2001 Saab 9-5 Review
2001 Saab 9-5 Review
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Used 9-5 for sale
Appraise This CarSaab 9-5 model years
Saab 9-5 types
- Sedan
- Wagon
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Satisfying performance, impressive luxury, reasonable price, wagon availability.
Cons
- Quirky Saab design attributes and ergonomics, uninspired exterior styling.
What’s new
Entry-level models get more horsepower from the turbo four-cylinder while all models get the OnStar telematics system, turbo gauges and two new colors.
Edmunds says
Not quite as polished as some of the class leaders, but still worthy of a test drive if you're looking for a luxury sport sedan/wagon that won't get lost in the crowd.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2001 Saab 9-5 2.3t 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$182/mo for 9-5 2.3t
9-5 2.3t
vs
$176/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
Saab's premium 9-5 Sedan is designed to compete with everything from near-luxury models, such as the Lexus ES 300 and Cadillac Catera, to full-blown sport sedans, such as the Mercedes-Benz E430 and BMW 540i. But because the 9-5 is a Saab, this car looks and feels a bit different. The sedan lineup consists of a fully equipped base 9-5 model, an SE version packed with amenities, and a performance-oriented Aero model. The standard 2.3-liter turbo four-cylinder in the 9-5 base models now produces 185 horsepower, a 15 horsepower increase over last year, and is mated to a five-speed manual or optional four-speed auto gearbox. The 9-5 Aero versions feature a 230-horse, 2.3-liter turbo four, making 258 foot-pounds of torque from 1,900 to 3,000 rpm with the manual transmission. All SEs are powered by a 3.0-liter turbo V6 that requires a driver-selectable four-speed automatic. The V6 makes 200 ponies and 229 foot-pounds of torque from 2,500 rpm through the 4,000-rpm mark.
The 9-5's standard equipment list is long, offering antilock brakes, automatic climate controls, premium stereo, side-impact airbags, an active head-restraint system, traction control and a sunroof. Heated front and rear seats are optional, but Saab's cool ventilated front seats and a 200-watt stereo/CD/cassette come standard on the SE. If you want some of the SE's luxury but can't bear doing without a stick shift, Saab makes the base 9-5 available with a premium package that adds leather, upgraded seats and an audio system.
Saab purists who bemoan the fact that the 9-5 is not available as a hatchback need only to drive the wagon. Offered in turbo four, V6 and Aero versions, the 9-5 Wagon boasts almost 73 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seat folded. What's more, the same kind of fresh thinking that went into the 9-5's safety technology is evident in the convenience features found in the wagon. Unique ideas such as a refrigerated glove box, an aircraft-inspired "CargoTracks" load-securing system, a removable rigid cargo shelf, and even a sliding load floor to ease loading and unloading, all help to make the 9-5 Wagon handle just about any hauling task with ease.
The 9-5 Wagon Gary Fisher Edition features a roof rack system (Saab Limited Edition Gary Fisher mountain bike included), and various cargo area accoutrements, including heavy-duty cargo nets and a 12-volt power outlet. The modified exterior features side skirts, a front-lip spoiler, body-painted rear bumper valence, white side-indicator lamps, and 17-inch Quad design wheels.
Perhaps the nicest thing about the big Saab is its sporting character, with precise steering and powerful brakes that enhance the driving experience. Even in base form, the 9-5's high level of standard equipment and low-30s sticker price make it a bargain for most people shopping the near-luxury class. The Aero models, on the other hand, will run you closer to $40K.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2001 Saab 9-5.
5 star(63%)
4 star(21%)
3 star(14%)
2 star(2%)
1 star(0%)
91 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
saab wagon 9-5 se
karen, 01/03/2010
2001 Saab 9-5 SE V6t 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 4A)
great car-practical and fun to drive-terrific cargo space-on star and phone very helpful.
3.13 out of 5 stars
Great Car but requires lots of repairs
jdowen, 08/11/2005
2001 Saab 9-5 SE V6t 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 4A)
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.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Turbo 4 cyl, love it!
Italianpony09, 11/27/2009
2001 Saab 9-5 2.3t 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
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!
3.63 out of 5 stars
Hope You Have A Fat Bank Account
sundawg18, 05/31/2013
2001 Saab 9-5 SE V6t 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 4A)
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.
2001 9-5 Highlights
Sedan
2.3t
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $33,995 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $182/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the 9-5 include:
- Alarm
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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