2001 Saab 9-5 Review
Fuel Economy
19 - 22 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
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.
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 two new colors.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
What a disappointment
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 5 | Fun-to-Drive: | 1 | Build Quality: | 4 |
| Comfort: | 5 | Interior Design: | 1 | Reliability: | 4 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 4 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Saab 9-5 2.3t 4dr Wagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
Review
Have owned many makes and models of vehicles, this Saab is the most disappointing along with any service from dealership. I feel like I'm driving on eggshells as this thing bounces all over the road when hitting normal highway bumps in the road. Dealership says shocks are fine. The placement of ignition has got to be the most unsafe place any designer could have chosen. Too many little and big things have gone wrong with this vehicle. I hate it - would never recommend and tell anyone who will listen not to purchase a Saab.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
Move the ignition to a safe place. Normal wear and tear items should be easy to replace. (i.e. I refuse to pay dealership $$$ to replace the tailgate cylinder so it stays open.) It's a $47 dollar part and I've got to remove the roof cover plates, D pillar trim, etc?
My 2nd Saab this year!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Saab 9-5 Aero 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
Review
I just moved up from a 9-3 SE to a 9-5 Aero. These are the first two Saabs I've ever owned. The 9-3 met an untimely end but it wasn't the car's fault. So we looked around for a couple of weeks and found this gem. The ride is great, it is a little punchier than the 9-3, and these cars are actually roomy for a 6'6" guy to drive. Previous owner kept it flawless. It's eight years old with 53K on it.
Favorite Features
Front seats, sunroof, interior styling, road handling.
Suggested Improvements
Nice ride!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Saab 9-5 SE V6t 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 4A)
Review
Nice Ride! Interior very roomy. Split rear seat makes it easy to put a couple of snowboards and gear in trunk and still be able to have someone sit in the back!
Favorite Features
Heated seats, sport mode, winter mode when driving on ice.
Suggested Improvements
The car is awesome! It is a quality built car. When you shut the door you can hear how solid it sounds!
Perplexed as heck!!!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 6 | Fun-to-Drive: | 6 | Build Quality: | 6 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 4 |
| Fuel Economy: | 4 | Exterior Design: | 5 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Saab 9-5 SE V6t 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 4A)
Review
Bought a used 2001 95 wagon in jan.'08. The first 8 months-great! Then, starting issues began. Replaced starter, battery, ignition cassettes; still won't start now and then! Googled "Saab issues" and can't fathom how many problems there are. Why are they allowed to continue to sell these defective things! Is it GM or a pre-GM issue? I'm so over it I could puke. Oh, the power window issue and the rear light failures, too! When it starts I could drive it to California and back (from KY where I live), but don't dare let it sit for a few hours! Any input or thoughts? I'm at my wits end! No more Saabs for me!
Favorite Features
It is comfortable... the power is good... the roominess too... the heated seats, yay!
Suggested Improvements
Engineering!!!! Ignition/starter area needs to be resolved ASAP! Fuel economy is better on highway than city, of course, as with most cars.
Too Much Hassle
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 5 | Fun-to-Drive: | 6 | Build Quality: | 6 |
| Comfort: | 5 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 3 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Saab 9-5 Aero 4dr Wagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
Review
Lots of mechanical issues. Two ignition modules, SIDs display is failing, heater controls cause the right side to switch to uncontrollable full on heat. Engineering stinks - catalytic converter right next to oil pan and cooks the oil. Must change the oil at no more than 5K miles. Very noisy interior. At 60,000 miles the engine failed. Recommended 10K oil changes followed religiously. Saab knew this was faulty but did not publicize in States tho Europe knew all about it then tried to stiff me on an engine replacement until lawsuit broke loose a new engine. Apparently system does not save fault codes on many failures.
Favorite Features
Handles really well, especially with the low profile tires. Love the heated seats. But not a lot stands out with this car - styling is very nice but cannot stand the horrible looking wheels - many look like locomotive wheels. Very strange because the Swedish aesthetic is usually wonderful.
Suggested Improvements
Greatly improve engineering - this is NOT GM problem but is a holdover from previous SAAB design. International Motors is NOT a helpful dealer once they have sold the car. They will offer no help with anything out of the ordinary.
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