2004 Saab 9-5 Review
2004 Saab 9-5 Review
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Used 9-5 for sale
Appraise This CarSaab 9-5 model years
Saab 9-5 types
- Sedan
- Wagon
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Best-in-class crash scores, long list of standard features, plush highway ride, supportive seats, large trunk.
Cons
- Turbo lag at low speeds, suspension too soft for aggressive driving, interior materials could use improvement.
What’s new
For 2004, the Linear model is available only as a wagon. Arc models drop their 200-horsepower V6 and standard automatic transmission in favor of a 220-hp, four-cylinder turbo and a five-speed manual; an automatic remains optional. The Arc also picks up lower body cladding and is eligible for a 17-inch sport wheel package. Bi-xenon headlights are now offered as a stand-alone option on Arc and Aero models. Ventilated front seats, previously standard on the Arc, are now optional. Additionally, Aero models get a more aggressive lower body kit.
Edmunds says
A likable sedan in numerous ways, but it lags behind the competition when it comes to providing class-leading luxury or performance. In wagon form, however, its seductive style and superior functionality make it a more attractive proposition.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2004 Saab 9-5 Linear 2.3t 4dr SportWagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M) 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 $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$190/mo for 9-5 Linear 2.3T
9-5 Linear 2.3T
vs
$176/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2004 Saab 9-5.
5 star(86%)
4 star(9%)
3 star(1%)
2 star(3%)
1 star(1%)
113 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
Great Used Value
hal9000, 12/07/2008
2004 Saab 9-5 Aero 4dr Sport Wagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
I think '04-05 Saab 9-5s are one of the best kept secrets on the used market.The resale value of GM era Saabs stinks. Bad if you want to buy a used one and sell it in two years. Great if you want a terrific content filled bargain you can drive for years. All the early bugs have been worked out. You get a vehicle that ranks tops in safety. Speed if you want it. Fuel efficiency if you want … it. Plenty of passenger and cargo room. Very smooth ride(even with my Aero suspension). I also prefer the body style of the '04-05 vs. the '06. Don't be scared of the Saab stories you here from people. Most are probably from 9-3 owners and those are a very different vehicle than the 9-5.
5 out of 5 stars
Keeping mine till they start making them again!
Joe L, 01/21/2018
2004 Saab 9-5 Arc 2.3T 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
Bought mine new in 2004 and am now approaching 150,000 miles. All three of my kids learned to drive with the Saab, and it became their car of choice (even though it lacks modern features like USB or Aux ports to the stereo). My only major issue so far was a HVAC failure that cost hundreds to repair. Otherwise, engine and transmission remain solid (knock on wood). The car still … handles as well as anything I have owned or rented - a perfect balance between riding comfort and handling, in my opinion. And my gas mileage has been excellent. Low to mid 30s on the highway, blended average in the low to mid 20s. It's also an excellent winter car (I live in Minneapolis). I have had great luck with Nokian tires and with Firestone.
5 out of 5 stars
I bought mine new
TD02131, 08/04/2010
2004 Saab 9-5 Linear 2.3t 4dr SportWagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
I am not one to keep a car, I usually trade before the warranty runs out. This is the first car I've kept beyond the warranty. I traded a new Toyota Highlander in on it, the Highlander was just boring to drive. The Saab has never disappointed. I have been considering trading it, but I can't find anything better for the money. I may run this one for 300,000 miles. They're right about the … tires - go with the michelins. Cup holders are not my priority when deciding on a vehicle. In fact, I hate all the cars with open cup holders that get gunk in them. It's roomy, safe, reliable and fun to drive.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Bought It New...Hoping Saab Stays In Business!
mr_monza, 07/29/2011
2004 Saab 9-5 Arc 2.3T 4dr Sport Wagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
We bought this car in August of 2004 while my wife was pregnant.
We needed the utility of a station wagon but wanted something that was fun to drive and had a decent level of luxury appointments.
The Saab has not disappointed!
This is a medium sized wagon that's comfortable and has plenty of space for a trip to the beach.
It gets over 30 MPG on the highway and has a very spirited … performance from its 220 HP turbo.
It's not our only car, so it has low mileage (around 32 K).
It has not had any significant problems at all----a very safe and reliable car.
The quality of the materials is excellent.
The paint finish remains like new. No complaints at this point---still love driving it.
2004 9-5 Highlights
Sedan
Arc 2.3T
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $34,775 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $190/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 15.9 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the 9-5 include:
- Alarm
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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 – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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