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Used 2008 Saab 9-5 Consumer Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
43 reviews

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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2008 9-5, so we've included reviews for other years of the 9-5 since its last redesign.

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Pros
Cons
4 out of 5 stars

Poor man's luxury sport

tbill2, 08/22/2011
updated 01/06/2016
2007 Saab 9-5 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful

For some reason there are a glut of these 9-5s off-lease and available at reasonable prices. I'm basically happy with mine, it's been reliable, a good and economical performer although mine is plagued with the same as others gripe about; harsh ride at slower speeds and a persistent rattle. The turbo provides abundant acceleration (sport mode is a blast) and the car is a dream to drive in tight x-way traffic. It has the best brakes I've ever experienced, very comfortable seats, excellent sound system, and it looks classy (IMO). My Saab dealer has also been responsive thus far. No real worries. Update Jan 2016. Bought new tires (Bridgestone Turanza Serenity Plus) to replace the older Firestones which were the source of all the noise. Once balanced properly, these new tires reduced the road noise and upgraded the ride and feel significantly. It was like getting a new car. This car is a wonder from 60 - 85 mph. Smooth and responsive. Now 96,500 miles, only regular service.

Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

My favorite car of all time!

Curt, 06/13/2008
2007 Saab 9-5 4dr Sedan w/Aero Package (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful

I've had this car for nearly a year and I love it! It's powerful, comfortable and gets very good gas mileage. The car is loaded with features and is designed with safety in mind. This car offers so much value for the dollar. I traded-in a Jaguar XK8 for this Aero and I have never regretted the decision. This car is great in the snow and hauls five passengers quite comfortably. The trunk is very large and the interior is well laid out. This is my favorite car I've ever owned.

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3 out of 5 stars

Money Pit

Lindsey, 02/08/2016
2008 Saab 9-5 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
9 of 10 people found this review helpful

We purchased the car used at 85,000 miles (only 1 previous owner listed on the car facts, and all maintenance up to date.) We thought the car would be a good value for the price ($8999 before taxes.) The dealer told us up front that SAAB went under and that any new parts would have to be purchased out of the country, and he also told us of a couple of SAAB dealerships that were still operating in our area. Great! We test drove it, and fell in love with the luxury of the seats, the sun roof, the Boise surround sound system (super awesome sound system,) and the Turbo pick up and go. We loved it! After our purchase, things started falling apart. The headlights started going out, the circuit to the headlights started separating from the circuit board and had to be re-soldered on. By 98,000 miles, the car started idling rough. No sooner did that occur, then the car completely died while my husband was driving on the freeway!! He was able to eventually get the car to start again and drive off of the freeway, only to have it die again on the street. We called AAA, and by the time the tow truck arrived, the battery completely died out. We got it to a mechanic, who recommended a new transmission. Our dealer was able to locate a refurbished transmission with a 6 month warranty, and $1600 later, the car's check engine light pops back on. Oh, and the loaner car that our awesome dealer let us borrow during the transmission fix was a 2007 Saab 9-5 which also had check lights flashing on it's display. "Check Headlights," "Check oil," "Check Tire Pressure." Needless to say, we aren't very impressed with the durability of the SAAB engine, transmission or electronics.

Safety
3 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
2 out of 5 stars
Value
3 out of 5 stars
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4.88 out of 5 stars

Hidden Secret

john, 07/08/2008
2008 Saab 9-5 Aero 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

This is a great car that no one knows about. I've owned BMW, Audi and VW, and the Saab, for the money, beats them all! GM should leverage this company for more of its designs in this fuel conscious age. After incentives, etc., this car is nearly $17,000 less than a BMW or Audi! Plus it has a GREAT warranty and nice options. If you want a nameplate, look elsewhere, but anyone that wants a solid and practical car should look at SAAB. I just wish GM would market them better!!

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Still a Head-Turner!

Daniel , 05/11/2009
2007 Saab 9-5 4dr Sedan w/Aero Package (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful

Fourth Saab. Very happy with the car overall. I like the old dashboard better from 1999-2005 (Seems more classic Saab than GM). Nice ownership experience from Saab, bought me back from Subaru.

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