Used 2004 Saab 9-5 Consumer 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.
Great Used Value
I think '04-05 Saab 9-5s are one of the best kept secrets on the used market.The resale value of GM era Saabs stinks. Bad if you want to buy a used one and sell it in two years. Great if you want a terrific content filled bargain you can drive for years. All the early bugs have been worked out. You get a vehicle that ranks tops in safety. Speed if you want it. Fuel efficiency if you want it. Plenty of passenger and cargo room. Very smooth ride(even with my Aero suspension). I also prefer the body style of the '04-05 vs. the '06. Don't be scared of the Saab stories you here from people. Most are probably from 9-3 owners and those are a very different vehicle than the 9-5.
Keeping mine till they start making them again!
Bought mine new in 2004 and am now approaching 150,000 miles. All three of my kids learned to drive with the Saab, and it became their car of choice (even though it lacks modern features like USB or Aux ports to the stereo). My only major issue so far was a HVAC failure that cost hundreds to repair. Otherwise, engine and transmission remain solid (knock on wood). The car still handles as well as anything I have owned or rented - a perfect balance between riding comfort and handling, in my opinion. And my gas mileage has been excellent. Low to mid 30s on the highway, blended average in the low to mid 20s. It's also an excellent winter car (I live in Minneapolis). I have had great luck with Nokian tires and with Firestone.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
- Arc 2.3T SedanMSRP: $6,4001,014 mi away
- Arc 2.3T SedanMSRP: $3,9991,251 mi away
- Aero SedanMSRP: $19,9981,782 mi away
I bought mine new
I am not one to keep a car, I usually trade before the warranty runs out. This is the first car I've kept beyond the warranty. I traded a new Toyota Highlander in on it, the Highlander was just boring to drive. The Saab has never disappointed. I have been considering trading it, but I can't find anything better for the money. I may run this one for 300,000 miles. They're right about the tires - go with the michelins. Cup holders are not my priority when deciding on a vehicle. In fact, I hate all the cars with open cup holders that get gunk in them. It's roomy, safe, reliable and fun to drive.
Bought It New...Hoping Saab Stays In Business!
We bought this car in August of 2004 while my wife was pregnant. We needed the utility of a station wagon but wanted something that was fun to drive and had a decent level of luxury appointments. The Saab has not disappointed! This is a medium sized wagon that's comfortable and has plenty of space for a trip to the beach. It gets over 30 MPG on the highway and has a very spirited performance from its 220 HP turbo. It's not our only car, so it has low mileage (around 32 K). It has not had any significant problems at all----a very safe and reliable car. The quality of the materials is excellent. The paint finish remains like new. No complaints at this point---still love driving it.
Extraordinarily fun car
I too have owned several BMWs and this SAAB needs to offer no apologies for anything by comparison. Truly a fun car to drive. Superb acceleration, handling, sound system, styling, and comfort.
second wagon
This is my fourth SAAB and I have loved all of them. My convertible was the best of all but was impractical for carrying loads and extra passengers. This is my second wagon and both are comfortable to drive, carry reasonable loads, and are not in a category with the cumbersome SUV's that guzzle gas, are difficult to squeeze into parking spots, and are hard for older people to climb into. It has all the features of and SUV and is not a monstrosity. I love it.
I Hope Saab Returns
It's really a shame----bordering on despicable----that the failed General Motors Corporation, survivors only due to the U.S. government flooding them with millions of our tax dollars----saw fit to essentially drive Saab out of business. It's a long story, but suffice to say, holding preferred shares of Saab stock, GM blocked the sale of Saab to a Chinese company, forcing them into bankruptcy. As I write this, Saab is hanging by a thread hoping to find a buyer GM will "allow" or finding a different way to stay in business, without the devils at GM lording it over them. Regarding my car----it's a 2004 Saab 9-5 Arc Wagon, with automatic transmission. I bought it new. Reliable, great car.
Purchasing Overseas & Shipping Delivery
Having purchased this car in Germany just before returning to the US for a new job, I was worried about having it delivered to an unfamiliar dealership. My worries were unfounded as I have continued to have the car (as well as my older '98) serviced and maintained at the dealership and have been very satisfied.
Remarkable Balance
Although I've only owned my Aero for just over two months, I've had some good experience with what this car excels at and what may be trouble spots. With all its gadgetry, I've already had my share of glitches, most notably poor performing rain-sensing wipers, a result of a poor sensor. Various electrical gremlins also pop up on occasion, but are mild irritants at worst. The 9-5 in Aero guise is a great looking and oddly rare car in the sea of Bimmers, Lexii, and Benz that swarm the roads of Atlanta. While in no way a neck-snapper, the Aero has plenty enough zip to best most 'sporty' sedans on the road. Where it truly dazzles is doing this and still returning 30mpg on the highway
Great vehicle
The car has around 45,000 miles on it and there are no creaks from inside. The ride is very quiet. The performance of the Aero is great and it's a lot fun with the turbo. The 9-5 has a lot of neat features like park assist, pockets in the front seats, cooled glove box, etc. It is very AEROdynamic and is still quirky compared to a BMW or MB. It has been very reliable and was much less that the competitor's cars. Has more style and character than any Lexus.
Beautiful balance in the Arc sedan
Performance is extraordinarily balanced in this car. Handling, accelleration, and highway cruising are simply excellent. The icing on the cake--and never seems to be mentioned in professional reviews--is its mileage! Over 30 mpg 70+ I don't know of a viable competitor with that combination of virtues.
What other luxury vehicle can carry 4 Kayaks?
I bought my 95-Aero wagon new in 2004 and have no plans to replace it. Sweet Harmon-Kardon sound system, serious acceleration and cornering control, lots of room, excellent climate control, comfy (heated) seats, 29-30 MPG on trips (at 150K miles!), and a body solid enough to carry a load of cabinetry lumber (or 4 kayaks) on removable Thule racks! Built by folks with a work ethic to make a safe & fun car that lasts. I will never buy a GM product after they destroyed SAAB.
AMAZING
I've had the Audi A4 and BMW 330xi all in the last few years, and they can't even touch this car.
Fabulous Aero
This 9-5 was our 7th Saab. We upgraded to this and have loved it from day ONE. The ventilated seats for the summer cooling are a great asset and my husband absolutely loves them.
My SAAB in Norway
I am now a 3-time SAAB owner. This time, I live in Norway. I clicked the Aero box because my Norway-model is closest to the Aero except for the engine. I have the sports-seats, automatic trans, metal dash, leather, and 17-inch wheels, BUT ONLY a 150- horsepower 2.0-turbo! Nonetheless, this power is all one needs here (and I'd say also in the US). The 9-5 is a great car, much peppier than my 1995 9000 US-export, which had a 2.3-turbo. The ride is much smoother than the 9000, and the feeling is more one of soft luxury, even though these SAABs are considered FAMILY CARS here in Norway and Sweden.
Beware of any computerized module
This is a great car and I love it to death. It's 2017 and my 2004 had 84k when I purchased the car. I had it checked and got the ok from my Saab mechanic. Now the bad- I have replaced every control module in the car at an average cost of 1500 dollars a pop for a total of about 6000. It's just like your technology at home, when it goes it goes and there is no way to detect when it will go bad. Your mechanic can check the mechanics etc... , but the modules are another story. I'm just saying if you buy one be prepared to spend money and enjoy the ride
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
'02 Aero wagon is top notch
This is an overall great car. After a BMW 5-series wagon -- much costlier -- and this is a worthy contender. Don't pass up the 9-5 -- it remains a very competitive platform.
Saab 95 Aero review by HL
Handles well with a very nice acceleration. Fit and finish could be a little more modern and tighter. The interior is sturdy and wears very well. The materials always look new. I had a 2000 model and it was the same. The interior room is adequate, yet the outside is not too big. Trunk space is great. The car could use a nicer stereo and the vanity mirrors have useless lights.
More fun than should be legal
Saab 9.5 Aero: The road handling is superb with the 17" wheels and the Pirelli wide tires. The feeling is total and effortless control, especially on winding Sierra mountain roads. Braking has perfect feel. Ventilated seats are a great plus in Sacramento summer heat. Seats fit like a glove. I test drove BMW 525 and Mercedes C sport coupe and the Saab beats them both. What understeer? Turbo lag is there, but I'm not drag racing, and when you kick it to merge or manuever on the highway it snaps nicely. Before you buy a sport sedan, drive an Aero.
Practical and Cool
I have a fast and practical car which looks unlike everything else. It has had no problems and puts a smile on my face when I accelerate.
9-5 aero...a joy to drive
this is a fine performane vehicle...fun to drive....something different....priced 5-7000 less then compatible bmw
Middle Age Fun
Purchased this car on impulse, and have not had any regrets. I look forward to my next one. It feels good, and is fun to drive.
SAAB Wagon
We traded our Volvo V70 wagon after too many service trips to count for annoying things (windows that wouldn't work, door locks that were stuck, back latch not working properly...etc). After driving the SAAB wagon we wondered why we even considered a Volvo! The handling and pickup is in a league of it's own, the gas milage makes our old Volvo look like a pickup truck!
Love mine!!
I've had my Aero almost a year now. Has 8500 miles on it. I've had not trouble with it. I've been service dept free. The only time I've had to go in to the service dept is for the 30day inspection that's part of the warranty. I love owning and driving this car. I like to so much, I'm think of buying a 9-3 conv. :)
Better thatn the Reviews
This is a superb car and a wonderful ride. Especially at $32,400 I paid for it. The only comparable car for me is the BWM 525 and that was almost 18 grand more. I needed good room in the back seat for three kids and this had it. The ride is great as is the handling. The turbo lag that has been described in otehr reviews is non- existent. I highly recommend it.
Awesome car
This car is so fun to drive, manual or automatic. It's so fast...and sporty but great for anything. This car has been compared to BMW (and trust me I love BMW's) but really I think they run better if not the same.
Another great SAAB story
This was my 2nd great SAAB. First was a superb driving, reliable, safe 2003 9-3 sedan (e.g..36 mpg at 80 mph on New Mex I40 at 105 degrees Fahrenheit. This SAAB 9-5 wagon has been problem free for almost all of its 100,000 miles. It has been all over the USA, full of "stuff", and still averages 34 mpg on the highway and 23 in town. Of course, I maintain its recommended maintenance schedule, don't you? Here's hoping the new owners of SAAB don't screw it up.
Great car to by used
No better value, as depreciation runs high. Got mine with 23,000 miles for $15k at Carmax. What a deal. Spotless reliability so far, now at 45,000 miles. Very comfortable. Great on freeway. Handling could be a little tighter but that's what you get with FWD.
I love my SAAB
I love my SAAB. This is my 5th SAAB in 20 years. It is fun to drive, in snow and summer. Steady on the road. Reliable. In the evenings I sometimes just stand by the window watching my SAAB.
2004 95 Aero
Very comfi, did not realize what i was missing (I have an Isuzu Trooper). Very snug and well fitting seats. Great pickup and handling (not quite the same as a BMW 325i), but for 36K I got much more car for a little bit in terms of pickup and handling. Saab's paid attention to small things like the two sunshades/visors. Controls are very ergonomic in addition. Cant say much about the reliabilty, i bought it on the 10th of july and have done only about 400miles. Overall fun car. Bought the car for my wife's b'day, she'd happy, but she thinks that this is too complicated for her to handle, something that I am not in a hurry to correct :)
I love it
as in clothing i hate seeing myself coming and going...i love that there are very few on the road!!!
Drive one and you will buy one.
Great car for size. Average 22.5 mpg on last 8K. Mileage is same as some smaller cars. Really need to use cruise to maximize. The Aero option again is the only way to go on a Saab. Bigger tires and add the spoiler and the car goes from a plain Jane to the girl every bad boy wants. Power is there when you need to pass. My 96 was more sure footed but this model is more agile. The cabin updates for rear passengers was needed. The seats are comfortable but not like the 9000 Aero. As long as Saab is making cars I will be an owner.
My Aero
I have owned this Saab 9-5 Aero for three years and it has been working without any troubles. It's a dream around town and on the highway. It is 5 speed.
Took a long time to buy one
I am in the market to buy another Saab probably will look at the BMW, Mercedes and a Jag but I know in my heart it will be a another Saab I change every two or 3 years. This will be my 4th. Have had all the others above, but the ride, comfort and dependability in a Saab is the best. I now have a 2001
What's not to like?
Having just purchased this auto there isn't much to complain about. The car drives well, handels well, and presents itself well.
Who needs an SUV?
As a three time SUV owner, I never expected to own a wagon, much less to actually like driving one. This car is actually fun to drive! I love the smooth delivery of turbo power, and the solid, stable ride. On snow covered roads, this car is outstanding. This is the best car I have ever owned. I would highly recommend it to anyone who needs a vehicle with good hauling capacity, with an eye for style and comfort.
Saab 9-5 Wagon
This is a comfortable family car for both city and highway driving. In town, it is nimble and easy to park. On highway it is quiet and the turbo gives the 4 cylinder more than enough pep.
Fun in 2nd gear
ok, this is a family station wagon, not a sports car. But when the turbo kicks in starting around 2500 rpm, usually in 2nd gear, you can have a lot of fun. Also, for all you SUV drivers out there. This has the storage you need but it gets 40 mpg on the highway.
Aero Go
The Aero is a "Beast" to say the least, I looked at the BMW 5 Series, Cadillac CTS and CTS-V, Accura TL, and they did not stack up. Saab Aero is in a class alone when considering value to dollar ROI. Handling is clean and crisp, fuel ecomony is running nearly 24 MPG (highway/city). 17" rims are very nice. Overall impression is, "where has Saab been?" We know Saab is owned by GM, but this group is a sleeper. Don't get it confused, sleep on the Saab and you are likely to get snake bitten!
Best Kept Secret
It's great that I get to buy a car like the 9-5 for $35,000 while suckers will pay $50,000 for a BMW 530 and get so much less of everthing else.
My first Saab
I test drove the Saab 95 five years ago, and finally bought one last week. Compare to the other cars in the same price range (BMW 325, Audi A4, Lexus E330), the Saab is neither the most sporty, nor the most refined, but it offers a unique stylying and lots of utility. The rear seat is spacious, and the trunk is like a cave compare to the BMW. SAAB uses high quality material through out the cabin. I still could not tell whether the door inserts are real leather or not. The seats are very comfortable, as well as the head restraint.
Great Saab
Very enjoyable to drive. Quick pick up in power.
perfect
the saab 9-5 aero has got to be the best midsize sedan on the market toady. It has speed (150 mph) agility, and awsome looks. Best car I have ever perchased
love my saab
This is a fun and comfortable car to drive, even for long distances. I never feel exhausted after a long trip. I always feel sporty driving it, even though it is a wagon. This is my fourth Saab and although I have enjoyed each of them, this is my favorite because of the comfortable luxury.
Fun to drive luxury car !
The car has been an excellent family "sports" sedan. Dashboard layout, comfortable seats, large trunk, xenon headlights and 5-speed auto transmission w/ paddle shifters on the steering wheel are features that make this car very enjoyable. The standard Pirelli tires are not the quietest or best performing but adequate for most driving styles.
Shame on GM
My initial love affair with this car has gone cold. I've had this car almost 1 year, bought it as Certified Pre Owned, and it is bordering on qualifying as a lemon. Ten trips to the dealership, mostly for brake related problems (noise, vibration, ABS/TCS lights coming on). My nearest dealership is 100+ miles away, so major inconvenience. Today, check engine light came on, a week after getting it back from the shop. Typical story. In the car's defense, a lot of the trips are due to dealership/mechanic incompetence, but isn't that part of the package? I only recommend a 9-5 if you live near a dealership and they supply loaners, and you get extended warranty.
It's a blast to drive
This Aero really MOVES! I can't seem to keep it under 100 mph. It's fun to drive. I looked at the Audi A6 and the Volvo S60R, test drove them all extensively, but the fun factor and interior room in the 9-5 sold me. I wanted a winter worthy car and front wheel drive is, for most practical highway purposes, as useful as AWD. Great gas mileage on the 9-5 to boot. Just watch out for tickets!
Second Saab 95
Very responsive and fun to drive. Extremely comfortable seating and controls.
Three Time Saab Owner
The combination of fuel economy and performance is unequalled in its competitors. Saab's turbocharged engine deliver smooth performance through the fulll power band. With rising fuel costs, I'm gonna be thankful I have a four-banger!
Great driving car
Bought it used with 28000 miles. This is a really great driving and performing car. Have had many problems, but all were fixed by dealer under good factory warranty. Gas mileage is very good and performance is outstanding. I get 28 - 30 mpg highway driving on a regular basis. 5 speed