2008 Saab 9-5 Safety Review

August 19, 2008

SAFETY | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Good," front impact
IIHS

Five stars, front impacts; five stars, front side impacts; four stars, rear side impacts
NHTSA

The 2008 Saab 9-5 scores well in crash tests, but lacks some safety features.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives the 9-5 five stars for front-impact protection and front-side impacts; rear-side impacts get four stars' worth of protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rates the 9-5 “good” for front impacts.

Anti-lock brakes, front and side airbags, and traction and stability control are standard equipment, according to J.D. Power, which also notes standard “tire-pressure-monitoring system, daytime running lights, and theft-deterrent system with engine immobilizer.”

Noticeably lacking in this era of safety are side curtain airbags that protect rear passengers.

For help while on the road, the Saab 9-5 sports the OnStar communications system to provide assistance in the event of a crash or highway emergency.

Conclusion

The 2008 Saab 9-5 provides good crash protection to all passengers, but front passengers fare better than those in back.

SAFETY | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:Good," front impactIIHSFive stars, front impacts; five stars, front side impacts; four stars, rear side impactsNHTSA The 2008 Saab 9-5 scores well in crash tests, but lacks some safety features. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives the 9-5 five stars for front-impact protection and front-side impacts; rear-side impacts get four stars' worth of protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rates the 9-5 “good” for front impacts. Anti-lock brakes, front and side airbags, and traction and stability control are standard equipment, according to J.D. Power, which also notes standard “tire-pressure-monitoring system, daytime running lights, and theft-deterrent system with engine immobilizer.” Noticeably lacking in this era of safety are side curtain airbags that protect rear passengers. For help while on the road, the Saab 9-5 sports the OnStar communications system to provide assistance in the event of a crash or highway emergency. ConclusionThe 2008 Saab 9-5 provides good crash protection to all passengers, but front passengers fare better than those in back.  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

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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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