2004 Saab 9-5 Review and Specs

Summary

What Edmunds.com 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.

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

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.

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

Great driving car

Written by: jsima on 01/20/2009

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	9	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	8	Interior Design:	7	Reliability:	8
Fuel Economy:	10	Exterior Design:	8

Vehicle

2004 Saab 9-5 Arc 2.3T 4dr Sport Wagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

Bought it used with 28000 miles. This is a really great driving and performing car. Have had many problems, but all were fixed by dealer under good factory warranty. Gas mileage is very good and performance is outstanding. I get 28 - 30 mpg highway driving on a regular basis. 5 speed

Favorite Features

Great gas mileage and plenty of turbo power when needed.

Suggested Improvements

Better and bigger cup holders.

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Great Used Value

Written by: hal9000 on 12/06/2008


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	9	Build Quality:	9
Comfort:	9	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	8
Fuel Economy:	9	Exterior Design:	10

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.

Exterior. Interior. Speed (50-80mph passing in sport mode is devastating!). Surprising fuel efficiency. I drive 75-80mph on the highway and still avg. 29-31mpg which isn't bad for a vehicle with 250hp. Lots of cargo room. They're also great in the snow if you need it.

Remarkable Balance

Written by: Slee_Stack on 07/16/2008


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	9	Build Quality:	9
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	8
Fuel Economy:	9	Exterior Design:	9

2004 Saab 9-5 Aero 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Although I've only owned my Aero for just over two months, I've had some good experience with what this car excels at and what may be trouble spots. With all its gadgetry, I've already had my share of glitches, most notably poor performing rain-sensing wipers, a result of a poor sensor. Various electrical gremlins also pop up on occasion, but are mild irritants at worst. The 9-5 in Aero guise is a great looking and oddly rare car in the sea of Bimmers, Lexii, and Benz that swarm the roads of Atlanta. While in no way a neck-snapper, the Aero has plenty enough zip to best most 'sporty' sedans on the road. Where it truly dazzles is doing this and still returning 30mpg on the highway

Speed & fuel economy balance, ventilated and comfortable seats, great stereo, programmable features, uniqueness

Get rid of the gimmicky and near- useless cup holder, less body roll on hard corners, better paddle shifter design / performance, smooth the ride over small bumps and rough pavement.

Purchasing Overseas & Shipping Delivery

Written by: Dennis S. Williams on 06/23/2008


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	9	Build Quality:	9
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	8	Exterior Design:	10

Having purchased this car in Germany just before returning to the US for a new job, I was worried about having it delivered to an unfamiliar dealership. My worries were unfounded as I have continued to have the car (as well as my older '98) serviced and maintained at the dealership and have been very satisfied.

Little things like hand holds for getting in and out as well as storage pockets on the seats and a clip for car parking tickets.

Include the option for a factory GPS.

Sold on saab

Written by: dave strasser on 12/06/2007


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	9	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	9	Interior Design:	8	Reliability:	9
Fuel Economy:	8	Exterior Design:	9

2004 Saab 9-5 Arc 2.3T 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

1st experience driving a Saab. Fun to drive, gets up and goes with great handling, comfortable driving, very reliable, Saab design lives up to its crash testing superiority as a safe car. Wife just got in a 50mph head on, everyone ok. I'm buying another without hesitation!!Great car.

Dual cup holders in front and a better latching gas cap access door. Don't drive on Pirelli tires, go for a better Michelin (they hold up longer).

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

2004 Saab 9-5 Consumer Ratings & Reviews