Used 2001 Saab 9-5 Consumer Reviews
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saab wagon 9-5 se
karen, 01/03/2010
2001 Saab 9-5 SE V6t 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 4A)
25 of 25 people found this review helpful
great car-practical and fun to drive-terrific cargo space-on star and phone very helpful.
Turbo 4 cyl, love it!
Italianpony09, 11/27/2009
2001 Saab 9-5 2.3t 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
Bought this car to replace my 90' F-150 as a daily driver. Good mpg considering the performance and size of the car. First day my serpentine belt slipped off, dealer had head gasket replaced from before I purchased it and missed that the crank seal was leaking oil too. Alarm batteries are going dead, pulled the fuse to prevent it from going off erratically. A few common problems for 9-5's, but to be expected for a 9 yr old car. Overall I am very pleased with the 9-5, can't wait to be able to purchase a new one. Hope that GM is able to sell Saab back to a Swedish company and not drop the brand altogether, I would be very sad. It's a pretty smart car for a 2001! Gotta love the swede's!
2001 Saab 9-5 for sale near you
Showing 2 of 2 listings
- 2.3t SedanMSRP: $3,9992,084 mi away
- 2.3t SedanMSRP: N/A1,304 mi away
Great Car but requires lots of repairs
jdowen, 08/11/2005
2001 Saab 9-5 SE V6t 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 4A)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
It is a very comfortable vehicle that is fun to drive. It is a quiet drive and handles very well. I really enjoy the car when it works correctly. However, it is a very unreliable car. I was stranded on the side of the road twice - at 60K miles and 65K miles in 2003 (only 2 year old vehicle), both times it was a failed Ignition Cassette causing the Catalytic Converter to melt (very expensive parts). It is a common problem, the NHTSA Office of Defects is investigating the problem. If you are looking to purchase one of these vehicles, please search Google for "Saab DI Cassette failure" for more information about this common problem and consider this when making your decision.
Hope You Have A Fat Bank Account
sundawg18, 05/31/2013
2001 Saab 9-5 SE V6t 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 4A)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used, from the original owner, with 60,000 miles. In the few years I've owned it - and over 30,000 miles later - I've had at least $5,000 worth of work done to it. Around 65,000 it stalled during rush hour. A few years later it started to stall on the freeway - luckily I had enough time to pull off and into a parking lot before it died. The throttle had to be replaced - to the tune of $900, and I've gone through a couple of batteries that all cost over $200. Now I'm facing an oil leak that my mechanic can't seem to find a cap for since Saab isn't making these cars anymore. Correct me if I'm wrong, but this seems like an awful lot of work for a car still under 100,000 miles.
Saab 9-5 Wagon
dpalex, 11/03/2006
2001 Saab 9-5 Aero 4dr Wagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Bad wheel bearing, bad ignition module, bad ignition module 2, recalled ignition modules, poor / insufficient brakes, heater erratic, unreasonably expensive repairs, failing guide pulleys to timing belt, possible symptoms of failing turbo. Positively EATS tires with its weight.
Just misses being great
lasaabguy, 05/21/2003
2001 Saab 9-5 Aero 4dr Wagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
Excellent highway car with smooth ride and passing power. Manual is slow off the line around town. You are behind everyone else leaving the light as the turbo spools up, but a lot of power once you are rolling. Very comfortable seating and quiet at speed. Good room. Super build quality - zero problems in 2 years.
Saab Story
jon_e_quest, 03/07/2007
2001 Saab 9-5 2.3t 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This is my 7th Saab, 2nd 9-5. It will be my LAST! Bought with 37K miles. Replaced the Turbo, ACC control module, trip computer, & entire dash facia at 46K (all warrantied). Now with 68K miles, have a short in the no. 8 fuse circuit that nobody can find. Unless I drive with that fuse out, battery dies. Intermittent engine light due to a faulty coil pack (possibly under recall, but I had to purchase one for my last 9-5.). Intermittent oil light (replaced the sending unit, but now it looks like a $1K oil pump replacement). Replaced the left side ACC air dist. stepping motor which controls temp adjust. Replaced both fog lights. Needs left side ball joint. Sunroof rattles. I give up!
i want a brand new 2001 saab wagon
m white, 10/08/2010
2001 Saab 9-5 2.3t 4dr Wagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
After 138,000 miles with nothing but routine maintenance the turbo just blew. we replaced it and suddenly we have gone from great mileage (41 mpg on the highway) to 45.5 mpg! i love driving this car, i love the manual transmission, the way it handles in snow and wet and the comfy seats. i love the cargo space and the split seats and the heated seats. we drive pets and us to Maine and back every summer and need not to get stuck on the road.- i am thinking we need a new car but don't want to turn this sweet thing in.
AVOID SAABS
Jerry4, 05/31/2004
2001 Saab 9-5 2.3t 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
My 2001 Saab 9-5 has 40300 miles on it and since I purchased it, it has been at the dealership every other week. Please avoid this vehicle at all costs. Save yourself the hassle of going to the dealership and receiving the worst service especially if you go to Charles River Saab where they try to charge you for parts that are under warranty. I have been stranded 3 times with this vehicle and missed a major client meeting.
Love this Car!!!
mtbuster, 07/23/2003
2001 Saab 9-5 2.3t 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought this car after a 20 minute test drive. I needed a car as our Ford Explorer (1 year old) was a lemon and going fast. The dealership gave us a great deal. I know believe in Karma!!! This car is great. We have had it for two years now with absolutely no problems!! My wife drives about 100 miles each way to work and says she feels like she is driving in her living room. I like the car so much I am going to buy another for me!!
Don't Bother - These things are money pits
Richard, 02/22/2016
updated 08/30/2018
2001 Saab 9-5 SE V6t 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 4A)
7 of 11 people found this review helpful
I should have looked further into that price (why does a car with this many nice features and such good driving cost so little) before buying... The cost for the timing belt, which must be replaced every 80k, is over $1k at the repair shop. If allowed to go to failure, it will destroy the entire V6 engine... Don't buy one of these with a V6 engine. I spend, on average, about $2.5k each year just replacing things that break so I can keep my car on the road. I'm saving to replace it, but I keep draining my savings to fix it so I can get to work again. I bought mine used. I've had this particular car now for almost 6 years & 100k miles (bought at 95k miles, now at 195k miles). Here are the things I've had to replace on my car during that time: Radiator, Both Radiator Hoses (separate repairs for all 3, one radiator hose failure left me stranded on the side of the road without coolant.) Ignition coils and spark plugs (that almost left me stranded, I knew they were failing but I had to wait a week for the parts to come in) Idler pulley (This one was replaced twice, did the first time during the timing belt change at 120k miles, the second one almost stranded me as I saw it bouncing down the road while I was driving to my repair shop). Water pump (also done during the timing belt, glad I got a 2-for-1 on that one - total cost was $1200 for that repair bill). Alternator (over $1k for that one, and it took time to come into the 'Saab' specialist shop) Turbo (That was $2k on its own, ouch!) Front and rear shocks/strut dampers. Power steering hoses and reservoir. Speakers (2 had the foam to fail, I found a speaker repair shop that got them back to working for less than $100 total). Air Conditioner Controller Motors under the dash, x2. (The first one failed so it was blowing cold during the Winter. The second one failed so it was stuck blowing the defogger onto the windshield during the summer). I did this repair myself. It took a while. I shudder to think what the repair shop would have charged for this one. I've also had the headlight wipers fail (I removed them) and the sunroof leaks into the vehicle if I'm parked facing down-slope when it rains. Luckily, my office has a parking garage so I don't deal with that too often. Also, I cut my finger on the wood veneer peeling off of the dash. The wood they used was just too thin and the glue fails over time. I'm gradually peeling it off of my dash, it doesn't look good... Normal Maintenance Items: Tires (Tires only last ~50k miles, that's the longest I could get out of a set of Michelins. Thank goodness they're only $500 a set) Brakes (Pads & Rotors once, Pads the 2nd time. This car eats those too). Oil Pan and Valve Cover gaskets. I still have to get the stains out of my garage. Fluids (This thing requires Euro spec synthetic motor oil because of the turbo, it's not cheap - about $80 for the shop to do this oil change). Headlight bulbs only last about 4 months, that's with the long-life version. The 'Silverstar' bulbs only last 4-6 weeks in this car. These are $20 per pair (for the long-life version). About 'Onstar' - The onstar system they put in my car is completely obsolete. It will not connect to anything now. I removed the Onstar from my car. 2018 Update - New in the 2 years since my last review: Replaced the shifter linkage connection bushing at the transmission. There's a nylon bushing between the end of the shifter cable and the shift linkage on the transmission. That apparently fails with age and when it does, you're stuck in whatever gear you were in when it broke. Fortunately, the part was $5 at Advance or Auto Zone and I was in my driveway when it failed. If your shifter thinks it needs to be pulled from D to 3 to get the dash display to move from N to D, then it's about to die - you should drive to somewhere flat that you can park and fix this. Fuel Pump & rear gate lifters. Replaced Key Controller Module - When this failed (because water was getting into the sunroof and it collected around this module that sits at the low point of the car below the driver seat), the key no longer did anything EXCEPT unlock the drivers door. Turning the key in the ignition would turn on accessory power, but nothing else would happen because this module tells the computer if the key is valid, not the key pattern in the lock cylinder. The speakers in the rear doors no longer work so I've got a functional rear subwoofer, but no other sound except for the dashboard speakers. The battery died - that should have been expected. It was old (first time replacing that in 6 years, which is about average for a good battery). The turbo that I replaced is now smoking heavily again on startup (as long as there's oil above the fill line on the dipstick, which is another question, but I think the turbo is the source of the leak). Also need to replace the Alternator again. I'm not going to do the turbo or the alternator this time. It's time to cut my losses.
- Safety
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- Reliability
- Value
Swedish Meatball
Wmstrahan, 06/24/2006
2001 Saab 9-5 2.3t 4dr Wagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Great car until many things begin to go wrong. The car is constantly throwing up trouble lights and things are breaking. Will never buy another Saab (we have two 9-5s) but I hope my friends do so I can ride in them.
Another Saab why ??
ken wilson, 06/25/2003
2001 Saab 9-5 Aero 4dr Wagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Outside of the turbo performance and the cargo area of the wagon this car is a joke. Cheap plastic interior, no place to put anything, rode noise, etc.Wish I had never sold 528i. I had a 91 9000 turbo and after ten years you think they could get it right.Not so. $40k this is what you get.
Fun to drive...expensive to fix
gohard, 01/07/2013
2001 Saab 9-5 SE V6t 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 4A)
3 of 6 people found this review helpful
I bought my Saab 2001 used with 20k miles in 2004, now has 98k miles. It has been a great dog mobile and triathlon equipment car. I have a love/hate relationship with the Turbo. It has gone once already as has the battery, brakes, cup holder, lights (frequently), electric panel, A/C, etc. I have easily spent over $10k in repairs. The ignition is in a terrible place and the car has turned off when a larger person passenger accidentally bumped the ignition. I thought it was a lemon but from reading other reviews this is typical of this model. I had hoped to drive it forever but I don't think it will last that long. The interior is nice but I won't buy a performance vehicle again.
Bought it new
Doc W, 05/18/2010
2001 Saab 9-5 Aero 4dr Wagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Had this car for 9 years and it has been great. I've owned many European cars and the trick is to follow maintenance strictly. Maintenance is expensive, but cheaper than a car payment, and it looks as classy as 9 years ago.
Verdict Still Out
JOHN, 01/14/2005
2001 Saab 9-5 2.3t 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought certified used with 36,000 miles on it. Less than 5,000 miles later needed new oil pump, new water pump (covered by warranty) and replaced the brake light bulbs twice. Very comfortable car and relatively fun to drive. Does have slight but noticable turbo lag, but car is nimble. Gimmicky cupholder is useless. Very little storage space in cabin for things like coins, etc. I like the car but early indications of reliability give me pause.
Just one owner
Saab, 08/02/2002
2001 Saab 9-5 SE V6t 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Fun to drive. Fun to own.
Terrible hot!
adonis23, 07/07/2012
2001 Saab 9-5 Aero 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I live in the midwest and during this summer of 2012, we have experienced extreme daily heat (99-107 degrees F). My 9-5 Aero automatic usually performs flawlessly inside and out, but the heat has brought odd and annoying electrical problems: There is a "bing-bong" noise that let's you know when there is a problem, which would be helpful if it didn't do it every minute or two; the gas gage fluctuates from completely empty back to the accurate reading while the TSC/off light is on despite pushing the button, and I have replaced the same headlight three times this year. I love the car though. I drove to NYC and was able to get 31.0 mpg, which is incredible with 230 bhp.
Love my 2001 Saab 9-5!!
RichV88, 12/23/2016
2001 Saab 9-5 SE V6t 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've owned my 2001 Saab 9-5 wagon and I still love driving it in 2016. Original suspension in-place with 90k miles on it and still handles well. The power plant and suspension are great on this car. On the downside, the center digital instrument display always had problems with dead pixels. Had it replaced and same problem. Over the years just had to replace the alternator once, and the HVAC controls go nuts sometimes and throws out heat on the drive side when the AC is blowing from other ducts. Otherwise it drives smoother than my 2015 Honda CRV which is bumpy and full of air leaks.
- Safety
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- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Never Again
MzKim, 10/16/2008
2001 Saab 9-5 SE V6t 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car used. It was pretty to look at and clean, however one month after driving off the lot I began to had problems & it never stopped: fuel pump, electrical, water pump, timing chain, AC system, sunroof, turbo and the list goes on. 4 yrs later I refuse to spend another penny. I through a piston rod and need a new motor. I am done.
Jury is Out
Stewart in VT, 07/29/2005
2001 Saab 9-5 2.3t 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Love the car - basically - despite its quirks. Thank God bought a certified pre-owned - 6 months into it - at 50k, I needed a new head gasket and turbocharger - $2,900! (Free w/ CPO) - Engine light came on this week - though nothing more than gas tank cap not on tight. And huge disparity between average city and highway gas mileage - as in 17/29. A discernable turbo lag -- though kick into sport mode transmission and it's WOW, even on base model. Nice car, hope it lasts. DO get a CPO warranty for protection - dealer told me it's $1,200 of the $16,000 price I paid, and definately insurance worth having until 100,000 miles.
wow, a piece of dirt
Stephanie, 07/14/2005
2001 Saab 9-5 2.3t 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've had my Saab for one year, and I am already replacing the transmission. This is not the first thing that has gone wrong. I have also experienced the headlights going out multiple times, hub bearing replacement, among other things. DO NOT buy this Saab. It is a piece of dirt.
Stealth Wagon
Rob Lichtefeld, 09/12/2002
2001 Saab 9-5 Aero 4dr Wagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I had previously owned a 9000 Aero and really wanted a large hatchback when I replaced it. However, no one is manufacturing one now. So, I looked at Audi, BMW, MB, and Saab wagons. Finding a wagon with a stick is very difficult here in the US. Both my wife and I prefer manual transmissions. The Saab Aero wagon is the most fun to drive of all of the wagons in this category. Most of the time, I never notice that I am driving a wagon. Other than the rear visibility is better than on sedans.
Best All Around
David G. Mills, 03/19/2002
2001 Saab 9-5 Aero 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is the best all around car on the market for safety, performance, utility, comfort, efficiency, value amd class. No other car does so many things as well.
Poor mans BMW?
pcguy74, 04/10/2007
2001 Saab 9-5 2.3t 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought this one used, my first Saab. Warranty fixed the turbo and gasket (blue smoke is your indicator). Heater blower just went at 95K. I love this car, though the interior design still needs more thought. I'd buy another one, luxury without the pricetag, fun without the fuel bill. I've averaged 26mpg overall w/70 percent highway driving... pretty good for 70K+ miles, I have made 31-32 at times but I can't stay at the speed limit with this fun car! It even saved my life once in winter weather, avoided a head on because of ESP feature, fun AND safe? you bet!
Very Quick 4 banger
Greyaero, 01/21/2003
2001 Saab 9-5 Aero 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This Aero 5 speed can run with the best of them. Can easily get 30 mpg on road trips. Different that the run of the mill sport sedan. The safety features are excellent, sa good as they get.
Great used car, no regrets
Greg C, 12/05/2002
2001 Saab 9-5 SE V6t 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this 2001 9-5 used and love it! I think this car is the best value out there for a used, low mileage car. I've driven it 4500 miles with no problems.I like the fact that you don't see a lot of them on the road. (Have you noticed how many BMWs are on the road! Everybody and their brother has one!)I highly recommend buying buying a low mileage 2001 9-5. I think the 1999's have to many problems, that was the first year.
Too Much Hassle
John G, 11/21/2008
2001 Saab 9-5 Aero 4dr Wagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Lots of mechanical issues. Two ignition modules, SIDs display is failing, heater controls cause the right side to switch to uncontrollable full on heat. Engineering stinks - catalytic converter right next to oil pan and cooks the oil. Must change the oil at no more than 5K miles. Very noisy interior. At 60,000 miles the engine failed. Recommended 10K oil changes followed religiously. Saab knew this was faulty but did not publicize in States tho Europe knew all about it then tried to stiff me on an engine replacement until lawsuit broke loose a new engine. Apparently system does not save fault codes on many failures.
Great driving car...
JJReed, 02/10/2003
2001 Saab 9-5 SE V6t 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car for driving, if your the dashboard diner type this may not be the car for you. Cupholders are basically non-existent and there really isn't any storage space for "stuff". The car looks great and performs even better. It truly was made for driving not dining.
Great car to drive and own
Love Saab, 08/28/2003
2001 Saab 9-5 SE V6t 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Car has almost 52,000 miles. Bought it when it had 15,000 miles. Rental company had used it first. No major problems. Good lumbar support, heated seats. I can leave everyone else at the light. Got 35 mph on cruise control. Handles well. Fun to drive.
Great to drive just too many problems
tarina, 05/21/2002
2001 Saab 9-5 SE V6t 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Love to drive, having terrible problems with sunroof making noise - going in for fourth repair, a noise in the dash area sounding like styrafoam rubbing together - absolutely annoying for such a luxury vehicle, lights are not suppose to change automatically and do, tires are wearing usually early a major problem with coolant sensor that has not been fixed - going in for third repair. On lease don't want vehicle anymore.
Not a bad car
ray85158, 06/24/2002
2001 Saab 9-5 SE V6t 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Fun to drive, handles well and is very comfortable. It has also been very reliable, within a year of ownership no major problems. But I have two gripes. Like another comment posted here, I had an occasional problem with a sulfur smell from the catalytic converter. My other gripe, when in closed spaces like a parking garage, the noise from the exhaust manifold was so loud it sounded like the muffler fell off. Ok one other gripe, the resale value stinks. I have already traded it for an Audi A6. But I can say, it was a lot better than my 96 Volvo 850.
it's my second, would buy a 3rd
David in Michigan, 12/17/2004
2001 Saab 9-5 2.3t 4dr Wagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had a '99 9-5 lpt wagon, sold it to buy a '97 Volvo 850 (NA) wagon, and just could not wait to get another 9-5 wagon. The 9-5 is a much stronger car overall and even gets better gas mileage. We still have an '00 Volvo V70 XC wagon that my wife likes, but I find it inferior to the 9-5 in all respects from economy to acceleration + the 9-5 has a WB radio and gets better reception on the AM band to boot! Yes, I do have snow tires (Gislaved Nordfrosts) on the 9-5 and it is the equal of the AWD V70 (and we have a hilly, curvy 1/3-mile-long driveway!) during our winters.
Saab = Reliability & Performance
russ8128, 09/04/2003
2001 Saab 9-5 SE V6t 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
About to turn the car in after 3 great years. Never a problem with the car. Great stereo. Saab's tagline, "People who drive a Saab, buy one" could be more true. Seats are very comfortable, heated rear seats a bonus for the kids. Power is impressive for a larger car. Sport function on the automatic transmission really make a difference (never used the "regular" mode - it made the car drag).
9-5 Aero a Blast to Drive
Mick, 01/13/2005
2001 Saab 9-5 Aero 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've got to say the 9-5 Aero is the most fun to drive vehicle I've owned, and I've had many over the past 20+ years, including a BMW 525i that comes in second to this SAAB. The power is phenomenal, the handling awesome, the ride on the highway is silky smooth. I like how the computer compensates for any type of gas you put in from regular to super. The back seats are comfortable even for a 6-footer, and the passengers back there appreciate the heated seats. Exterior styling is good, but needs an update--the new 9-3 is better looking. For $14,900 I think I got a real bargain here-- wouldn't want to buy a new one at $40K with that kind of depreciation in 3 years though!
I Really Like It
crwindy, 10/14/2003
2001 Saab 9-5 Aero 4dr Wagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I replaced a Passat V6 GLX wagon with this used Saab. I couldn't be happier. The overall quality and solidity of this wagon makes the VW seem like an old minibus. The engine is so powerful and smooth; the ride so good and the handling is very good especially for a wagon. The interior is very comfortable and the seats are great. I get 30 MPG on the highway and 26-27 overall. This car is certainly worth a look. P.S. I have the 5 speed.
Almost Perfect..Just Get Some Cupholders
ferdon, 10/30/2003
2001 Saab 9-5 2.3t 4dr Wagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Replaced my Explorer and have really enjoyed the car.
Terrible smell
Jay Simon, 05/23/2002
2001 Saab 9-5 SE V6t 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I leased my Saab new in Nov. 2000. Ever since I brought the car home it has emitted a sulfur smell from the catalytic converter. The Saab service department told me to change gas brand and octanes and that the problem would clear up after 6000 miles. Then they said 10,000. I did everything they suggested and nothing helps. I can't even open the windows. The smell of sulfur makes you sick. But, what makes it worse is Saab's refusal to fix the problem. I was told by the dealership mechanic that they wouldn't do anything for me.
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).
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.
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
loving this car (again)
thorgan, 08/08/2002
2001 Saab 9-5 Aero 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Went from a '99 9-5 to a '01 9-5 Aero when the first lease was up. We really liked the first car, but found that there were times when we could use more power (e.g. when attempting to merge into Boston traffic). The Aero has that power, and more. It rides incredibly well, is very comfortable, and (knock wood) we've not had any problems at all with it. We now have about 10K miles on it. We found with our first car that the 9-5 actually drives better the more miles it gets on it. That seems to be true with the new car as well. At 10K it seems to be just getting broken in.
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.
Useful and fun!
sportsmom, 09/09/2002
2001 Saab 9-5 2.3t 4dr Wagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Replaced my Toyota Camry wagon with the smaller Saab last year. Very fun to drive and extremely comfortable - I spend a lot of time in my car between commuting 35 miles each way to/from work and driving two hockey playing kids all over New England. Have had no mechanical problems and car gets good mileage - over 27 mpg combination of highway and city driving.
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).
Nice ride!
snowboardereh, 05/03/2009
2001 Saab 9-5 SE V6t 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Nice Ride! Interior very roomy. Split rear seat makes it easy to put a couple of snowboards and gear in trunk and still be able to have someone sit in the back!
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!
NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS
LDFJR1, 09/22/2002
2001 Saab 9-5 2.3t 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had this car for 1 year and 20000 miles and have had nothing but service problems. They range from having the headlights and wipers fixed to replacing the turbo. So far this is whats been fixed. I have three more repairs pending. Needless to say I would not recommend this car.