2003 Saab 9-5 Review
Fuel Economy
19 - 22 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
A likable sedan (and wagon) in numerous ways, but it lags behind the competition when it comes to providing class-leading luxury or performance. The wagon version, however, with its seductive style and superior functionality comes across much better.
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 2003
After last year's extensive round of improvements, the 9-5 received only minor upgrades for 2003. All five-speed automatic-equipped models now have the Sentronic manual-shift feature with steering wheel-mounted controls. Ventilated sport seats are now optional on the Aero, while electronic stability control is now standard on all models.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Huge disappointment
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 6 | Fun-to-Drive: | 6 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 4 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 6 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Saab 9-5 Linear 2.3t 4dr Sport Wagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
Review
Bought the car with 44,000 miles on it, thinking SAAB was a quality brand and would last for years. Unfortunately, I had not heard that repairs on a SAAB are extremely expensive. The car was initially fun, lots of bells and whistles. After 2 months, things started going wrong. The computer that controlled the temperature panel went out. The module controlling the high beams failed. The plastic panel under the driver's seat broke. Power locks did not work correctly. Other small items broke or stopped working. The final straw was at 96,000 miles when the throttle assembly went out. After a repair cost of over $1000, I traded in the car. I will not buy another SAAB.
Favorite Features
Fun to drive on dry pavement.
Suggested Improvements
Really need to improve the quality for a car at this price point. Needs traction control so it handles better in snow.
My Feeling Are HURT
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 4 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Saab 9-5 Aero 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
Review
I once loved this car. I traded my 1999 9-5 Linear with 110k mi for this AERO. The Linear was much better. The only leg up this car has is the acceleration and body cladding. In one year, I have replaced the engine, replaced the head gasket for the replacement engine, fuel pump, injectors, turbo, DI cassette, SID display, tabs that keep the windows from rattling, an electrical junction box, and I paid for emission hose updates (not covered by warranty), and yesterday a pully broke leaving me stranded. The car has only 71k miles, and I've owned it for only a year. This is my 3rd and worst SAAB. This car was built for the service bay and not the road. My love affair with SAABs is over.
Favorite Features
Acceleration, sporty looks, Stereo sound system (in CD mode).
Suggested Improvements
Needed storage compartments for sunglasses, and realistic cup holders (or ie: water bottle holders built into the doors) and an MP3/AUX input jack. I hope Koenigsegg uses absolutely NOTHING from the GM parts bin for future SAABs. Period.
Brilliant
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Saab 9-5 Arc 3.0t 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 5A)
Review
I am in Australia and I have the Arc. May I first say before I start that I owned a BMW 3 series and was after something more. I wanted another BMW (5 series) but I saw this beautiful thing across the car yard. I took it for a test drive and immediately fell in love with it. Quick off the line, the mid range clout was like nothing I have felt before. If you are thinking of buying a BMW, forget it, get a SAAB 95 Arc. More luxury and more power!!
Favorite Features
Power, so much power. Just the Power.
Suggested Improvements
More lateral seat support. When you go around a corner your backside slides across!!
GM's poor Engine Quality
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 5 | Fun-to-Drive: | 5 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 5 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Saab 9-5 Linear 2.3t 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
Review
We bought this car pre-owned, had it inspected from a certified SAAB dealership and owning it for less than 2 years, we have spent over $3,000 on repairs. The quality of this car is lousy. Bought the car with 45,000 miles on it, and abruptly the warranty expires at 50,000 miles. Since I am a previous owner of an Infiniti, I was used to the warranty expiration at 60k. Immediately after warranty expires, our fuel pump fails, our alternator fails, engine coolant leak, and now we have a constant engine oil leak (header) which will cost more to repair than what the car is now worth. And due to the fact that Saab is an import, all parts are imported and marked up.
Favorite Features
The space is excellent. Backseat room is wonderful. The wood grain dashboard is appealing. Love the computer gauges. Fuel economy is about 28mpg city/34mpg hwy. Trunk room is large.
Suggested Improvements
The entire engine quality needs improvements. Engine should not have as many failures prior to 60,000 mile. The dashboard shakes at idle. This is why more people are buying Japanese make cars (quality/affordability).
No Resale Value
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 4 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 5 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 6 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Saab 9-5 Aero 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
Review
DO NOT buy this car on the used market. Bought mine CPO in 2006 for $19k. Owned it for 2.5 years, still owe $11k on this. Heard from dealer that they are going for $4k at auction. So I'm in the hole $7k. Car is not worth it. Yeah it's quick, gets good gas mileage, and is fun to drive, but that's about it. Reliability is crap. Eats through tires and is in the shop at least 2 times a year. Go with a BMW, you'll be much happier.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
Make it not depreciate so quickly.
View Pricing for Other Years
Research the 2003 Saab 9-5
Buying & Selling
Vehicle Details
Multimedia
Ratings & Reviews
- Model Review
- Road Test Ratings
- Road Test Reviews
- Consumer Reviews
- Awards History
- Reliability
- Consumer Discussions
Payment Calculators
Helpful Tools
