Used 2001 Saab 9-5 Consumer Reviews
Used 9-5 for sale
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Consider this car
Bluewater42, 12/11/2003
2001 Saab 9-5 SE V6t 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I'm very happy with my 2001 SE V-6 Saab. After two A-6's, I'm enjoying the reliabilty (zero problems), great dealer support and what I feel is a great performing car. Plenty of power, esp. with S mode on, very comfy ride and seats, great stereo, lot's on nice amenities. Given what these vehicles go for used, I think they are a great buy, but I would skip 1999 year.
Love this car!
notasoccermom, 12/23/2003
2001 Saab 9-5 2.3t 4dr Wagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my wagon to replace/upgrade from my Honda wagon. Absolutely love this car! I put on about 250 miles/week commuting, plus errands. Seats are extremely comfortable, ride is quiet, automatic turbo is quick off the light. Did have a problem with the turbo at 20K miles; dealership fixed it under warranty and didn't cost me a dime. Not good in snow, much to my surprise - have to get snow tires. Even so, my husband has a brand new SUV; I much prefer my car over his (except in the snow).
2001 Saab 9-5 for sale near you
Showing 2 of 2 listings
- 2.3t SedanMSRP: $3,9991,994 mi away
- 2.3t SedanMSRP: N/A1,171 mi away
Pretty nice car if you don't pay retail
oddity2, 12/28/2003
2001 Saab 9-5 SE V6t 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My second Saab and a step up from the 9-3 with manual 5-speed. The interior is roomier and more thoughtfully designed and the exterior design is much more attractive than the 9-3, which resembles a cockroach. I chose the V6 because of turbo lag with the 4-banger. The V6 is quick, especially in sport mode. It cruises effortlessly at supralegal speeds. On regular gas it gets 22 mpg in mixed city driving, rising to 32 mpg on the freeway. The car was a sweet lease deal; various incentives brought the cap cost $8500 below MSRP. Having driven the car for 2.5 years though, I really think of it as a $32K car.
Great 2001 Aero
alrennett, 01/19/2004
2001 Saab 9-5 Aero 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Having driven the Saab 95 Aero for 27 month now it has been a outstanding preformer. It gets 26 MPG and has all the power you need in any situation on the highway and in city traffic. It is easy to park and is very nice looking. We still get looks in parking losts and at the store on the looks of the car.
SAAB Certified 9-5se Wagon
strentky, 04/28/2004
2001 Saab 9-5 SE V6t 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My Wife and I purchased this untitled, program car with 7000 miles and have driven it to 55,000 (mostly) trouble free miles. Saab has provided excellent service and this has kept us coming back to them for regular maintenance items and oil changes. I believe that this car will indeed last well beyond the 100,000 mile, 7yr. warranty that is provided as part of the certification process. The two things that have given us problems are the Trip Computer (which will fail in any 9-5 eventually), and the transmission linkage. Both were replaced under warranty (no charge).
Fun to own
snowbirdco, 05/02/2004
2001 Saab 9-5 2.3t 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Saab is extremely comfortable, it drives well in good and bad weather. Very fun to drive. This car puts a smile on my face everytime I walk up to it!
Less than expected
Sboc, 05/28/2004
2001 Saab 9-5 SE V6t 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The only way to drive this car is in the Sport Mode. - without it, it's just a regular car. Body integrity is less than expected for this $$, has squeaks and rattles. Car's electronics are weak, Check Engine light comes on and I've already had to replace Oxygen sensors
Pretty, comfortable, powerful, stylish
odoyal, 06/27/2004
2001 Saab 9-5 SE V6t 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is fun, stylish, and very comfortable. The sport mode of the 95 saab is a real nice kick when you hit the gas and is a considerable step up from the normal mode. The cup holders are a negative but with the long list of standard features, it more than makes up for it. Also OnStar is nice to have if your willing to pay the extra $120-$300 a year. I would get the 3 liter because there is more than enough power and isn't as noisy as my friend's aero version.
awesome car
kelb, 07/04/2004
2001 Saab 9-5 SE V6t 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought the car new and loved it from day one. Very smooth and quick - especially highway driving. Great handling and low noise at 100 MPH (so I hear). Roomy interior easily matches more expensive cars such as BMW 5 series. Masquerades as a stylish family sedan, but absolute road rocket at heart.
Little Room for Improvement
IamArchangel, 07/19/2004
2001 Saab 9-5 Aero 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After owning this car for several months I can honestly say it is the moost wonderful vehicle I have ever driven...it runs like a scared rabbit on the short runs and floats down the interstate like a caddy when cruising long distance. Best of both worlds, I say. Don't give up the "boy" in you for comfort and style cause you have it all the 9-5 Aero!!
SPORTWagon
jsharnik, 08/15/2004
2001 Saab 9-5 SE V6t 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am constantly delighted by the smooth mid-range power available through the 3.0 liter, 6-cyl., low-pressure turbo engine. It is unfortunate that this engine is no longer available and that Saab is moving away from the Swedish- engineered and built automobile. This is probably the first and the last Saab I'll ever buy. GM is in the process of destroying this brand, as far as I am concerned. Back to the car: the Sport setting is a real blast on country roads, and I am delighted at how tightly the car is put together. It is also a very comfortable car to drive and to ride in.
The Most Fun to Drive
Saab RC, 08/22/2004
2001 Saab 9-5 Aero 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My wife and I road tested various models of BMW, Audi, Infiniti, Acura, Lexus before deciding on the Saab 9-5 Aero. Only competitor for sheer fun to drive was the BMW 3 series, but that car was much smaller with poor rear seat and trunk space. After 28,000 miles, the 9-5 has been reliable, still feels rock solid, safe and roomy enough for kids, handles beautifully and oh, that turbo kick that presses you back into your seat! Nits: 1. the bumpers are poorly designed--if you get a few scratches on the black ribbon in the middle, you have to replace the whole thing. 2. Road noise is greater than it should be for a car in this range, especially on concrete highways
I enjoy my driving
r34, 09/24/2004
2001 Saab 9-5 Aero 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My 01 9-3 was hit by a big truck on a highway. My wife was driving it and walked out ok. We decided to trade a little bit of reliability (not buying a Japanese car) with driving pleasure (buying an European car). We decided to get a certified Saab (you need it). The dealer didn't do the certification very well and we had to get them fix certain minor things. Overall the car is more responsive than my 9-3 and the interior is much better. It is more like a luxury sedan than the 9-3. We want to be there all the time, even sitting in the car doing nothing Now we cannot "escape" from Saab.
going strong after 2.5 years
mgjazz, 10/11/2004
2001 Saab 9-5 SE V6t 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Since initially test driving the car and drivng it off the lot, the car has performed flawlessly. I don't ask much of the vehicle, but it does everything I need it to. In its first 15,000, I drove lots of stop and go. Now, its smooth sailing every day. In both situations, the car has been happy and so have I, except for the traffic. Maintenance has been limited. The only surprise has been brakes - but I suppose this is due more to the stop and go traffic rather than the components. Out here where it gets hot in the summer (not as hot as Arizona or Nevada, but hot nonetheless) the lenses on the headlights developed cracks and were replaced without questions. A solid performer.
Saab lover
us-dane, 12/24/2004
2001 Saab 9-5 Aero 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I got my 9/5 Aero about 3 month ago and im loving it so far. No mechanical problems at all.Driving 100 mph in the Saab is like diving 40 in other cars. It handles very vell and is comfortable to sit in for longer trips. There is so much power in this thing you can toy around traffic with all the power you want and precision steering.
Love it!
grocerygetter, 03/07/2005
2001 Saab 9-5 Aero 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Love my car. Love it so much. The manual transmission is a blast to drive, especially downshifting to 4th to kick in that turbo. Sturdy and safe and comfy for me (5'4) and hubby (6'2) and our family. We couldn't be happier!
My fifth Saab
Paul in PA, 06/08/2005
2001 Saab 9-5 2.3t 4dr Wagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Another great Saab. Lots of room for camping and a comfortable ride. My gas mileage was 32 driving to South Carolina with the AC on full time (5-speed manual.) Just like a tank in the snow with four snow tires, of course. Just won a People's Choice award at Saabs in Carlisle at the Carlisle Import/Replicar show in May, so the looks are great.
Last Saab Owner
Scott, 07/16/2005
2001 Saab 9-5 SE V6t 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car to drive but when it runs. Without a doubt the least dependable car I've ever owned (including a Chevette in college). 52,000 miles and I've replaced the turbo twice, two oil leaks, digital dash display and the front left wheel bearing. Now, it won't start-jury still out as to why. I bought this car $12k under MSRP new and 3 years into a 5 year note I'm still $3k upside down. It seems many people know not to buy this car reflected by its resale, or lack there of. Maybe it's the 6-cyl as Saab quite making it. My Saab experience has been unbelievably poor to say the least. RUN!
Saab Reality
8AA2YM, 11/14/2005
2001 Saab 9-5 SE V6t 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This was my second Saab. It was great to drive, and my dealership treated me like a king. Things started going wrong with the V-6 in this car, though. I began to notice a degradation in engine performance at about 42K miles. I had it in the shop at 48K when I decided to trade it in. In any case, My 3 Saabs have required little unscheduled maintenance other than many fog light lens replacements.
Saab
Chrisopher Jaworowic, 01/31/2006
2001 Saab 9-5 Aero 4dr Wagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased vehicle to replace a 2002 Isuzu Trooper. Saab Wagon is more versatile, much safer to drive, handles better, more economical & overall a great alternative to a SUV. Really surprised at how fast the car is, many times have 'burned rubber' pulling out into traffic!
Love this car
M Hoffman, 09/01/2006
2001 Saab 9-5 2.3t 4dr Wagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
In 2001, my wife wanted a new car and we purchased this 9-5 wagon. Other than replacement of the direct ignition cassette and one wheel bearing, it has been relatively problem free for more than 90,000 miles. The DIC was replaced under a recall at no cost. Just drove car through western Canada, averaged 28 mpg. Love this car.
Best Car I've Owned!
salmal, 11/06/2006
2001 Saab 9-5 Aero 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've owned my Aero since day 1 and mile 0. Picked it up in Trollhatten, Sweden and never looked back. Great acceleration at any speed, superb handling, and amazing comfort! I've been up to 154 mph (German Autobahn) in this machine - what a rush! Only one bad stretch during my ownership - right after the warranty expired (4/50,000), I put about $3k into repairs (both CV joints/boots and front main oil leak), but otherwise it's been the model of reliability. Expensive to maintain and hard to find someone to work on it, I wouldn't buy another one here in the U.S., but I hope to drive this one forever.
Awful build
pkelly944, 02/09/2007
2001 Saab 9-5 2.3t 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car has its upsides: good performance out at the 2.3 w/ the turbo. Brakes well. On the downside: With 80,500 miles, head gasket, oil change never missed. Always has blown blue smoke occasionally, interior electronics fail, headlights burn out monthly. Horrible wiring system. All small things break. Air bag light on for no reason. Has had two tune up under warranty with no resolve for the smoke. Power steering lines replaced. Never would recommend.
Repairs and you better hare your records
danielrpatrick, 04/23/2003
2001 Saab 9-5 2.3t 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
All i have to say is you better keep all your receipts or you will be in trouble. I just got off an hour long converstation with SAAB. They are not going to fix a clogged oil pump, because I don't have the reciept for everyone oil change. I asked so what happens if the motor blows up are you going to stand behind me: they said nope based on the fact that i don't have all the paperwork. Save it all that is my advice. I'm going to pick it up and trade it in on a bmw.
Lots of extras for your money
seelos, 04/25/2003
2001 Saab 9-5 SE V6t 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the 6th SAAB in a row that I have owned and the quality has really improved over the years. They used to be a real sob story as far as quality went and repairs in this area (San Diego) were a problem. Now the dealership has changed and it is great. We get a new SAAB as a loaner any time we take it in! Free maintenance for 45,000 is a plus since my 3 year lease @15,000 miles per year should end when I hit that mark.
Don't Do It
A Navarrete, 07/21/2007
2001 Saab 9-5 2.3t 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great features for the money. They look great, are fun to drive and get good gas mileage but I've chewed gum that was more dependable. Two Saabs and over $4,000 in repairs not including the warranty recalls. I thought maybe my first one was a lemon so I got another. I was wrong. They are all lemons.
Confident driving.
garyw, 04/02/2003
2001 Saab 9-5 SE V6t 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is a joy to drive. The handling, the turbo, and seat support all add up to a great experience. An extra treat are the ventilated seats-- perfect for summer in Texas. It's got the room of a BMW 5 but the price of a BMW 3.
Saab 9-5
Heapster, 01/17/2003
2001 Saab 9-5 SE V6t 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The most unbelievably solid car I've ever owned, period.
So far so good
MJ, 10/16/2002
2001 Saab 9-5 SE V6t 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
One year old now and no service issues. Rides great. The 6 cyl. turbo engine is deceiving. It accelarates well from 0 - 30, and really well when you put it in "Sport" mode. But the real power is in the 30 - 50, or even 50 - 75 range. This car flies! It has tremendous passing power. The car is as smooth & stable at 90MPH as it is at 25MPH. No "turbo-lag". This car is smooth, powerful, comfortable. There may be more powerfull cars, or more comfortable cars, or even more reliable cars, but when you add it all up, this car gets high marks across the board.
A Good Safe Used Car Value
saabsrok, 05/02/2008
2001 Saab 9-5 Aero 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5 Sp Aero; My 4th Saab, 3rd Aero. Bought used on ebay w/43K miles and saved big. Now at 110K, even came with a 3 yr warranty. Car has been trouble free for the most part, stranded me once when gas line broke which was later part of a recall. I can't suggest buying new as Saab's depreciate like a rock. Easily get +31 MPG & +500 per tank during mostly highway miles. In the winter these cars really rock especially with 16" Toyo winters. This is one of the best FWD Sport Utility Vehicles out there!
My best car ever
kkits, 05/07/2008
2001 Saab 9-5 Aero 4dr Wagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned my car for 8 months and is still a big smile each time i use it. It has an superb engine with more torque than most ever need, and its handling is sharp and precise. The only drawback is the fuel consumption which is to high at todays standards.
2001 Saab turbo
sloughheed, 04/02/2002
2001 Saab 9-5 2.3t 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
In the past I have owned an Audi, Volkswagon, and BMW but this car has truely been the best in terms of performace and quality. The fuel economy is also quite amazing, I average about 7 litres per 100 kilometers and about 13 in the city.
Little Old LadyFrom Minnetonka Saab
Chef Tomas, 10/19/2018
2001 Saab 9-5 2.3t 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I got my 2001 9.5 turbo Saab from my Mom. When Dad bought this car for Mom he went all out with all the features Saab had to offer down to the special paint. I got the car when mom could not drive anymore with only 40 thousand miles on it in 2016. I had a 1998 Subaru Legacy wagon awd that rocked in the north-woods of Minnesota snow and cold. Left the Saab in the garage. Then hit my third deer on the way to work. Limped the Subbie home hoped in the Saab and got to my restaurant & opened on time. I have spent near nothing but regular maintance in the last 2 years and have put 50 thousand miles on it since I got it. Got a bit of rust on the rear door gunnels and I have had to replace headlights a bunch of times. Oh and the display is shot. can't read at all so I hung my phone caddy over it and rely on my iPhone and apple watch. Love the CD and cassette player. I am a 63 year old lover of all music so this is the best of all worlds. This Car is the Best.....Hope it lasts forever!!!!
- Performance
Great car
Sue Oertel, 08/24/2019
2001 Saab 9-5 Aero 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Drives and handles very well....good mileage..Best on highway. Smooth ride. Even has heated seats for cold days. Power controls,seats, mirrrors and sunroof.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
What a disappointment
disappointed, 05/28/2009
2001 Saab 9-5 2.3t 4dr Wagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
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.
Love/hate relationship with my Saab 9-5
vtsaabowner, 08/18/2008
2001 Saab 9-5 2.3t 4dr Wagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have a love/hate relationship with my Saab turbo 9-5 wagon. Comfy, lots of bells and whistles, roomy rear seat, nice cargo room. Very powerful engine. However I have had this car in the shop more often (and at a higher price) than any car I've ever owned. Gas guage stuck, lights dying frequently, sway bar, turbo replacement, ball bearings. That doesn't count the things that have broken that I haven't bothered to fix: broken cupholder, elect memory seat adjustment, theft-alarm battery. I know the Saab dealer serves great coffee but I've been there too much and now it is time to switch to a car that spend more time on the road and less in the shop. However I will miss the fun drive!
It's pretty, it's fun, it's unreliable
Broke in RI, 09/25/2008
2001 Saab 9-5 2.3t 4dr Wagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought my Saab wagon used in 2005. I drive less than 12,000 miles a year, and it has spent way more time in the shop than I care to tally. Oil leak, timing belt pulley, water pump, gas line recall, turbo, wouldn't start when the seasons changed, hatchback handle, drivers side window, passenger window, broken shift cover, seriously too many to list. And the cost to fix is way more than anything I've ever owned! It was love at first drive, but I cross my fingers every time I go to start it, and every time I hear a rattle. I'm far too friendly with my local mechanic. He knows my voice when I call on the telephone before I even identify myself. Do not be lured in by the fun ride!
saab 9-5
gt324, 04/29/2002
2001 Saab 9-5 SE V6t 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
no problems what so ever transmission is really smooth when you put it in sport mode it really scoots
happy SAAB owner
dnf, 05/04/2002
2001 Saab 9-5 SE V6t 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
You can't beat this car's overall performance and features for the cost (low 30's new). The beauty of the car's styling is in the eye of the beholder ... so, if you like the car's looks, I would highly recommend the 9- 5. I like the fact that not everyone drives a SAAB.
Perplexed as heck!!!
James, 04/08/2009
2001 Saab 9-5 SE V6t 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
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!
No BMW
bayviewwilliams, 03/13/2008
2001 Saab 9-5 SE V6t 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
My 9-5 was swift, not fast. Exceptionally comfortable. Interior packaging was great, trunk space awesome, even good gas mileage. But GM really let Saab go, and the performance, build quality or materials cannot hold a candle to contemporary BMW's.