Used 2008 Saab 9-5 Consumer Reviews
Used 9-5 for sale
1...
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2008 9-5, so we've included reviews for other years of the 9-5 since its last redesign.
A Very Safe and Reliable Sports Sedan
ultimate95aero, 07/12/2014
updated 07/13/2016
2007 Saab 9-5 4dr Sedan w/Aero Package (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
30 of 32 people found this review helpful
My 2007 Saab 9-5 2.3T Arc is a great car to own and really fun to drive. It's a great "everyday" driving car, and the turbocharged Inline-4 can make accelerating and passing folks a blast. Some people know about Saab's dedication to safety, and this car is no exception. It comes standard with plenty of airbags for everyone, very comfy seats with advanced seat belt restraints and safety systems, and a parking assist system that is optional on each 9-5 model. As for reliability, I have had no major issues (knock on wood), just a few normal maintenance items here and there. A list is provided below. (I would highly suggest only buying OEM replacement parts - 3rd Party Parts will generally last less than 1/3 of the time listed below) [*WARNING*: These are ONLY estimates and with NO labor included unless noted] FULL Synthetic Oil Changes (Every 6K Miles @ $40) Coolant Bypass Valve (Every 40K Miles @ $20) Gas Cap (Every 50K Miles @ $20) Automatic Transmission Fluid (3309 ATF) (Every 60K Miles @ $60) Direct Ignition Cassette and new Spark Plugs (Every 60-80K Miles @ $450) Crankshaft Postiion Sensor (Every 80K Miles @ $80) Throttle Body Assembly (Every 100K Miles @ $550) Tires are around $780 (alignment and labor included) for decent all-season tires (235/45R17) (Every 40K Miles) ESTIMATED TOTAL Maintenance Per 100K Miles = $3,420-$5,000 These are the replacements I've done myself so far but I know I will NEED to replace the fuel pump around 100K Miles ($900 plus labor). These replacements and the overall preventative maintenance for the 9-5 car are quite inexpensive in the long run compared to other automobiles (especially the German type). The most important thing to remember is that the Trionic 7 Engine Management System is one of the most advanced EMS ever developed, so you will know exactly what you need fixed if/when the Engine Light comes on. The instrument display and entire car also has few "Saabish" (neat) items to show off. I am proud to say that I own and drive a Saab, especially a Saab 9-5.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
An outstanding Swede
Dan Sim, 10/22/2010
2008 Saab 9-5 Aero 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
I have had 17 Saabs of all variants since 1966. The Aero is the fastest safest and the most attractive of all. It has all the useful gadgets with out too much trendy clutter. audio is outstanding. The 235x17 tires, P6, are a bit noisy is a compromise for great performance. I am happy to get the final version of the 9000-95 evolution.I have had 2 of each. The orig. 86 9000T, a 91 9000T, a 01 95t Arc and now the 98 Aero. The 2.3 turbo remains a great motor, better than most 50% above its size. The Aero joins my 07 93, 74 Sonnett,73 96 v-4 and 68 96 v-4 in the driveway.
Hopefully the SECRET will live on...
MD, 07/16/2009
2008 Saab 9-5 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
I purchased my Saab after needing a sedan to mate with my Suburban that achieves a more corporate style, without going over the top. I have had my eye on the 9-5 for years. This is the best SECRET car buy out there. Like other reviewers, I was able to get mine at a great price and although it lacks some refinement, this is a great car. Highway driving I get 30mpg and in the curves it is a fun car to drive. My wife drives a Volvo XC70, which we love for its utility and space with two children and a dog, but the Saab has it beat! The Suburban is a living room on wheels with 4WD; great for trips and the outdoors. The Saab is just plain FUN and I get compliments all the time.
Poor man's luxury sport
tbill2, 08/22/2011
updated 01/06/2016
2007 Saab 9-5 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
For some reason there are a glut of these 9-5s off-lease and available at reasonable prices. I'm basically happy with mine, it's been reliable, a good and economical performer although mine is plagued with the same as others gripe about; harsh ride at slower speeds and a persistent rattle. The turbo provides abundant acceleration (sport mode is a blast) and the car is a dream to drive in tight x-way traffic. It has the best brakes I've ever experienced, very comfortable seats, excellent sound system, and it looks classy (IMO). My Saab dealer has also been responsive thus far. No real worries. Update Jan 2016. Bought new tires (Bridgestone Turanza Serenity Plus) to replace the older Firestones which were the source of all the noise. Once balanced properly, these new tires reduced the road noise and upgraded the ride and feel significantly. It was like getting a new car. This car is a wonder from 60 - 85 mph. Smooth and responsive. Now 96,500 miles, only regular service.
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
Fast, spacious, classy
Adrian, 10/08/2008
2008 Saab 9-5 Aero SportCombi 4dr Wagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
After driving several fleet Saab 9-5s in Norway, we bought one when moving to Canada. It's roomy, has great pace on the highway and (from the Norway experience) good dynamics on hard pack snow, despite not being 4WD. Comes with lots of great gadgets (for the price) which fortunately do not lead to a profusion of switches and clutter. Only gripe is the easily marked interior plastic surfaces.
1...