2008 Saab 9-5 Features Review

August 19, 2008

FEATURES | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

impressive number of features, but it pales in comparison against much newer competitors
Cars.com

Aero Package is a worthwhile upgrade
Edmunds

The 2008 Saab 9-5 offers many luxury features as standard equipment, but the competition has many more to offer.

Stock gear in the 2008 Saab 9-5 includes a sunroof, leather seats, and 17-inch alloy wheels; a six-CD, in-dash changer also comes standard in the 9-5, along with XM Satellite Radio and an input jack for MP3 players. All models feature a cooled glove box to keep drinks chilled as well as leather-trimmed interiors with dual-zone climate control.
Edmunds notes “heated leather seats, dual-zone automatic climate control and Harman Kardon sound” are standard as well.

While the Saab 9-5's overall design hasn't changed much since it was introduced in 1999, The Auto Channel notes that "the once convoluted, button-happy radio and climate controls have since been replaced by straightforward GM-sourced units."

Unusually, the optional in-dash DVD navigation system cannot be had in tandem with the satellite radio system or CD changer. “A visibility option package includes xenon headlamps, power-folding and auto-dimming side mirrors, and rear park assist,” Cars.com reports.

Lacking advanced safety options such as radar cruise control, adaptive lighting, entertainment systems, and the like, the Saab 9-5 "pales in comparison against much newer competitors," The Auto Channel observes.

Conclusion

The 2008 Saab 9-5 covers the luxury basics, but it’s lacking in the latest high-end options.

FEATURES | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:impressive number of features, but it pales in comparison against much newer competitorsCars.comAero Package is a worthwhile upgradeEdmunds The 2008 Saab 9-5 offers many luxury features as standard equipment, but the competition has many more to offer. Stock gear in the 2008 Saab 9-5 includes a sunroof, leather seats, and 17-inch alloy wheels; a six-CD, in-dash changer also comes standard in the 9-5, along with XM Satellite Radio and an input jack for MP3 players. All models feature a cooled glove box to keep drinks chilled as well as leather-trimmed interiors with dual-zone climate control. Edmunds notes “heated leather seats, dual-zone automatic climate control and Harman Kardon sound” are standard as well. While the Saab 9-5's overall design hasn't changed much since it was introduced in 1999, The Auto Channel notes that "the once convoluted, button-happy radio and climate controls have since been replaced by straightforward GM-sourced units." Unusually, the optional in-dash DVD navigation system cannot be had in tandem with the satellite radio system or CD changer. “A visibility option package includes xenon headlamps, power-folding and auto-dimming side mirrors, and rear park assist,” Cars.com reports. Lacking advanced safety options such as radar cruise control, adaptive lighting, entertainment systems, and the like, the Saab 9-5 "pales in comparison against much newer competitors," The Auto Channel observes. ConclusionThe 2008 Saab 9-5 covers the luxury basics, but it’s lacking in the latest high-end options.  2008 SAAB 9-5 STYLING | [5 out of 10] Edmunds: "outclassed ... when it comes to ... refined luxury and engaging performance" Kelley Blue Book: " 2008 Saab 9-5 is neither as premium nor as sporty [as other premium sport sedans]" The Auto Channel: "still partying, er, driving like it's ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The Acura RL has clean styling outside, a tech-happy interior, and standard all-wheel drive. 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 Volkswagen Passat comes with a range of four- and six-cylinder engines, and is offered in a wagon version. 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 Volvo S60 has a curvaceous style and V-6 power, but is due for replacement.

Next Steps:

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2008 Saab 9-5

Check Financing Rates

for the 2008 Saab 9-5

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2008 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 (1 total)

  1. By  Street cars #1, Posted: 9/22/2009

    The Saab 9-5 Sedan is a bonny car. I was very impressed with its slick styling and high school design, especially the SportCombi model.

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