Skip to main content

Used 2002 Saab 9-5 Wagon Consumer Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
27 reviews

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.

Price history graph example

Trending topics in reviews

Pros
Cons
4.5 out of 5 stars

Most reliable

YEO, 10/07/2010
2002 Saab 9-5 Linear 2.3t 4dr SportWagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful

Despite friend's disbelief that I can buy a GM, I have found the car to be one of the most reliable that I've owned (VW Jetta, Volvo 850, Subaru Legacy). Poor resale value means much better value for money on a used vehicle.

Report Abuse

4.63 out of 5 stars

Mixed emotion

bobrunn, 02/22/2006
2002 Saab 9-5 Linear 2.3t 4dr SportWagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

I really enjoy driving and looking at my Saab. This is the 3rd Saab I've had and they all have the same characteristics--fun to drive, very many safety features, great versatility, but many mechanical problems. I have 103,000 miles and I've had to replace the brakes twice, replaced the head gasket, bad thermostat, computerized problems that I don't understand.

Report Abuse
2002 Saab 9-5 for sale near you
Showing 2 of 2 listings
See all 2 listings

4.5 out of 5 stars

A Unique Blend of Virtues

Charlie, 08/20/2008
2002 Saab 9-5 Linear 2.3t 4dr SportWagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

This is a great all-around family vehicle, with something for everyone. It's got great interior space, attractive exterior appearance, exciting turbo performance, economical gas mileage, and reasonable mechanical reliability.

Report Abuse

3 out of 5 stars

OK, but not really happy

bar_ml, 12/31/2008
2002 Saab 9-5 Aero 4dr SportWagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
2 of 4 people found this review helpful

I bought this in mint condition last spring. I have put about 20K on it. Driving on the highway is great, especially here in Europe. But, this car is starting to drive me nuts. 1 cup holder, no armrests, waywayway too many buttons for the heater, etc. Give me some dials so I can concentrate on driving and not have to search for a button and almost wreck. They key should be on the steering column. That's where my cell, wallet etc. go. Give me wipers that I can set where I want, not some electronic sensor. Always too fast or too slow for me. Display constantly missing pixels. reverse help never works. Key batteries die very fast. I have had no engine/tranny problems.

Report Abuse

5 out of 5 stars

beat the crowd

Bonday, 02/28/2002
2002 Saab 9-5 Arc 3.0t 4dr SportWagon (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

My wife and i have driven the car for the past 3 months and put 5k on the car. Having driven Volvos for the past 16 years, I found the Saab extremely satisfying with its no nonsense interior design, power and functionality. Having driven Maxima's in past, this car is by far the most favarite so far. We hope that it lasts as long as. Prior to purchase, we also test drove extensively Volvo S80 and V70 turbo. Deciding on this Saab was a no brainer

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

2002 Saab 9-5 Aero Sport Combi

Jason, 10/02/2019
2002 Saab 9-5 Aero 4dr SportWagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This car is so comfortable and fun to drive. Really likes to stretch it's legs on the highway. I have the aero sport combi and it's got one of the largest cargo areas of any wagon out there. Fold the back seats down and haul a full sized fridge, lumber or anything you can imagine. The only modification I've done is replacing the suspension with bilsteins. The only concern for this year is that the engine had some sludging issues. Just use full synthetic and change your oil every 5k and it's not a concern.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse
4.63 out of 5 stars

Our 5th Saab

sunbeam, 04/05/2002
2002 Saab 9-5 Linear 2.3t 4dr SportWagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

We just purchased our fifth Saab, a 9-5 linear 2.3t. As usual, we were not disappointed. Saabs are great fun to drive, especially in a manual trans. and this one is no exception.Great comfort, cockpit, fuel economy, and value. We chose this over the BMW 525, the Jaguar X-type, Audi A6. Glad we stuck with Saab.

Report Abuse
4.63 out of 5 stars

great car for price

bear, 04/07/2002
2002 Saab 9-5 Linear 2.3t 4dr SportWagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Excellent car just got back from a road trip put 500 miles on the car and i was quite impressed with the driving.Great gas mileage and very comfortable to drive not to spongee.. just right probably not the most performance car but overall great.Had a 900 before this car but the 9-5 is much better.

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

A Lot Of Car/Wagon

RBomber, 04/07/2002
2002 Saab 9-5 Aero 4dr SportWagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is our second Saab and by far our favorite. Previous cars were a "96 Mercedes E300 and "97 Q45 and I prefer the Saab. They are finally getting it right in Troll Land.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Smooth, fun and safe

Autoenthusiast, 08/14/2008
2002 Saab 9-5 Linear 2.3t 4dr SportWagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My 5yr old nephew was impressed and loved the car because it looked like "a plane" from the outside and inside. My 3rd Saab(from: 900, 9-3SE, now '02 9- 5Linear) and have been very happy most especially the 9-5. Great space (hauled a love seat), lots of standard features that are still optional in some cars 6yrs later (side airbags, ESP, 5-spd auto tran, glovebox cooler, Trip-comp, dual sun-visors, Harmon-Kardon etc.) Safe - a fist-sized rock hit windshield 2x/2occasions and only a small chip, rear-ended by an Explorer and no damage (Explorer bumpers bent and caved-in). Great in long-drives, very peppy and quite! The Aero would have been exhilirating. Plan 2 keep it until 1M miles!

Report Abuse
4.5 out of 5 stars

9-5 Aero Sportwagaon Automatic

Anthony , 05/08/2002
2002 Saab 9-5 Aero 4dr SportWagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Love the car. I am a 31 year old single male and I dive a wagon!. I traded my GMC Jimmy in for the SAAB because I wanted something more luxurious that was sporty, good on gas and could haul my stuff from HomeDepot. I got it all and in a very sexy (at least I think so) package. The car had a few issues when I picked it up but they all were taken car of in a prompt manner by the service department. I would give the service department an excellent rating and the sales department a moderate rating. My sales man was not well informed about the cars features and suggested I try things out to see if they worked. I hope the car proves to be reliable.

Report Abuse
4.38 out of 5 stars

9-5 Linear Wagon

pierrot, 05/21/2002
2002 Saab 9-5 Linear 2.3t 4dr SportWagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Solid Car, reliable, fun to drive, versatile, cargo hauler, sporty, multi- purpose, original and different. This car is multi-faceted and serves multiple functions well. It has lots of character and always fun to drive on country roads and turns into a real cruiser on the highway in 5th gear.

Report Abuse
3.5 out of 5 stars

Tired

bluejay, 05/22/2010
2002 Saab 9-5 Linear 2.3t 4dr SportWagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This has been a good family, well maintained, gently driven car with some surprising expenses-new turbocharger 3 yrs ago, quirky starting, and annoying LED display failure that would cost $500 to replace. It handles well and the lack of pep is offset by reasonably good gas mileage20/30+ on trips. Not sure I will get another due to the change of ownership and increased quality issues with newer models identified by Consumer Reports.

Report Abuse
4.63 out of 5 stars

Black Turbo Powered Beauty

chiroprincess, 07/09/2010
2002 Saab 9-5 Linear 2.3t 4dr SportWagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car is FAST for a wagon and SAFE. It's a very sturdy, solid car being quite able to zip up a steep hill without a problem. I also love the design. Several times strangers on the street have commented to me how 'good looking' this car is! I'm also impressed how roomy the back is. I can get my large bike right in w/ the back seats down. I also like the low profile of the rear 'floor' easy to get things (including our dog) in & out. I have had some oil leak problems and several hoses that have gone bad in the past few years, but considering it is now 8 yrs old not too bad in repair terms. I just test drove a '04 Volvo wagon and I have to say that I still like my Saab way more!

Report Abuse
4.75 out of 5 stars

Nothing But Praise

Copa, 07/31/2002
2002 Saab 9-5 Aero 4dr SportWagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Excellent Car. If you want a good size wagon with great performance, the Saab Aero is it. Bigger than the 540 wagon and much less than either the BMW or Audi. The best bang for the buck.

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

Best Wagon Value

RMP, 08/19/2002
2002 Saab 9-5 Linear 2.3t 4dr SportWagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My wife and I compared the Volvo V70 and Passat GLX to the Saab. The Saab was the clear winner. Exterior looks aside, this vehicle was by far the most bang for the buck. After the dealership took $7,000 off the sticker it was a no brainer. It even looks pretty good in midnight blue. It's sportier than the Volvo and more distinctive than the Passat. The interior is top notch.

Report Abuse
4.63 out of 5 stars

Sports car with a patio!

bRAD, 08/20/2002
2002 Saab 9-5 Aero 4dr SportWagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I wanted a sports car and I wanted a car to haul around all my stuff like camping gear and mountain bikes. I've only got room for 1 car and this is it. It'll outrun most other cars- and you can take 4 friends and all their gear with you! Fuel economy is great as long as you stay out of the turbo but it performs so great you'll always be going fast. Great car for going long distances in a hurry. With incentives and low sales this car is a hidden gem. You'll get this car for far less than the "competition" and you can spend the money you save on upgrades from Hirsch Performance- then you'll have a wagon with 310hp and 325ft-lbs of torque!

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Amazing Car

Pete Saab 9-5, 11/06/2002
2002 Saab 9-5 Linear 2.3t 4dr SportWagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

FIRST -- I have an automatic, not a 5 speed (but Edmunds doesn't give that option). I really wanted a stick -- drove the previous model 9-5 -- then the '02 with Automatic in sport mode -- great transmission. The car handles better then a comparable BMW wagon -- its taughter than Audi -- far more luxurious than VW Passat. PLenty of room for passengers, and versatile cargo area.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

PERFECT

Anne, 04/23/2002
2002 Saab 9-5 Linear 2.3t 4dr SportWagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I use it for light trips and use the OnStar, its great- travel info, where is ther nearest hotel with an indoor pool? , Onstar in the SAAb can tell you- Have a flat, SAAB roadside assistance or Onstar roadside can help. Car handels great!!! awesome in dry and wet. fun to drive witht he turbo, and its so reliable, # 1 in JD Power and Assc. in Initial quality. Safest car in the world- 9-5 no lie.

Report Abuse
4.75 out of 5 stars

Third Saab is a Charm

Colonel, 02/16/2003
2002 Saab 9-5 Aero 4dr SportWagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Car is a beautiful cosmic blue 5 speed Aero wagon. Had to wait three months to take delivery, but has been worth the wait. Although not as tight a thoroughbred as my 1988 SPG or 1989 SPG it still is a excellant family performance vehicle. Car accelerates effortlessly without turbo lag. Car easily hits rev limiter if not carful and can hit 70 mph is second gear. Still have not approached 5 gear rev limit of car. Suspension is softer than I'm used to, but it does make for a very enjoyable touring vehicle. Acceleration from 30 to 100 mph can be dangerous due to the amount of torque available from this light vehicle.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Love It All

binbunny, 09/19/2003
2002 Saab 9-5 Aero 4dr SportWagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This my first Saab car although I looked at them back in the 80's. I needed a car that could easily handle the number of cats I have and not be a SUV. I liked the idea that not everyone was driving a Saab which makes it unique to me. I knew what I wanted when I walked in the dealership a Aero Sportwagon with Automatic and the Sports Package. The car they had wasn't the color I wanted but that didn't bother me at all. It was love a first sight and the color ( silver ) hides the dirt so well I have no regrets about the color choice.I plan on getting another Saab in 2005.

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

I love my Saab

skday1, 09/19/2003
2002 Saab 9-5 Linear 2.3t 4dr SportWagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love my car. The quality and comfort of the interior make it a joy to drive on any length trip. The automatic transmission has some lag, but overall I have found it to be smooth and responsive. If you are considering a Saab, you must test-drive one - the turbo makes it a blast to drive, with plenty of power for city and highway, at any speed. I wish the 2002 had side-curtain air- bags, but other than that I have no regrets, and only wish that I had moved to Saabs earlier. Prior cars have included a 94 Camry wagon and a 00 Volkwagen Passat wagon. I liked the Passat, but I like the Saab better. This is a definite 10 year car.

Report Abuse
4.63 out of 5 stars

A cool wagon for young professionals

antrow, 10/22/2003
2002 Saab 9-5 Aero 4dr SportWagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I traded in an Acura 3.2 CL for my SAAB 9-5 Aero Sportwagon. I loved my Acura but needed to have a car that I could haul things in. Too many times I was stuck at the store trying to shove plants and furniture items into every corner of my Acura. The SAAB was the only wagon that I thought looked cool and felt small and sporty but still had the room I needed. I have had lots of positive comments from people both young and old regarding the cars looks. So far I can say the car has been trouble free. My only complaints are the lack of low-end power before the turbo kicks in and the lack of good cup holders. Other than that I am loving it.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Great Car

Sedona, 03/21/2004
2002 Saab 9-5 Linear 2.3t 4dr SportWagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

All Round Best car I ever drove. Have had MB BMW . Best for the money.

Report Abuse
3.75 out of 5 stars

Not Quite Perfect...

Chris, 12/19/2005
2002 Saab 9-5 Linear 2.3t 4dr SportWagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Was a great car at the beginning, until I started having quite a few mechanical problems. Water pump went twice, turbo needed replacing, ignition module left me stranded on the highway, and a few other smaller things went all withing the 1st two and a half years. Maybe I had a lemon, but it was enough to put me off of getting another Saab. When everything is working, the car was a dream on the highway. It gearing felt a bit off when city driving with manual transmission.

Report Abuse
4.63 out of 5 stars

A lot of car for the money

Believer, 03/20/2007
2002 Saab 9-5 Linear 2.3t 4dr SportWagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought our Linear Wagon Saab CPOed from a local dealer with low mileage and warranty remaining. I have been very impressed by the fuel economy (30- 34 mpg) and reliability. Immensely more reliable to the Audi's and Bimmer's owned in the past.

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

Saab 95 Aero Wagon

gells, 06/04/2003
2002 Saab 9-5 Aero 4dr SportWagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is my second Saab (previously 9000 CS). With the Aero it's a significant upgrade over the 9000. Everything so far has been excellent. Vehicle has almost all of the options except the reverse backup indicator. Got a great deal (0% financing + 1000's off of list price). Lots of good forum's for Saab information which helped in purchasing.

Report Abuse
Items per page:
50