Used 2004 Saab 9-5 Wagon 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.
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.
- Arc 2.3T SedanMSRP: $6,400214 mi away
- Aero SedanMSRP: $19,9981,940 mi away
- Arc 2.3T SedanMSRP: $3,9992,024 mi away
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Best Wagon I've Owned
I bought this wagon to replace my 9-3 which had almost 200k on it. I was really dissapointed that SAAB stopped making a hatchback, so I looked at the 9-5 wagon. I don't think I've ever liked a car more. It's comfortable, civilized, great ride - smooth without feeling mushy and give you a real sense of security. Considering the size and power a steady 25mpg in mixed driving is great. I've gotten low 30's on road trips.
Lovely
The only car I've ever had that I love to just go out driving. Outstanding feature -- road trips -- further the better. Loves to run - settles down about 70 and gets better after that. Great sound system too. Addictive if you are used to Detroit iron.
Satisfying Ride
I like the Saab the more I drive it. The suspension/engine combination is very responsive and the 5 speed is excellent. It is a great sport wagon.
This is a superb vehicle!
Love this car for comfort, for safety, getting 28 mpg on long trips, typically 22 mpg around town. Lots of space.
SAABA
BEST VEHICLE FOR FAMILY. WE BOUGHT FOR WIFE BUT I DRIVE MORE THAN SHE DOES. VERY QUICK AND HANDLES WELL. I'M 6-2" A LITTLE DIFFICULT GETTING IN BUT ONCE IN VERY COMFORTABLE. TURBO REPLACED AT 40,000-WARRANTY COVERED. I USUALLY DRIVE GMC TRUCK 2500HD.
Saabin on em'
I bought this car with 137,000 miles on it. I'll admit I have spent a few thousand dollars in repairs but mostly due to my own lack of understanding. I've had to replace cps, throttle body, a plastic window piece and maybe a few other odd parts. The transmission was the big problem though, I changed the input shaft seals and used advance auto recommended trans fluid, it ended up costing me 1850 for a rebuilt trans and trip to Ohio to have it installed. ONLY USE SAAB RECOMMENDED FLUIDS. It is surprisingly quick between 50 and 80, turbo lag sucks from the stoplight though. It handles decently and is a nice drive through the mountain roads here in WV. All in all it's a pretty good 13 year old car that I plan on having for a while. I'm definitely a fan and plan on modifying it to perform a little bit better while still carrying the kids to school.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Saab 95 Arc wagon
Fun to drive. Great pick up. As much fun to drive as my old Infinti I30. OnStar is no longer a standard feature as the 2003 model. The audio has that Delco sound.The whistle sounds when the keyless remote functions are acivated are obnoxious. Alarmed when "add coolant" flashed on the SID (Saab Info Display) after only 372 miles and three days after delivery. I was in the desert and there is a dealer about 20 miles from our place. the dealer attributed the warning to a possible air pocket in the line that displaced the coolant level indicator. No other problems after two weeks and 1800 miles.
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
Saab Dad
Super safe, much fun to drive. Makes it cool to be a dad. Little different than everyone else's car. great mix of large doses of drivability and high-end features with moderate cost especially for lease deals.
wow
was a volvo guy
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
Saab 9-5 Linear Sport Wagon
Great Car; we own 2 Saab 9-5s
Gotta replace the hatchback
Of course, Saabs are no longer made. The power plant durability and the quick initial depreciation made these cars a great buy used. The reliability has gotten better from the first Saabs I owned (1979, 1985, 1986 and 1994), but all those were hatchbacks, and the '85, '86 were turbos. Saab got bland with the styling and that may have led to their downfall. (If they no longer were quirky, why bother?) But, the turbocharged 4 cylinder makes these cars the best hill climbers.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
What's with the silly cruse control?
My pet peeve is the cruse control that is sooo awkward to use. Fortunately I don't use it too often. Drive the car in sport mode for a real kick in the pants. Forget the standard transmission it's really a waste of time in this car. Save the manual shifting for your 93 convertable.
sweet thing
This wagon is without a doubt, the best looking automobile on the road!!!!!!! It looks better than a M-Benz E-320 wagon or a BMW 540i wagon by a mile
great wagon
Great wagon. Not the same as all the toher cars on the road
Best Combination of Power-Practicability
This is the second Saab Wagon I have owned. The first was a 2000 9-5 SE that I leased and my main complaint about that one was its mushy handling. The Aero wagon corrects that problem admirably. It is very tight on the road and really hits its stride at 50 mph and above speeds. I had looked at the Volvo, BMW 5 series, and Audi 6 series wagons and eliminated the BMW for cost issues, the Audi for repair record and the Volvo for handling. This car is a joy to drive and not so flashy that I worry about parking on big city streets.
Single Mom's styling
I've driven Saabs for many years. I love this car however I may have to give it up. My 15 year old is 6'2" and his leg don't fit very well anymore, especially with his sister and all their gear. Please, please don't tell me to get a minivan.
Today's SPG
Great vehicle. Captures the heart of my '90 SPG in a modern, high-tech version of the original 900. SAAB owners will love it. Fun driving a car in the "State of Independence."
perfect saab
From the day I bought it, now 34,000 miles nothing has gone wrong. Living in New Hampshire the driving is tough. Snow, mountains, this 9-5 Aero wagon handles it all never gets bogged down in deep snow. My Porsche used to die in the winter and my wife picked me up at the bottom of the steep hill in her Saab
Saab's Best
This is second to none in its class. More roomy cabin than the others and makes bmw look lazy and Audi look cheap. Dash designed like an airplane, drives like one too. We purchased the manual transmission for the wagon and got sports, function and fuel economy just before the gas $ went up. We went to the auto show in NYC looking for a bmw or Audi and came out sure that the Saab 95 Aero was the right vehicle. This is the only car that felt right to my wife when she sat in it. Saab has done a great job marketing this car to women as we can now testify. We also look at used car reliability ratings and this is the only one in its class with a positive rating.
Great Value
Looking for a non-SUV, sporty, hauler there were three finalists: Saab 9-5, Volvo V70, and 2005 Subaru Legacy. Saab won out on price/value. Close to the Subaru in performance, better mileage than others, classy and comfortable interior. $8500 off msrp sealed the deal. Build quality and fit/finish are excellent. Kick to drive. Enormous cargo capacity, largest of the three. Great driver's car. Excellent passenger accommodations front and rear. All in all, an exellent value that remains distinctive in a world of look- alike SUV's. In-dash cupholder is a joke, and not a good one. Additional cupholder in center console is even worse.
the best of the best
This feels so fast. It is the best long distance car you can get other than a Bently. very good MPG
The forgotten wagon that is fantastic
It is like driving a Porsche station wagon.
A Unique, soulful car
The last of the current Saab models thatactually has that 'Saab look.' A unique car that you don't see dozens of while driving. Sturdy build, fun to drive,with lots o' space.
What more could you want?
This car is tough to beat. It is so fun to drive, even with the automatic. The torque just keeps coming, even when doing 70mph or more! Add to this the fact that it has more room, is more practical, and safer than almost anything out there in the price range. I can't say enough great things about this car.
Saab Aero
Evaluated the VW Passat W8 and BMW 325xi wagons extensively before finding the Saad 95 Aero Wagon. The Saab just blew the others away in terms of style, interior size, performance, expected reliability, and value. The Aero Academy performance driving school included with purchase is an incredible experience.
2004 9-5 aero wagon
I was put-off by an older 9000 I owned before but was impressed the moment I got behind the wheel. Purchased this instead of a BMW wagon because of better interior space, much better mileage and impressive power.
Pleased with Saab 9-5 Aero wagon
The car has been very comfortable and fun to drive. This is the most horse power I have had, felt I had power to maneuver when needed in traffic. Gas economy is good for size of car it is. When I have had passengers with me they have always commented what a nice ride they are having. I agree that back seat is just about as comfortable as the front and plenty of leg room. I think you get a great value for the money. Have had 2 minor recall issues I have had to get fixed. One complaint is that covered maintenance is only at 5k, 15k, 30k and 45k. Oil changes between every 5k are not covered.
luvsaabin
this wagon rocks!! i needed a vehicle which can carry my tools everywhere i go but i did not want to drive a truck anymore. this car gets me every where i want to go, great space, easy for the dogs etc. major happy with the performance and gas mileage.
Allright tourer
Not a true sports sedan since it does have a little handling issues, overall and excellant avordable vehicle when compared to the BMW/Audi(volkswagens) of the world
Aero Sport Wagon on Top
Doesn't get much better than this for fun and performance driving. Very powerful, great auto 5sp tranny, and simple Swedish interior styling make it very comfortable. The wagon exterior is the most stylish car on the road IMHO, and it is very functional. I love this Aero and I've had 8 prior Saabs. Pricing is also very aggressive for sale or lease, and it comes with a driving course at Road Atlanta: Aero Academy!!!
Great wagon affordable
The car will scream from 70 to 120mph on the highway when you need to pass someone. However it is hard to clean the wheels. Took 5 people on a dive trip and carried all gear including tanks and BCs in the car without being cramped.
what a wagon
What a great car for those of us needing to haul stuff and who won't drive a SUV anymore. I came out of a G500 that fell apart every day and this car has been great. Fun to drive (mines the manual) great space to haul dogs, lumber, tools, bikes, etc. really good gas mileage 22 in town 29 on the highway. i drive A LOT of miles and this car has been an excellent mix of everything i need. WHO KNEW?