatchback, rendering it less useful to people who don't want an SUV or wagon, but who need to cart a lot of stuff around.
What’s new
Saab's replacement for the 9000 line of cars is called the 9-5. Available as a sedan with a turbocharged four-cylinder or turbocharged V6 engine, the 9-5 is designed to compete against conventional cars like the BMW 5 Series and Infiniti I30.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1999 Saab 9-5 SE 2.3t Turbo 4dr Sedan and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$190/mo for 9-5 SE
9-5 SE
vs
$181/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
Saab has got a new car to sell and they want you to take a look. Called the 9-5, that's nine-five, not ninety-five; Saab's new premium sedans are designed to compete with everything from near-luxury models like the Lexus ES300 and Cadillac Catera to full blown sport sedans like the Mercedes-Benz E430 and BMW 540ia.
Since the 9-5 is a Saab, expect things to be a little different from your garden variety offerings from Cadillac or BMW. All 9-5s in the lineup are equipped with turbocharged engines. The lowest rung model has a 2.3-liter inline four-cylinder motor that produces 170 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 207 foot-pounds of torque at 1,800 rpm. The mid- and upper-level 9-5 share a 3.0-liter asymmetrically turbocharged V6 engine that pumps out 200 ponies and 229 foot-pounds of torque. The entry level four-cylinder 9-5 comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission; V6 models get a driver selectable four-speed automatic.
Standard equipment levels are high on the 9-5 sedans, offering up not-so-basic items such as antilock brakes, traction control (V6 models), automatic climate controls, premium stereo, side-impact airbags and an active head restraint system. Options are kept to a minimum, but the ones present are appreciated. They include heated front and rear seats, ventilated front seats and a power moonroof, which is standard on the SE.
Perhaps the nicest thing about the 9-5 is its sporting character. The 9-5 feels much more solid and screwed together than the model it replaces. This enables drivers of all ability to take advantage of a lonely stretch of twisty road. Precise steering and powerful brakes further enhance the driving experience, giving the 9-5 a solid European feel.
The entry-level 9-5 stickers for just under $30,000 and includes a high level of standard equipment. This makes it a relative bargain for most people shopping the near-luxury class. Consider the 9-5 before traipsing off the lot with an Acura TL or Lexus ES300, you'll be rewarded with a unique car that is attractive, comfortable and fun to drive.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1999 Saab 9-5.
5 star(54%)
4 star(32%)
3 star(12%)
2 star(1%)
1 star(1%)
83 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4 out of 5 stars
Fun, Quick, Safe, Comfy Piece of Crap
Purveyor of Vehicles, 09/22/2010
1999 Saab 9-5 SE 2.3t Turbo 4dr Sedan
So it's very safe, very comfortable, very fun to drive, pretty quick and all around enjoyable car to drive. However, it was designed poorly and is unreliable and puts a permanent pipeline from your wallet to the mechanic.
3.63 out of 5 stars
Sobbing over my SAAB
roland11, 01/01/2011
1999 Saab 9-5 2.3t 4dr Sedan
Thought I did enough research before purchasing, I was wrong. The car is wonderful when everything is working properly. Which was about 2 weeks! Have done more repairs than I can list here. Parts are often hard to come by and expensive! Unfortunately, Saab quit employing Aircraft engineers decades ago. I'm an aircraft mechanic and I have no doubt their early models held up best because … of their aviation background. I'm convinced their partnership with GM was their ultimate downfall. If you already bought a 9-5, Four words: CHANGE THE OIL OFTEN! Change the ATF or manual GB oil often as well! Do maintenance yourself if possible. Mechanics hear "SAAB" and they see $$$$
4.5 out of 5 stars
2nd Saab.....Not my last
capt_slow, 03/16/2011
1999 Saab 9-5 2.3t 4dr Wagon
Sold my 9000 Aero with 155K miles and bought a 1999 9-5 2.3T wagon with 120K. Absolutely love it as my commuter car. All options still work and is still nice and quiet.
I have however had lot of vacuum problems. Replaced the turbo bypass valve, vacuum hoses, and fixed brake booster lines(Did all the work myself with the help of a friend so very inexpensive). Other than that nothing beats … this car on performance and gas mileage. I get a couple mpg's better than my 9000 Aero. My family is full of Saabs and thats for a reason. Fantastic cars if you keep up on maintenance. Hoping to get a newer 9-3 after this 9-5.
1.25 out of 5 stars
STAY AWAY
tiffm, 12/14/2011
1999 Saab 9-5 SE V6t 4dr Sedan
Listen to the warnings before purchasing this car! This car is not worth the headaches you will more then likely endure. I purchased this car with 85K miles in March of 2011. I was carpooling with a group of peers so I drove the car for ONE full week during that first month. On day 34, my engine seized. I replaced that engine. Since then, I have also replaced numerous belts, sensors, … pumps. Every 3-4 weeks this car was in the shop and needed a new overpriced part that was impossible to find. Engine failure is a common problem with this year as I have learned the hard way. The engine I purchased to replace the original one seized on us recently as well. Please save your $$ and think twice!!
1999 9-5 Highlights
Sedan
SE
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $190/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 15.9 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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