2001 Saab 9-5 Review | Edmunds.com
Home / Saab / 9-5 / 2001 9-5
 

2001 Saab 9-5

 
 
 
Edmunds Review (87) MPG

Choose your type

 
 
Saab 9-5 Features and Specs

Features & Specs

  • Engine 2.3 L Inline 4-cylinder
  • Drivetrain Front Wheel Drive
  • Transmission 5-speed Manual
  • Horse Power 185 hp @ 5500 rpm
  • Fuel Economy 19/28 mpg
  • Bluetooth No
  • Navigation No
  • Heated Seats Yes
See All Features & Specs
 

Review of the 2001 Saab 9-5

  • Not quite as polished as some of the class leaders, but still worthy of a test drive if you're looking for a luxury sport sedan/wagon that won't get lost in the crowd.

  • Safety

  • Pros

    Satisfying performance, impressive luxury, reasonable price, wagon availability.

  • Cons

    Quirky Saab design attributes and ergonomics, uninspired exterior styling.

  • What's New for 2001

    Entry-level models get more horsepower from the turbo four-cylinder while all models get the OnStar telematics system, turbo gauges and…

 
What Others Are Saying

Customer Reviews

  Average Consumer Rating (87 total reviews)

Hope you have a fat

by on
Vehicle: 2001 Saab 9-5 SE V6t 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 4A)

I bought this car used, from the original owner, with 60,000 miles. In the few years I've owned it - and over 30,000 miles later - I've had at least $5,000 worth of work done to it. Around 65,000 it stalled during rush hour. A few years later it started to stall on the freeway - luckily I had enough time to pull off and into a parking lot before it died. The throttle had to be replaced - to the tune of $900, and I've gone through a couple of batteries that all cost over $200. Now I'm facing an oil leak that my mechanic can't seem to find a cap for since Saab isn't making these cars anymore. Correct me if I'm wrong, but this seems like an awful lot of work for a car still under 100,000 miles.



Fun to drive...expensive to fix

by on
Vehicle: 2001 Saab 9-5 SE V6t 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 4A)

I bought my Saab 2001 used with 20k miles in 2004, now has 98k miles. It has been a great dog mobile and triathlon equipment car. I have a love/hate relationship with the Turbo. It has gone once already as has the battery, brakes, cup holder, lights (frequently), electric panel, A/C, etc. I have easily spent over $10k in repairs. The ignition is in a terrible place and the car has turned off when a larger person passenger accidentally bumped the ignition. I thought it was a lemon but from reading other reviews this is typical of this model. I had hoped to drive it forever but I don't think it will last that long. The interior is nice but I won't buy a performance vehicle again.



Terrible hot!

by on
Vehicle: 2001 Saab 9-5 Aero 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

I live in the midwest and during this summer of 2012, we have experienced extreme daily heat (99-107 degrees F). My 9-5 Aero automatic usually performs flawlessly inside and out, but the heat has brought odd and annoying electrical problems: There is a "bing-bong" noise that let's you know when there is a problem, which would be helpful if it didn't do it every minute or two; the gas gage fluctuates from completely empty back to the accurate reading while the TSC/off light is on despite pushing the button, and I have replaced the same headlight three times this year. I love the car though. I drove to NYC and was able to get 31.0 mpg, which is incredible with 230 bhp.


 
 
 
Gas Mileage

EPA-Rated MPG

  • 19
  • cty
/
  • 28
  • highway
Calculate Yearly Fuel Costs
 

Other 9-5 Years

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Full 2001 Saab 9-5 Review

What's New for 2001

Entry-level models get more horsepower from the turbo four-cylinder while all models get the OnStar telematics system, turbo gauges and two new colors.

Talk About The 2001 9-5

 
 
 
 
 
 

More on the 2001 9-5