Used 1999 Saab 9-5 Consumer Reviews
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Impressed with ride, not Reliability
Last Saab, 07/25/2003
1999 Saab 9-5 SE 2.3t Turbo 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my 9-5 new in Germany. I bought it for safety, performance, and reliability. Handled great in Europe and is still fun to drive, when it works. Have 70,000 miles on it now and pay average of $600/4 months for service/reoccuring problems. Ex, the clutch system. The clutch lost pressure and became sloppy. Eventually, the clutch no longer engaged! The electronic displays are shorting out, seat controls are fragile. Throttle and ignition controls went out. It is not all bad. The car would cruise smoothly at 130mpr on German roads for 300+ miles/tank with 2x the range in the US. Brakes perform smoothly and stop the car with full control in a short space.
Bring back the hatchback!!!!
turkeyrun, 02/12/2005
1999 Saab 9-5 SE V6t 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my fourth Saab. Will buy another. Minor problems are constantly buying lightbulbs. Major problem in this car was a starter. But love the "old look." That was a classic style.
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See all 0 listingsbest car for the money...
sly51015, 10/28/2003
1999 Saab 9-5 2.3t 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
... and probably the most underrated car on the US market, along with Audi, part of it due to Edmunds editor's reviews. My previous cars were BMW and Audi. Saab offers more luxury and safety features than BMW and it's far more reliable. It doesn't handle as good as Audi (no other car that I've ever driven does), but it's much faster. 170 hp doesn't seem much, but when you have 207 ft-lbs. at 1800 rpm, it makes all the difference (you get to see in the rear view mirror much more acclaimed brands:) !
Over Engineered and Poorly Built
PRR, 10/31/2003
1999 Saab 9-5 SE 2.3t Turbo 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This has been a very unreliable car. Lots of things have gone wrong and have been replaced. Have become good friends with mechanics since I see them very regularly i.e. at scheduled maintenances and many times in between. Bad electrical system - head lights burn out regularly; climate control system that dictates to you. Very expensive to repair. Noisy when travelling. Still have original brakes but not much else original. High roof line so I can see out the front and my head does not hit the roof. There is no sunroof!!! Great cruise control and good mileage: 29.1 mpg for 95000 miles. In summary most expensive and worst new car that I have ever owned.
I love my Saab
Char, 05/29/2005
1999 Saab 9-5 SE 2.3t Turbo 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased the very first Saab 9-5 to be sold by the dealer in 1998. I compared it to the BMW, Audi, Lexus, and Volvo and found that I got more for the money with the Saab. I haven't had major problems, just normal wear and tear, although, the center display is starting to become unreadable after 7 years. The car still drives great, especially in sports mode. It's quite a smooth ride. If I could afford it, I would definitely purchase another 9-5.
Worst Excuse for a car!
KateBrandon, 12/26/2003
1999 Saab 9-5 SE V6t 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Where do I begin? My friend and I were both looking for cars back in '99. I wound up with this piece of crap and he bought Volvo's S80 T6 (twin turbo). The Saab has been so upsetting! His car has been great! My Saab, or should I say slob has had so many repairs. Having just over 65k miles I can remember the following: Engine leaks,transmission, electrical (sensors,computers,power windows twice,display blanked out), worst a/c of any car I've owned- list goes on. My friends Volvo S80 T6 has been virtually trouble free and he's got over 80,000 miles now! His car is so much nicer to drive too and leaves my Saab in the dust! I'll never buy a Saab again!
Constant Repairs
Cubbie 6, 12/26/2003
1999 Saab 9-5 SE 2.3t Turbo 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car is really fun to drive when it is drivable. We have only had the car for about a year and have only been able to drive it for half of that amount of time. It spends most of it's time in a repair shop. Our friends have started to call our situation the Saab story. It really is a fun sporty little car but I just don't have the hundreds and hudreds of dollers to fix it every month.
Disappointed in the Saab
cruzr412, 12/29/2003
1999 Saab 9-5 SE 2.3t Turbo 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased my Saab 9-5 based on it's exterior looks. I should have done more research. The best thing I did was purchase the extended warranty. It has been in the shop for 2 major repairs in the past 12 months. Minor problems also have plaqued the car. (Winshield wiper motars, brake lights, daytime running lights, etc). I expected more from a name like Saab.
Okay At First But Then......
BeetleCraze, 01/06/2004
1999 Saab 9-5 SE V6t 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
When I first bought this car I did like it. I bought it used with just 11,000 miles. I just hit the 50,000 mile mark and I have dumped so much money into this car already. When it runs, it's very nice to drive. The trouble is this car breaks down way too much. This is my first Saab and certainly my last. For a better vehicle, look to Mercedes, BMW, Volvo, or Audi. The Saab is not a good choice!
Least reliable car, Ever!
T in Seattle, 02/04/2006
1999 Saab 9-5 SE 2.3t Turbo 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought this car used in 2003 with 60k miles on it. Initially enjoyed its comfort, style and all that, but in 2.5 years have spent $10,000 (more than it is even worth now!) on repairs - DI unit, transmission (at 80k miles), and other, smaller but still spendy flaws too numerous to mention. Now the ABS has gone, and we stand to spend another thousand, and that is if my mechanic finds a used part. Had I known the car consumed money instead of gasoline, would have gone with another make. Could have bought two of something more reliable . . .
My Experience with a '99 SAAB
relady, 02/25/2004
1999 Saab 9-5 SE 2.3t Turbo 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had never owned a SAAB before but will continue to buy them based on my first experience. I am in my car continually and always find it a pleasure to drive. I love the way it handles. It's sporty, yet very reliable and functional. I have had extremely good luck with mechanics even though I put a lot of mileage on it in my line of business (I sell real estate). The only draw back is the price of repairs, I've overcome that somewhat by finding a great non-Dealer mechanic who knows SAABs and is not out to make beaucoup bucks!
First Saab
pcdrj, 03/10/2004
1999 Saab 9-5 SE V6t 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This was my first Saab. The car has been very reliable so far at 61000 miles. Performance is Ok. It could definitely use more power. Economy is so-so at about 21 mpg. Handling is too soft. Turning radius is poor. Interior room was pretty. Trunk space and rear seating is good. Front seats are as comfortable as I've. Console infringed on leg room a bit too much. Interior ergonomics leave a lot to be desired. Needs more/better cup holders. Computer is useless. Climate control worked well but need easier controls. Paint quality was poor and difficult to keep clean. Wheels were impossible to keep clean unless you wash them at least once a week.
Best car I've owned
donkle, 03/25/2004
1999 Saab 9-5 SE V6t 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Not only is this the best car I've ever owned, SAAB's warranty is AWESOME. Example: The decal peeled away from the front emblem... they replaced free, no questions asked. The dual zone climate control flaked out on me twice, but it righted itself within minutes... they replaced it even though the couldn't duplicate the problem. I drove this front-wheel drive beauty in a Noreaster in 2002 from NY, through the mountains of PA, to OH and it performed like a CHAMP. I want another.
It's a Love - Hate Relationship
CommuterMobile, 04/13/2004
1999 Saab 9-5 2.3t 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Love this SAAB. The wife convinced me to buy it. After putting 200K on my 1992 900, I thought it was time to upgrade. I forgot how much the dealership charges for small repairs - and Maintenance. That's where the hate comes in. They are really nice, and smile when they hand you the bill. Overall very satisfying experience - but the advertised loaner is never available.. for $37,000 your car should come with a trunk mounted scooter. The engine runs on air, everything from acceleration to braking is superb. Love the Stereo and climate controls. The Ride is awesome too. Hint - get winter wheels and tires - all seasons won't cut it.
Fun to drive all year round
Mark17171, 05/04/2004
1999 Saab 9-5 SE V6t 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased this vehicle used, with about 80,000 KM and have logged about 15,000 KM over the past year. I also purchased a 3 year bumper to bumper warrentee to cover off any incidental breakdowns. Zero so far. Did the brakes at a local discount shop and will do the plugs myself. Overall I am very pleased with this vehicle, and consider it a great used purchase @ 40% of original sticker price. However I also have piece of mind with the 3 year war. and would not go without one, as I suspect repair costs would be through the roof.
Strong Car built to last
kemosaabe, 05/19/2004
1999 Saab 9-5 SE V6t 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Very reliable, good dealership support, nothing has failed in 80,000 miles (usual wear items excepted). Very strong engine and excellent acceleration. Good winter car
Need optional towtruck
polo, 05/24/2004
1999 Saab 9-5 SE 2.3t Turbo 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car when running has been great. It has been towed in four times. The battery had been replaced three times, once because it blew up damaging under components, another time excessive corrison caused damage to transmission external areas. if this is not a lemon I don't know what is. It has been in the shop now for two + weeks. I can't afford to kep it much longer based on dependability. Its a nice car but the quality is terrible.
my 6th Saab
TMJ, 09/29/2004
1999 Saab 9-5 SE V6t 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned a Saab since 1970. The vehicle that I drive now is my 6th Saab and have been thoroughly satisfied with its performance. The only criticism I have pertains to the on board computer which malfunctions now and again especially on humid days. I have encountered this problem on previous models too! I also enjoy the sound system, probably the best in the field.
The best vehicle I've ever driven!
Jim, 12/07/2004
1999 Saab 9-5 SE 2.3t Turbo 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the most comfortable and spacious car I have ever owned (far more so than our SUV). I am 6'3" and 220 lbs and I can put the seat so far back I can't reach the clutch and my head isn't close to hitting the ceiling even with the sunroof. Extremely comfortable seats and incredible gas mileage -- I average about 29 mpg in town, and 35 on the highway.I have had to replace some parts: belt pulleys, wheel bearing, light bulbs, brakes, tires, but certainly not excessive for 95,000 miles. Parts do tend to be expensive, however.
Love My Saab
Budlet, 01/05/2005
1999 Saab 9-5 2.3t 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my second Saab.....I love the car, the way it handles, the safety record, and the overall look...(although I really preferred the old style to the current style). I really like the quirkiness of the car, I think you either love Saabs or hate them. I've also been very happy with the service I receive from my dealer....they've been terrific over the years.
Hot Swedish Piece of Junk
Scott, 03/04/2006
1999 Saab 9-5 SE 2.3t Turbo 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I'm in a love/hate relationship with this car. We bought it used two years ago and haven't gone six week without it being towed or in the shop, at an average repair cost of $300/month. In the first thirty days we had to spend $1200! I lost my patience when we topped $7,000 and resolved to buy a new car, but after two months of test drives and research I couldn't find a car at any price that I loved more. That changed last week when we got an estimate for yet another $3,000 of repairs. We've replaced the display system, the environmental control system, the emergency blinker button, seat heaters, wiper motor, driver's window motor, air bag light, water pump, blower and tires THREE times!
Great car until 100k miles!
Donna B, 07/31/2006
1999 Saab 9-5 SE V6t 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I loved my Saab until the warranty ran out. Great space, comfortable and the size of the trunk is unmatched! After the 100k warranty was up, major mechanical problems... ABS brakes, gas tank corrosion, leaking gaskets, serpentine belt... trade before it's too late!
A ton of car for the money
Martay, 11/30/2006
1999 Saab 9-5 2.3t 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
When I bought it, it was five years old and had 75,000 miles. I paid $7,500. All my friends thought I had spent $40,000 on a brand new car. The thing looks great, is extremely comfortable, and has a smooth ride. It is so nice to be able to drive 300+ miles and feel like you've been lounging in a recliner for five hours. Great power AND fuel economy! I've put about 50,000 miles on it. Had to replace: fuel pump, fuel pressure sensor (expensive), a relay of some sort, a wiring harness in trunk -- parts are expensive, but given the number of miles I put on the vehicle, I am quite happy with its reliability. Am extremely happy with purchase, and would strongly recommend.
Great Car
nmsaabowner, 12/10/2006
1999 Saab 9-5 SE 2.3t Turbo 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought my car with 57,000 miles on it in 2004. I love this car--It's comfortable, has classy good looks, and gets great gas mileage (32 mpg consistently). Since purchased, I've had to replace the DI cassette and throttle body ($900). Repairs can be costly, but the tradeoffs are worth it.
BG SAABer "mainichka"
Uri Papouktchiev, 04/08/2003
1999 Saab 9-5 2.3t 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
To all who hesitate whether to get SAAB or other European premium car: I bought the car on 58000milles. An year later I am at 95000milles. On the highway am getting easily 33- 35milles/gal. Changed the air filter with K&N and increased the basic pressure from 4psi to 12psi. Now I am having 210+ hp and the car is simply amazing. I was involved in single car accident once and survived with minor damages. The car very reliable and very stable on the road. In US these car are easy to find below TMV. Do not hesitate to get one when is 2-3year old.
Great Saab Travels
Saab Guy, 03/22/2007
1999 Saab 9-5 SE 2.3t Turbo 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I used to drive 20,000+ / yr and this car has been a great car. I handles like a champ and corners great. I have had to do a few costly repairs but when speaking with my friends who own BMW, Volvo and Mercedes, this car is much cheaper. On own highway the car glides on the road. If you are mechanically inclined the car is easy to work on. I started doing my own repairs and service about a year ago for fun. I can change out the spark plugs in less than 15 min. Mind you I was used to working on VW Bugs with their pancake engines, which was a hard spot to get to the cylinders. The road noise can be a little louder than competition though.
Never again
sadsaab, 04/12/2003
1999 Saab 9-5 SE 2.3t Turbo 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought a Saab after a drunk driver pushed me off the road in my old car and I did a rollover. I had a Subaru- which saved my life- but decided to go for an even safer car-according to reviews. HUGE MISTAKE! I have owned the car almost 9 months and I have had the car in for repair 7 times. I wait for 3 things to go wrong before bringing it inThey advertise having a loaner car avialable but even with 3 weeks notice no car. I am looking this month to trade it in. This is the WORST excuse for a car and the service is embarrassing. I wrote Saab USA and they basically told me buyer beware. Well, new potential buyer- BEWARE! Shame on you Saab.
Still Love It
ek, 04/14/2003
1999 Saab 9-5 SE 2.3t Turbo 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had the car for nearly a year now and 11,000 miles and still enjoy driving it every day. It is spacious, comfortable, and handles very well. The only part of the car that leaves something to be desired is the climate control. It is not intuitive, but I have gotten used to it. It is unique and gets good gas mileage. I would recommend it to anyone.
Awesome car after depreciation
rb676, 11/15/2007
1999 Saab 9-5 SE 2.3t Turbo 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought one two years ago with 91k miles. I have put on a little over 30k. I paid $7k and had to spend about $900 after the first month (all new belts). It's been great ever since. The headlamps burn out a little too frequently and my Theft Alarm has an annoying error. But that's fine, the harmon-kardon stereo is fantastic, the seats are as comfortable as can be, and the car just feels very smart and Scandanavian. I have one of the last Saab-Scanias. Hey... don't buy new! What can I say?
Solid Car
MAGICO, 05/29/2003
1999 Saab 9-5 SE 2.3t Turbo 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a fun car to drive, its safe and has respecable performace from a 4 cylinder.
155,000 miles
Great Car, 12/03/2007
1999 Saab 9-5 SE 2.3t Turbo 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've owned BMWs, Fords, Mitsubishis, an Audi and an Acura, but I'm most impressed with the SAAB. These are truly under rated cars. Mine has 155K miles. It's quick (in sport mode) great ride/handling combination. Paint and interior look nearly new. Reliability has been much better than expected. 25K MPG average is icing on the cake. Even with my miles the car feels solid and has no rattles. I change oil every 3-5K miles and change transmission oil every 30K. I've had the head bolts tightened (apparently important with 4 cylinder). Only unscheduled fix was a turbo at 140K. If SAAB would change the body style, I would buy another.
Falling apart
Irfan, 06/26/2003
1999 Saab 9-5 SE V6t 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
When i got the car, it was wonderful. VERY comfortable seats, easy to drive. drove it 16 hours straight from florida to ohio once. seats are great, power is good, sport mode is fun. handling is too soft. all of that still makes for a decent car... except the reliability.. in the 10months ive owned the car since mile 46000, ive had: sunroof rails problems, speakers, oil leak, fog light, electical system and starting troubles. this is in LESS than a year.. the first guy had shocks/info display covered under warranty. smooth ride, jsut not too fun, and its falling apart on me.
Best car I’ve ever had.
Farmhand , 12/26/2020
1999 Saab 9-5 2.3t 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my 20 year old 9-5 wagon from a one owner family for $750 and drove it 80 miles home on a bad DIC. Replaced the DIC, window rollers, and hatch struts myself, put on a set of used tires, replaced the subwoofer foam, patched a couple of holes, and it passed state inspection with no problem. At 138,000 miles it’s still young and is an absolute blast to drive. If you do your homework and know what you’re looking at, you can find a great car for not much money!
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