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2009 Saab 9-5 Performance Review

March 27, 2009

PERFORMANCE | 6 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

torque steer remains an issue under hard acceleration
Edmunds

delivers its influence politely but firmly
Kelley Blue Book

overly floaty ride
Automobile

The performance of the 2009 Saab 9-5 is decidedly underwhelming, according to reviews read by TheCarConnection.com.

The 2009 Saab 9-5 is powered by a 2.3-liter inline four-cylinder turbo engine with 260 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Power transference takes place via a five-speed automatic Sentronic transmission or optional five-speed manual transmission. Edmunds notes, "the 9-5 is sufficiently quick, although the four-cylinder's power delivery is not as refined as we'd like." Edmunds adds, "torque steer remains an issue under hard acceleration due to its front-wheel-drive layout." Kelley Blue Book says the turbocharger “delivers its influence politely but firmly." Still, Car and Driver mentions the Saab turbo “four-cylinder must compete with sixes and V-8s in this class,” and considers it “outclassed.”

At 18/28 mpg with the manual and 17/26 mpg with the automatic transmission, the Saab 9-5 gets good fuel economy, but TheCarConnection.com notes that the drivetrain seems out of place in a high-end luxury car.

Regarding the 9-5’s transmission, Cars.com points out the automatic at least offers manual gear selection. The Auto Channel notes, "many vehicles in this class offer six-speed versions of both types of transmission."

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. Kelley Blue Book notes, "the Saab 9-5 is responsive, nimble and downright quick.” However, Car and Driver observes the 9-5’s torque steer and concludes, “the handling isn't quite up to snuff.” Fundamentally, they add, the 9-5 “has the disadvantage of being a front-drive sedan in a rear- and/or all-wheel-drive class.” Automobile Magazine attests it’s “more responsive and handles better” than before, but it suffers from an “overly floaty ride.”

The Aero version of the Saab 9-5 feature 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), and in general, it's the most pleasant 9-5 to drive. Edmunds calls it a “worthwhile upgrade.”

Conclusion

The 2009 Saab 9-5 is competent but not especially satisfying.

PERFORMANCE | 6 out of 10Expert Quotes:torque steer remains an issue under hard accelerationEdmundsdelivers its influence politely but firmlyKelley Blue Bookoverly floaty rideAutomobile The performance of the 2009 Saab 9-5 is decidedly underwhelming, according to reviews read by TheCarConnection.com. The 2009 Saab 9-5 is powered by a 2.3-liter inline four-cylinder turbo engine with 260 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Power transference takes place via a five-speed automatic Sentronic transmission or optional five-speed manual transmission. Edmunds notes, "the 9-5 is sufficiently quick, although the four-cylinder's power delivery is not as refined as we'd like." Edmunds adds, "torque steer remains an issue under hard acceleration due to its front-wheel-drive layout." Kelley Blue Book says the turbocharger “delivers its influence politely but firmly." Still, Car and Driver mentions the Saab turbo “four-cylinder must compete with sixes and V-8s in this class,” and considers it “outclassed.” At 18/28 mpg with the manual and 17/26 mpg with the automatic transmission, the Saab 9-5 gets good fuel economy, but TheCarConnection.com notes that the drivetrain seems out of place in a high-end luxury car. Regarding the 9-5’s transmission, Cars.com points out the automatic at least offers manual gear selection. The Auto Channel notes, "many vehicles in this class offer six-speed versions of both types of transmission." 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. Kelley Blue Book notes, "the Saab 9-5 is responsive, nimble and downright quick.” However, Car and Driver observes the 9-5’s torque steer and concludes, “the handling isn't quite up to snuff.” Fundamentally, they add, the 9-5 “has the disadvantage of being a front-drive sedan in a rear- and/or all-wheel-drive class.” Automobile Magazine attests it’s “more responsive and handles better” than before, but it suffers from an “overly floaty ride.” The Aero version of the Saab 9-5 feature 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), and in general, it's the most pleasant 9-5 to drive. Edmunds calls it a “worthwhile upgrade.” ConclusionThe 2009 Saab 9-5 is competent but not especially satisfying. 2009 SAAB 9-5 STYLING | [5 out of 10] Car and Driver: “restrained interior design and materials” Automobile Magazine: “with the current car dating back to 1998, an all-new 9-5 is long past due.” Kelley Blue Book: " 2009 Saab 9-5 is neither as premium nor as sporty [as other premium ...

Read More of this Review:

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

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.

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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'

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