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Used 2003 Saab 9-5 Sedan Consumer Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
108 reviews

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4.88 out of 5 stars

2002 SAAB 9-5 Aero - Sneaky Good

mmabuc85, 05/09/2003
2003 Saab 9-5 Aero 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

After test driving many competitors (G35, CTS, 330i) I was blowen away by how complete the 9-5 was. The stiffer aluminium suspension makes a big difference in the handling yet the ride is smooth on the road. The HOT I-4 loves to be revved off the line but it really shines on the highway passing, it gets from 60-80 faster then any car I have driven. Also, the 5 speed automatic is better matched to this engine then the stick. When I compared the safety fetures and reputation of SAAB, their willingness to deal on the car and the full option list, it was a winning deal. Fully loaded I got this car for less then a stripped 330i.

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3.13 out of 5 stars

Unreliable Car

Sad Saab, 08/25/2008
2003 Saab 9-5 Linear 2.3t 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Bought a new 95 Linear on 05/03 with 23 miles. At 3k miles the back passenger door latch jammed. AT 7k the sunroof jammed. AT 14k noise on the front wheel with bearing replaced. AT 35k the trunk would not open. One recall to replace the clamp on the fuel system. AT 41K engine lights on with O2 sensor replaced. At 44K there is a front axle leak and broken belt protector. At 56K heater valve leak. At 58K again O2 sensor was replaced and also the fuel pump. Car just died on the middle of the road. Now at 61K stranded again. Car just choked, jerk and not getting into gear. Very dissatisfied. Maintenance schedule has been followed.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Big Surprise, Small Price

Alfabet, 06/21/2010
2003 Saab 9-5 Aero 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this used in August of 06 since I had a "price point" in mind as children were in college and cost was important. The terrible depreciation is the used car buyer's gain and I bought three years from new for about 45% of list. The car turned out to be a big surprise after 4 years and about 40K miles I have driven. Few mechanical problems, although they were either covered by the remaining factory warranty or the extended one I bought. I am very impressed with the highway cruising ability but it is not my prior 911 or 540 (nor did I expect it to be). It is generally an all around good car with lots of room and decent driving fun. Go find one with low mileage!

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5 out of 5 stars

Best Saab Yet!

My 3rd Saab, 08/23/2002
2003 Saab 9-5 Linear 2.3t 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is my 3rd Saab, and the best by far. Build quality is superb. Not a single defect. And the body is stiffer and tracks better than my old 900 or my old 9-3. Plenty of power in the base model and it handles beautifully. The only thing I don't like is the dealer where I purchased. But then again, have you ever met a car salesman that you liked? I bought from 128 Saab for the price, I go to Charles River Saab for the service.

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2.75 out of 5 stars

I wish I'd chosen something different.

pythonfan6, 11/13/2002
2003 Saab 9-5 Arc 3.0t 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have had one problem after another. All build quality issues. Unlubricated steering column, rattles, a door hinge came loose causing a mean whistle in the door, panel lights flickering, other electrical issues. Aside from those, the cupholders are ridiculous. The one in the front armrest is unusable, and the one on the dash is to flimsy to put anything in but a can of coke. Acceleration is fine, but the car has no grip on any surface. The tires squeal at anything more than a soft touch to the peddle. All in all, I feel like I paid 40,000 dollars for a Hyundai.

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