2009 Saab 9-5 - Quality Review

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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.

The cabin of the 2009 Saab 9-5 is one area where the car’s age is a benefit. With roomy rear seating and an elegant interior finish, the 9-5 is more comfortable than some competitors. Edmunds reports “most drivers will find the Saab 9-5's seats exceptionally comfortable, especially those equipped with optional heating and ventilation,” and adds, “passenger room is excellent all around.” Car and Driver approves of the “roomy rear-seat area.” The Auto Channel notes, "in both the sedan and SportCombi, upright chairlike seating permits comfortable posture and leather-upholstered seats are standard."

Edmunds says the SportCombi Wagon is "a reasonable choice for family use or as an SUV alternative given its sizable cargo capacity." Standard cargo capacity on the Saab 9-5 sedan is 15.9 cubic feet with split rear seats; the SportCombi wagon boosts cargo capacity to 37 cubic feet with the rear seats in use and 73 cubic feet with seats dropped.

Leather-upholstered seats are standard on the 9-5, Cars.com says, but the Saab lacks the ornate wood and metal trim available on competitors like the BMW 5-Series and Infiniti M. “In addition, wind and road noise levels are higher than they should be in an entry-level sedan and wagon,” Edmunds reports, adding, "materials quality could use improvement in some areas." Car and Driver, however, likes the 9-5’s “restrained interior design and materials.”