2005 Saab 9-5 Review
Fuel Economy
20 - 21 mpg
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 2005
An in-dash DVD-based navigation system is added to the options list. Arc models receive a new 16-inch wheel design.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Excellent car so far & very good value
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Saab 9-5 Aero 4dr Sport Wagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
Review
2.5 years and 35,000 miles in LA traffic, and no real complaints. A few minor service items, but the car has been very reliable (as was the 2001 that I had before it). Superb highway cruiser. Smooth & quiet, with good acceleration once you get over about 15 MPH. Excellent value for the money. This was engineered to be a BMW 5 series competitor in its day, and the quality level is in that category.
Favorite Features
Superb seats, good stereo, smooth aerodynamics (no wind noise with sun roof open). Good handling. Great brakes.
Suggested Improvements
Lighten the nose and introduce 4 wheel drive. Reduce turbo lag. More interior storage (cup holders, for example) would be nice. These are minor issues, considering the value proposition.
Fine car but not bullet proof
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Saab 9-5 Arc 2.3T 4dr Sport Wagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
Review
My wife is the primary driver, but we've both logged enough miles to form an opinion. First, the good: handling, acceleration, brakes, ride comfort. Looks good in an understated way from all angles. Love that tight turning circle. Wife loves the turbo boost, cargo space and six-way seat. 26-28 mpg with manual transmission. The midnight blue, she found, is not invisible to police radar however. The not so good: ABS and water pumps failed, some headlight relay issues, rear ABS sensor/hub replaced. All under warranty. Road noise a bit high with Pirellis and replacement Bridgestone Potenzas. On balance we're aiming for 200K, but expect it will not be a cheap ride.
Favorite Features
Ride comfort, acceleration, handling, cargo space, front/side visors.
Suggested Improvements
Integrate front cup holders into console. Less rubbery feel to manual shifter. Improve cabin sound insulation.
I Love my Saab 9-5
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Saab 9-5 Arc 2.3T 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
Review
This is my first "nice" car and I love the performance, comfort, and gas mileage I get (consistently 27-28 MPG). The Turbo engine is something I can't live without. I'm looking forward to it handling the snow this winter!!!
Favorite Features
I love the smooth, responsive ride and ergonomics of the seating. Plenty of horsepower to merge quickly if needed.
Suggested Improvements
Cosmetically, more wood paneling on the interior and on the steering wheel would add to the classiness of the car.
Saab 9.5
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Saab 9-5 Aero 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
Review
Love my Saab. Very sturdy. Nicely styled, good mileage. Fun to drive. Lots of energy. Have not had any maintenance issues. Could use more cup holders and storage space in front seat. Doesn't do quite as well in snowy conditions as I'd hoped, but still reasonable. Repair for run into deer involving front bumper was very expensive.
Favorite Features
Zip with acceleration. Exterior appearance.
Suggested Improvements
More storage/cup holders. Better snow traction.
Bang for the Buck
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Saab 9-5 Arc 2.3T 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
Review
The 2005 9-5 Arc is a whole lot for a rather moderate price, compared to competitors. Reliability is first on the list and, although not the reason for purchasing the vehicle, gas economy is phenominal at 28+ MPG (combined city and highway). Road feel is superb and the way that saab manages to squeeze power out of a 4 cylinder engine in unbelievable. With the "sport" feature that comes standard, you can get the feel of driving a much more expensive sports car, although your fuel economy will suffer just a bit. I am pleased as can be with the vehicle!
Favorite Features
Added option -- rear bridge spoiler. For only $600 it really differentiates the vehicle. Driveability, feel for the road.
Suggested Improvements
The challenge will be to keep the vehicle intact while having to make cosmetic changes for marketability and keeping up (or ahead) of the competition.
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2009 Saab 9-5
- 2008 Saab 9-5
- 2007 Saab 9-5
- 2006 Saab 9-5
- 2005 Saab 9-5
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