Used 2005 Saab 9-5 Consumer Reviews
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Amazing Used Car Value
I have put 6000 miles on my 9-5 ARC which I purchased with 66,600 miles on it. So it now has about 72000. This car is an AMAZING VALUE! It is SAFE, Fast and in Sport mode quick enough for most anyone but a real drag racer. Great through snow! Factually if you are considering buying a used car and you do not check out the value at a SAAB dealer you are making a HUGE mistake! It is probably best to get an extended warranty as it is really on any used car. Both myself and my son are 6 foot 300 pound guys and we can both sit comfortably in the front. If you want a car that handles well, has panache, is FUN and SAFE. Find a good used SAAB and YOU WILL BE IMPRESSED. Great Dealer!
Swedish King, understated design
Love my Saab! This is my 4th Saab, second 9-5. I ordered the car with a manual trans, a/c seats and sat nav. I do a lot of highway driving and this Saab just eats all the miles up. On long road trips i avg 32-35 mpg and every day driving i avg 28-30. The car is so much fun to drive and I love the turbo! It's comfy to drive in all weather conditions and roads. I do run snow tires in the winter and the car becomes unstoppable. I visit my dealer every 5k for sched maint and the car has never failed me. From weather of -20 to +115 dF, the car always handles it and with composure. The car is very understated in design which I like, doesn't call attention to its self in traffic.
- Linear 2.3T WagonMSRP: $3,9951,015 mi away
- Aero SedanMSRP: $5,9951,425 mi away
- Arc 2.3T WagonMSRP: $5,9951,560 mi away
New to Saab
I first drove a Saab 9-3 Aero , but it was sold, so I drove this 9-5 Arc. The 9-5 Arc is more of a touring car and is larger and less sporty than the 9-3 Aero. The ride is much smoother than the 9-3 Aero and the Interior is better designed. I love this car - power on demand with the 2.3 L turbo and great gas mileage as long as you get out of city driving conditions. Only owned a short time, but all the research seems to suggest that routine maintenance is key and Synthetic Oil changes every 4-5K miles is a must.
A Swedish Study In Contrasts
This is my first Saab, which I picked up after many years behind the wheel of various SUVs and a 4x4 truck. I've raced cars in the past, so it has always seemed incongruous that I was an SUV driver. I've finally made the jump to a luxury sport sedan, and I could not be happier with the 9-5 Aero. The 9-5 exemplifies the Swedish design philosophy of refined understatement coupled with performance. Excellent road manners with enough stiffness in the ride to remind you that the car is made to handle and perform. The 2.3 ltr Turbo provides an excellent balance of torquey performance and fuel economy, while at the same time making you forget that there's a little 4 banger under the hood.
Understated wealth
Such a great car! This is my 4th Saab but my first 9-5. I do a lot of highway driving (cape cod every weekend) Weekends i avg 300 miles and weekdays I drive about 500-700 and the car gobbles them all up with composure and confidence Some people will say Saabs are nothing but problems, but I find that if you actually maintain the car like you're suppose to, then not much will happen. This car has been wonderful to own. Its fast and agile, yet i avg 29-31 mpg on a regular basis. Great car for New England winters with snow tires of course. I plan on keeping this for a long time as it's holding up better than I expected. We also have a convertible and its just as good.
Performance, Comfort, and Fun to Drive!!
Sink into these comfortable seats, turn the key in the console - hit the sport mode put into gear and take off - you will feel why they say Saab born form jets. All this and excellent fuel economy, especially on the open road. Since I've only owned a short time - my personal experience with reliability is incomplete, sounds like following the maintenance schedule is key. I fell in love with this car during the test drive.
Saab 9-5 Arc
This car handles like a dream, has the power needed in a quick start or emergency, but gets the gas mileage of a much less gutsy car.
Fine car but not bullet proof
My wife is the primary driver, but we've both logged enough miles to form an opinion. First, the good: handling, acceleration, brakes, ride comfort. Looks good in an understated way from all angles. Love that tight turning circle. Wife loves the turbo boost, cargo space and six-way seat. 26-28 mpg with manual transmission. The midnight blue, she found, is not invisible to police radar however. The not so good: ABS and water pumps failed, some headlight relay issues, rear ABS sensor/hub replaced. All under warranty. Road noise a bit high with Pirellis and replacement Bridgestone Potenzas. On balance we're aiming for 200K, but expect it will not be a cheap ride.
An amazing car thus far
Although in the two years that I have owned my SAAB 9-5 Aero I have had several reaccurring problems, like malfunctionning auto levelling headlamps, and a wiper failure. Each and every time I step into it I am rewarded with an amazing driving experience, great power delivery, superior ergonomics. This is the first car that I have been able to keep for more than six months.
Bang for the Buck
The 2005 9-5 Arc is a whole lot for a rather moderate price, compared to competitors. Reliability is first on the list and, although not the reason for purchasing the vehicle, gas economy is phenominal at 28+ MPG (combined city and highway). Road feel is superb and the way that saab manages to squeeze power out of a 4 cylinder engine in unbelievable. With the "sport" feature that comes standard, you can get the feel of driving a much more expensive sports car, although your fuel economy will suffer just a bit. I am pleased as can be with the vehicle!
The Rodney Dangerfield of Cars
This car never seems to get any respect from reviewers. However, after pooring over the road and track reviews of this particular class of cars the Saab 9.5 aero was the best value. Saab had a $5,000 sticker writeoff incentive at the time. Saab builds some of the safest cars on the road today. This car is flat out the most enjoyable car to drive I have ever owned. The list includes Lexux, Volvo, and BMWs. The Aero with a stick makes you want to take the car for a drive out in the country just to exercise the car. On long trips the car is great because it has the most luggage space of any of the cars in its class. To nit pick, I would have to say the cup holder is not "elegant."
JANNE'S TEST
IT IS A VERY "TIGHT FEELING" CAR TO DRIVE. HIGH LEVEL OF CONTROL AND GREAT ACCELERATION. A GREAT VALUE FOR THE MONEY. WHAT MORE CAN YOU ASK? IT IS NOT A FRIVILOUS CAR LIKE MANY OTHER SUPER- CHARGED BRAND NAMES. SERVICE IS GREAT. BEAUTIFUL SHOWROOMS; TRULY A GREAT IMAGE BUILDER FOR SAAB: HI TECH PERFORMANCE! JANNE MULLER
Gas milage much better than advertised
I have owned my Saab for over 3 years. Bought it used with 16k and have added another 30k. Have spent zero on maint. Except oil changes. Gas mileage is rated 17 city and 26 highway but I get 33 highway and 28 in mixed driving, not sure how to measure city. No complaints so far. Love the rear parking sensors. Have an aero with spoiler so still looks good although over 5 years old. Sport seats are comfortable. You feel the road which I like but my wife hates. Also rides low (same like/hate). Harman Kardan sound is good but not amazing. Trunk roomy. Can't complain. I know resale is low, but will prob. Give to my son at some point and I only paid $22k used so not too worried
Excellent car so far & very good value
2.5 years and 35,000 miles in LA traffic, and no real complaints. A few minor service items, but the car has been very reliable (as was the 2001 that I had before it). Superb highway cruiser. Smooth & quiet, with good acceleration once you get over about 15 MPH. Excellent value for the money. This was engineered to be a BMW 5 series competitor in its day, and the quality level is in that category.
New to Saab
Awesome. Drive this against Audi, BMW, Lexus etc. If it's for you, there will be no comparison. Once I drove it, had to have it. Never thought I would even look at Saab.
Saab 9-5 wagon did not disappoint
Purchased based upon Consumer Reports ratings. I wasn't crazy about the rims on the Arc, but I replaced them with 17-inch rims and Pirelli speed-rated tires, and the wagon is almost perfect. Great car, great performance (7.0 0-60), and 32.5 mpg on the highway. What's not to love?
Expensive to keep
Saw the price list for Service at the Dealership. Will sell this car after the free service. Charging close to $1000.00 for a major service. And charges of $480 for minor service. That is pretty steep to change oil and fuilds on minor service and that does not include pads on brakes or belts and timing chains. You will pay for all the free service before. Not worth the car.
wicked fun wagon
I traded a G500 mercedes (which was a in the shop 41 days in the 8 months I owned it) on this great wagon which continues to amaze me everytime we stuff it full of stuff and still get in the high 20's on the highway. It is a manual which is a hoot to drive, it is excellent (with snow tires) in the fluffy stuff, handles very well, comfortable for 5 plus the dogs in back. I am not sure why there are not many more of these wagons out there. It kicks the volvo in turning radius by some 9 feet which is a major deal in city driving, bigger then the subaru, and i would not have considered another mercedes after the last one.
9-5 Aero
This is the vehicle that provides it all--performance, safety and comfort. I have found no better choice in the price range that the 9-5 Aero occupies. The Aero Academy (2-day driving school at Road Atlanta) is the icing on the cake. I love my Aero!
Fast & safe
This is the best vehicle I have ever owned. It handels well, especially in corners. impresive braking & all the Alphabits in it (ESP & ABS....) do work!The quality of the car is impresive so far. But the only problim I faced is replacing the battery four times in two and half years!
Great Value, Sweet Swedish Ride!
Just purchased a new 9-5 Aero after owning a 2003 BMW 525i for the past 3 years. My BMW corners better then the SAAB, but I find the 9-5 much more fun to drive. A comparably equipped 5 series is nearly $60K! Having driven both cars, the BMW is not enough better then then the 9-5 to justify the difference in price. The critics are dead wrong about this car. In my humble opinion I think its still one of of the best looking cars on the road. My SAAB turns far more heads then my BMW ever did. There are definitely a few quirky features on the 9-5, but I think it adds to the whole "coolness factor" of the car. If money is not a factor buy the BMW, otherwise save the bucks!
csi
fun to drive, unique exterior styling sets it apart from other sedans
I am a Fan So Far
I love the look of this car, the wheels, the front grill, etc... with the black sport interior and the chrome style dash I think it is a great looking sporty car. Highway driving and parkway driving -- best I have ever driven. In and around town it is stiffer and you feel the potholes more than my wifes Arc wagon. Bottomline, I am very pleased so far.
Saab 9.5
Love my Saab. Very sturdy. Nicely styled, good mileage. Fun to drive. Lots of energy. Have not had any maintenance issues. Could use more cup holders and storage space in front seat. Doesn't do quite as well in snowy conditions as I'd hoped, but still reasonable. Repair for run into deer involving front bumper was very expensive.
Sorry to see you go.
Great, economical peppy wagon. Not bad in the snow. Decent gas mileage.good pickup with the turbo. Sound system just ok.overall happy with my SAAB.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Happy so far
I bought an Arc wagon off-lease; it is really an excellent value and a lot of car for the money. It has all the modern passive and active safety features, and feels very secure on the road. The Swedish seats are the most comfortable in the business. Super ride quality and excellent mileage on the freeway- this is a great commuter car. The suspension definitely favors ride over cornering, but the Saab is plenty responsive with quick steering and good feedback. The 2.3T motor is a torquey beast- it pulls from 40-70 mph in the blink of an eye.
Jack of all trades...
Safe, fast, reliable, high utility (big trunk and enough interior space for 4 adults). Handles nice. Great gas mileage. Outstanding car for the real world. Ignore the critics (they don't live in the real world, and they don't like FWD.). I just re-leased my 3rd one (never owned a Saab prior to my first 9-5)... need I say more?At the prices you can negotiate (way below MSRP), they offfer great value.
I Love my Saab 9-5
This is my first "nice" car and I love the performance, comfort, and gas mileage I get (consistently 27-28 MPG). The Turbo engine is something I can't live without. I'm looking forward to it handling the snow this winter!!!
Saab 9.5 smooth driving and fast turbo
You will love the turbo function.-front wheel drive gives great stiring options-smooth ride
More good than bad
Awesome car. After a few trips to the dealer for some very minor things, the Saab is great. My service is awesome. Driving the Saab is a great experiance. It is a highway car though. Sways in tight turns. But on the highway look out. Nothing but pure power.
Swedish Marvel
I drive over 65,000 miles per year, mostly highway, and this is the best road car made--superb handling, braking, acceleration (turbo), amazing gas mileage (31+), comfortable heated seats, auto climate control, the best sound system I've heard, and air bags in side doors as well as front. I've got two other Saabs (900S)with over 400.000 miles as well as a 1999 Saab 9-5 with 168,000 miles. These cars are made to last, the 4 cylinder engine is the best ever made and the body and paint are very durable. What more could one want?
Best Car EVER!!!
This is my first car. My mom wanted me to have a Saab because thats all my whole family drives and I wanted something like a sports car because they're cute...but now that I have my car I love it so much...I was in an accident with a Saab 2 years ago and if we werent in that car we probably wouldnt have made it its such a great car I love my Saab!!!
3rd 9-5
Had an '01 and '02 9-5 Aero. This is my third Saab. Was a little nervous about stepping down in power and style, but found this car to be better balanced than the Aero. The lighter pressure turbo is smoother and the handling is much more predictable (the Aero model needs bigger sway bars and is skittish at edge of adhesion). This car is much more comfortable but still has me grinning when I want to drive at a good clip! I have not had ANY problems with ANY of my Saabs.
Fun to drive
This is a great car! Plenty of power and it sips gas. The rear seat is one of only a few cars that has a comfortable seating position. What more could you want from a sport sedan.
I love my Saab
I purchased this Saab almost two months ago, after owning luxury SUVs (Lndcruisers) for years. I could not be happier. I made the choice when I purchased a used Saab for my son as a graduation present, Driving and riding in it, I realized what a great car this was. So, I made the move away from the big (politically irresponsible)SUV, to this grand, luxry sedan.
best there is
The AERO is a wonderful car.It handles great, acclerates remarkably, and is beautiful in and out. The seats are the most comfortable I have eve sat in, and it gets 28 miles to the gallon.
Happy with the unique SAAB
This is our second Saab. My husband bought one while in college in Colorado and again recently. We have always enjoyed driving a car that is a bit on the unique side, and doesn't look like everything else on the road today. Our first Saab was a 900S coupe and it was great, even more unique looking than the current 9-5.
Aero Wagon rules
Got the vehicle with GM discount, with the discount this is an unbelievable car for the money, fun to drive, handles very well though not as well as my 540i but hey its a Saab not a BMW. The style is one of the best on the market, not the box of volvo or the odd lines of the mercedes. All in all, great car though it doesn't have the bells and whistles on the interior like some of the other luxury vehicles out there
Best Saab So Far
I've owned 4 Saabs, and this is the best one yet. I've never had a car that offers so much performance and economy along with comfort and a reasonable price. Saab should do more to promote the 9-5, it really is alot of car for the money. I'm sure it would be a best seller if it was available in All-Wheel-Drive
Love it!
I actually have a 2003 9-5 Aero. I have put between 16000-17000 miles on it. I bought it new in May of 2003. I haven't had any problems with it other than taking it into dealer for service to have a flood light (light bulb went out) in the door replaced. I have a manual. And since I do more driving in the city I wish I had gotten the auto.
Glitches Anyone
This is my first Saab and maybe my last. I have numerous little annoying things take place. Cruise control stopped wrking for a month, roll over gas tank valve failed - can't pump gas into it, inexplicable oil leak & resulting engine knock, failed starter module - would not start, Auto setting for AC does not work consistently. But other than that the car has been great. 26k in 10mos on an 04 9-5 Wagon 2.3T. The car drives great, suspension is softter than my wife's Volvo XC70 - I would prefer less dive & roll and firmer, but it drives beautifully and gets 28-29 mpg on my 110mile commute. My stock Pirelli P6's grip well and quite.
Arc de triomphe
This is both a safe and fun driving machine. There is a sport mode that raises the shift point rpms which really gives it some punch. The outside design is understated and pedestrian, but the driving experience is exceptional. It has all of the most advanced computer driving system enhancements. Saab is in trouble economically, so these can be had with a large discount from the sticker price. This car is a very good value.
my steel grey baby
went from 2002 se 9-3 to 9-5 arc. love the solid feel and handling. i think it is a very pretty car and this is my fourth saab. i feel very safe in it. only draw back is premium gas and am getting only about 16 mpg in city driving.
BMW 5-series killer
I bought the Aero after looking at a BMW 5 series and an Audi A6. Bottom line, just as nice, great stereo, handles like a dream, VERY quick and nimble, lots of torque all across the rpm range, you know, it's a rocket - what can I say. So it having compared favorably, it is a much better value $$$. Very sweet car.
Still Going Strong
I bought a one owner 2005 Saab 9-5 Arc from a dealer three years ago with 75k miles. It now has 150k. This is my fifth Saab, and the best yet. Smooth ride, tight handling, decent acceleration, especially from 40-70mph. Great highway car. This one has been reliable, but I recommend that you have a good Indy Saab shop to keep it in good shape. For short money I get to drive a european luxury car with all the options.
My Little Saab
This Aero model is my second 9-5. Handling and drivability is terrific. The road feedback while driving is very good. It's almost a 4-door sportscar.
Swedish Aspirations
This car was an absolute steal at only $33k. Thanks to the employee pricing I got a top of the line 9-5 Aero for the price of a 9-3 Arc w/options or a 9-3 Aero w/ no options. The car is fast and people do look at it because it does look so good. Sure the handling isn't as precise as a BMW's or it's not a luxurious as other cars in this price class, but when compared to other $33k cars, there is no contest! I've always loved Saabs and having to tame the torque steer, lifting the ring to throw it in reverse and seeing the corner and reverse lights light up at the front corners. It's unique, it's fast, it sounds amazing and I love the turbo whisltes that accompany my commute every day.
Saab Ownership
Second Saab this year (other 9-3 convertible). Excellent build quality, very responsive handling, and power delivery of Aero exceeds expectations. Seats are very supportive. Financially, a very attractive package that delivers all of the features of my previous BMW 530i but at a much more realistic price. Not a mainstream vehicle but value certainly exceeds other competitors when you take into account attractive lease options.
Great GAS Milage
I don't know where you got 19 city and 28 hwy, but I average 25-28 city and 33-35 hwy. I have the 95 turbo and love it, just wish it was a convertable.
My Saab
The car is very spacious, nicely appointed and fun to drive. The styling of the car both exterior and interior is very tasteful. The car has some ingenious accessories that can be purchased for storage.