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April 3, 2008 http://www.thecarconnection.com/fullreview/saab_9-5_2000

  Bob Storck
EditorBob Storck

CROSSLAKE, Minn. — One of the traditional male bonding exercises is the legendary road trip. There are three requirements: some simpatico buddies, an interesting set of wheels, and a worthwhile destination. Come to think of it, the latter can be optional.

With the winter glaciers receding from the upper reaches of the country, there was a cabin to open. When the bulky clothing, supplies and tools were assembled for this National Geographic-style trek, it was obvious that a substantial and capable vehicle was needed. Add to this the need to haul a ski boat, but with 600 miles to cover, no one was looking forward to a rough riding truck.

Leave it to Saab to come up with a solution that melded capability, comfort and performance. When they came up with the swift 9-5 Aero version, the Swedes must have had these journeys in mind. It swallowed three manly men, all the requisite gear, and enough road food to handle a space shuttle mission. (The substantial roof rack was not needed, and a dealer could have supplied an aerodynamic topside carrier if needed).

Long celebrated as the car company that enjoyed breaking the mold, Saab models may seem mainstream until you look below the surface. While the 9-5 is completely new, the styling is distinctively Saab, and Saab's aviation heritage not only shaped their robust structures, but also influenced the styling.

Entirely new in 1999, the Saab 9-5 was a showcase for three world-first technologies; the Saab Active Head Restraint system, ventilated seats, and the innovative asymmetrically turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine. This year Saab introduced the 9-5 Aero, a high-performance addition to the line. Featuring a high-output turbocharged 2.3-liter, four-cylinder engine that delivers 230 horsepower, an enhanced sports chassis and improved aerodynamics, this sports sedan builds on the performance heritage of its predecessor, the 9000 Aero.

CROSSLAKE, Minn. — One of the traditional male bonding exercises is the legendary road trip. There are three requirements: some simpatico buddies, an interesting set of wheels, and a worthwhile destination. Come to think of it, the latter can be optional. With the winter glaciers receding from the upper reaches of the country, there was a cabin to open. When the bulky clothing, supplies and tools were assembled for this National Geographic-style trek, it was obvious that a substantial and capable vehicle was needed. Add to this the need to haul a ski boat, but with 600 miles to cover, no one was looking forward to a rough riding truck. Leave it to Saab to come up with a solution that melded capability, comfort and performance. When they came up with the swift 9-5 Aero version, the Swedes must have had these journeys in mind. It swallowed three manly men, all the requisite gear, and enough road food to handle a space shuttle mission. (The substantial roof rack was not needed, and a dealer could have supplied an aerodynamic topside carrier if needed). Long celebrated as the car company that enjoyed breaking the mold, Saab models may seem mainstream until you look below the surface. While the 9-5 is completely new, the styling is distinctively Saab, and Saab's aviation heritage not only shaped their robust structures, but also influenced the styling. Entirely new in 1999, the Saab 9-5 was a showcase for three world-first technologies; the Saab Active Head Restraint system, ventilated seats, and the innovative asymmetrically turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine. This year Saab introduced the 9-5 Aero, a high-performance addition to the line. Featuring a high-output turbocharged 2.3-liter, four-cylinder engine that delivers 230 horsepower, an enhanced sports chassis and improved aerodynamics, this sports sedan builds on the performance heritage of its predecessor, the 9000 Aero. CROSSLAKE, Minn. — One of the traditional male bonding exercises is the legendary road trip. There are three requirements: some simpatico buddies, an interesting set of wheels, and a worthwhile destination. Come to think of it, the latter can be optional. With the winter glaciers ...