Birth of a Better Boxster – the Little Porsche...
Green
Trucks
Luxury
Family
Brand
Muscle
See more sites from  HighGear  M E D I A  >>
Compare this car to others like it Try our car compare tool now

2009 Saab 9-5 Bottom Line

March 27, 2009

By Marty Padgett's avatar Marty Padgett, Executive EditorMarty Padgett

TheCarConnection.com's editors drove the 2009 Saab 9-5 in order to give you an expert opinion. TheCarConnection.com also researched available road tests on the new Saab 9-5 to produce this conclusive review and to help you find the truth where other reviews might differ.

Likes:

  • Good visibility
  • Ride quality
  • Wagon version available
  • Feels very different than all else in its class

Dislikes:

  • Engine lacks smoothness
  • All-wheel drive unavailable
  • Aged style

Buying Tips:


The 2009 Saab 9-5 Aero Wagon is one of TheCarConnection.com’s longstanding favorites for its combination of versatility and all-around fun-to-drive qualities, but it can be expensive compared to base model versions. The current version of the 9-5 has been around for such a long time that dealers will be open to dealing.

The mid-size 9-5 was introduced more than a decade ago, and it hasn’t seen a full redesign since. It’s finally due for a replacement for 2010 but, in the meantime, carries into 2009 with minimal updates. The 9-5 is still offered in sedan and wagon (SportCombi) variants, including the 2.3T Sport Sedan and SportCombi models, as well as the sportier Aero Sport Sedan and Aero SportCombi models.

A 2.3-liter inline four-cylinder turbo engine with 260 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque propels all 9-5 models. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a five-speed automatic Sentronic transmission or optional five-speed manual transmission. Considering the 9-5’s aged design, the powertrains are still quite competitive, with strong acceleration and good passing response, although the engine feels out of place in a high-end car, as it’s not nearly as smooth in the low revs as most of the six-cylinder engines in rival vehicles. At 18 mpg city, 28 highway with the manual and 17/26 mpg with the automatic transmission, the Saab 9-5 gets reasonably good fuel economy.

Handling, especially under hard acceleration, is the most common complaint about the Saab 9-5. Although it has been reduced, the 2009 version still exhibits the familiar torque steer—a pull to one side or the other when you press the throttle. The Aero version of the Saab 9-5 features a retuned suspension with tighter springs and higher damping rates, as well as a larger anti-roll bar, and it controls the wheels a little better. Ride compliance is more sporting (read: tauter), but in general, the Aero is the most pleasant 9-5 to drive; the standard version has an exceptionally smooth ride.

The Saab 9-5 has a quirky but well-designed interior. The instrument panel is an upright wall of drab plastic and looks, indeed, stuck in the ’90s, but the front seats are wonderful, and one of the virtues of its older design is that the comfortable backseats have a wide-open view of the road—something the hunkered-down, thick-necked sedans of today can't match. A large trunk is also a part of the equation.

All 2009 Saab 9-5s receive revised power window switches in the center console, while Aero models also feature a high-gloss metallic black interior finish and new 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels. Rain-sensing windshield wipers, leather sport seats, front and side airbags, an in-dash six-CD changer, XM Satellite Radio, and an input jack for MP3 players are included on the standard-features list. All models feature a cooled glove box to keep drinks chilled, as well as dual-zone climate control.

Safety features on the 9-5 include electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, and an integrated side-thorax side airbag system for front occupants. The 9-5 doesn’t have side-curtain bags that provide head protection in back. The 2009 Saab 9-5 gets mostly five-star crash ratings from NHTSA, save for four-star ratings in passenger-side impact and rollover resistance.

Other Choices:

If you like the 2009 Saab 9-5, also consider:

Reason Why:

The Volvo S60 has a curvaceous style and V-6 power, but is due for replacement for 2010. The Lincoln MKZ is the polar opposite of the Saab, with a thick style, a retro-flavored interior, and gruff V-6 engines with front- or all-wheel drive. The Volkswagen Passat comes with a range of four- and six-cylinder engines, and is offered in a wagon version. The Lexus ES 350 is a plush, cushy front-drive sedan with good interior room and a powerful V-6 engine, but almost no care for sporty driving. The Acura RL has clean styling outside, a tech-happy interior, and standard all-wheel drive.

The Bottom Line:

If you don’t mind buying a 2009 Saab 9-5 that looks almost exactly like the 1999 model, there’s still a lot of quirky appeal.

TheCarConnection.com's editors drove the 2009 Saab 9-5 in order to give you an expert opinion. TheCarConnection.com also researched available road tests on the new Saab 9-5 to produce this conclusive review and to help you find the truth where other reviews might differ. Likes:Good visibilityRide qualityWagon version availableFeels very different than all else in its classDislikes:Engine lacks smoothnessAll-wheel drive unavailableAged styleBuying Tips: The 2009 Saab 9-5 Aero Wagon is one of TheCarConnection.com’s longstanding favorites for its combination of versatility and all-around fun-to-drive qualities, but it can be expensive compared to base model versions. The current version of the 9-5 has been around for such a long time that dealers will be open to dealing. The mid-size 9-5 was introduced more than a decade ago, and it hasn’t seen a full redesign since. It’s finally due for a replacement for 2010 but, in the meantime, carries into 2009 with minimal updates. The 9-5 is still offered in sedan and wagon (SportCombi) variants, including the 2.3T Sport Sedan and SportCombi models, as well as the sportier Aero Sport Sedan and Aero SportCombi models. A 2.3-liter inline four-cylinder turbo engine with 260 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque propels all 9-5 models. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a five-speed automatic Sentronic transmission or optional five-speed manual transmission. Considering the 9-5’s aged design, the powertrains are still quite competitive, with strong acceleration and good passing response, although the engine feels out of place in a high-end car, as it’s not nearly as smooth in the low revs as most of the six-cylinder engines in rival vehicles. At 18 mpg city, 28 highway with the manual and 17/26 mpg with the automatic transmission, the Saab 9-5 gets reasonably good fuel economy. Handling, especially under hard acceleration, is the most common complaint about the Saab 9-5. Although it has been reduced, the 2009 version still exhibits the familiar torque steer—a pull to one side or the other when you press the throttle. The Aero version of the Saab 9-5 features a retuned suspension with tighter springs and higher damping rates, as well as a larger anti-roll bar, and it controls the wheels a little better. Ride compliance is more sporting (read: tauter), but in general, the Aero is the most pleasant 9-5 to drive; the standard version has an exceptionally smooth ride. The Saab 9-5 has a quirky but well-designed interior. The instrument panel is an upright wall of drab plastic and looks, indeed, stuck in the ’90s, but the front seats are wonderful, and one of the virtues of its older design is that the comfortable backseats have a wide-open view of the road—something the hunkered-down, thick-necked sedans of today can't match. A large trunk is also a part of the equation. All 2009 Saab 9-5s receive revised power window switches in the center console, while Aero models also feature a high-gloss metallic black interior finish and new 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels. Rain-sensing windshield wipers, leather sport seats, front and side airbags, an in-dash six-CD changer, XM Satellite Radio, and an input jack for MP3 players are included on the standard-features list. All models feature a cooled glove box to keep drinks chilled, as well as dual-zone climate control. Safety features on the 9-5 include electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, and an integrated side-thorax side airbag system for front occupants. The 9-5 doesn’t have side-curtain bags that provide head protection in back. The 2009 Saab 9-5 gets mostly five-star crash ratings from NHTSA, save for four-star ratings in passenger-side impact and rollover resistance. Other Choices:If you like the 2009 Saab 9-5, also consider:Acura RLLexus ES 350Lincoln MKZVolkswagen PassatVolvo S60Reason Why:The Volvo S60 has a curvaceous style and V-6 power, but is due for replacement for 2010. The Lincoln MKZ is the polar opposite of the Saab, with a thick style, a retro-flavored interior, and gruff V-6 engines with front- or all-wheel drive. The Volkswagen Passat comes with a range of four- and six-cylinder engines, and is offered in a wagon version. The Lexus ES 350 is a plush, cushy front-drive sedan with good interior room and a powerful V-6 engine, but almost no care for sporty driving. The Acura RL has clean styling outside, a tech-happy interior, and standard all-wheel drive. The Bottom Line:If you don’t mind buying a 2009 Saab 9-5 that looks almost exactly like the 1999 model, there’s still a lot of quirky appeal. TheCarConnection.com's editors drove the 2009 Saab 9-5 in order to give you an expert opinion. TheCarConnection.com also researched available road tests on the new Saab 9-5 to produce this conclusive review and to help you find the truth where other reviews might differ. Likes Good ...

Other Choices:

The Volvo S60 has a curvaceous style and V-6 power, but is due for replacement for 2010. The Lincoln MKZ is the polar opposite of the Saab, with a thick style, a retro-flavored interior, and gruff V-6 engines with front- or all-wheel drive. The Volkswagen Passat comes with a range of four- and six-cylinder engines, and is offered in a wagon version. The Lexus ES 350 is a plush, cushy front-drive sedan with good interior room and a powerful V-6 engine, but almost no care for sporty driving. The Acura RL has clean styling outside, a tech-happy interior, and standard all-wheel drive.

Next Steps:

Get a free price quote

for the 2009 Saab 9-5 from a dealer near you

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2009 Saab 9-5

Check Financing Rates

for the 2009 Saab 9-5

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2009 Saab 9-5 near you

See the Saab 9-5 in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999

Comments (2 total)

  1. By L.N. Wright #1, Posted: 3/29/2009

    Saab 9-5 review

    In my humble opinion the Saab 9-5 has an excellent 5 speed automatic transmission. Steering mounted paddle shifters are standard. How many other upscale cars have this feature? Answer:- not many. Stability control is also standard and in my experience greatly mitigates torque steer under hard acceleration. Just point the car in the direction you want to go and it goes where you want it. Understeer? What understeer? The traction and stability control analyzes steering inputs, yaw, and throttle position then automatically modulates power, braking to each wheel, as well as power to the drive wheels making the car go around corners as if on rails. The Saab 9-5 has superior acceleration, and braking compared to most of the newer upscale cars including the BMW 5 series. Check the stats at Cars.com. Better fuel economy that most upscale cars. I own a 9-5 and after getting accustomed to it's dynamics I can make the power delivery smooth or for more fun stomp that accelerator for an almost instant power surge when needed. Real leather seats instead of "pleather" used on other upscale cars example again the BMW 5 series. Heated and cooled seats, Xenon headlamps, super climate control, and did I mention the seats. Yes the seats are the best, most comfortable on long rides. The car is a blast to drive. After a hard day at the office it bring a grin to my face. I don't care that the design is more than 10 years old and that it is a 4 cylinder car. The powerful 260 turbo charged engine with it's massive torque from only 1700 r.p.m. and the transmission are bulletproof. It just works great, and has been a very reliable car so far. The bottom line is this is a great car with many class leading features, even though it is an over 10 year old design.

  2. By WASawyer #2, Posted: 5/21/2009

    SAAB 9-5 Comments

    Could not agree with L.N. Wright more. Anyone considering buying a SAAB should talk to people who own them or test drive one. These cars are wonderful. I have a 2008 Aero and owned a 2001 (150K) prior to this one. If you want a car with verve, not a 'me too' car, the 9-5 is it. And with the deals being offered there is tremendous value here. All new 9-5's come with the HOT turbo; imagine - a 2.3L in line 4 engine that produces 260HP, and gets 30+ MPG on the highway (don't need a V6 or V8) The SAAB ethos -enviro friendly, performance, comfort, and value. Not alot of bling and jewelry. I just hope the SAAB ethos is not lost in the forthcoming 2010 as SAAB is being forced into 'me too' territory.
    Don't listen to the talk about the car being old or not as premium; it can hang with the best of em and drive better than the most of em.
    'find your own road'

Post a comment

Post anonymously, or
(Required)
(Required - will not be published, sold or shared)
(Optional - your 'posted by' name will link to the URL)

Remember Me?

I have read TheCarConnection.com's privacy policy