Used 2001 Saab 9-5 Wagon Consumer Reviews
Used 9-5 for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- 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.
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.
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
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
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.
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.
Great car
Scott, 02/12/2008
2001 Saab 9-5 2.3t 4dr Wagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My first Saab and will (hopefully) not be my last. I have a lower back issue and do not ride in cars very well. However, I can ride long distances in this car in relative comfort. Kick the sport in and it goes!
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.
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.
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).
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).
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.
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
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.
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.
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!
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!