2005 Saab 9-5 Consumer Reviews
Most Helpful Reviews
Positive Review
The 9-5 is an extremely long lasting car, but requires above average maintenance to get there. It WILL cost more in repairs than the average car, but are available used for cheap. I own two 2000 9-5s (base models) for 3+ and 4+ years. One car I bought at 41,000 knowing the 30,000 mile service wasn't done, at 60,000 I had to drop the oil pan to clear sludge that missing the oil change caused; left undone, it would have eventually seized the engine. Know the service history or walk away. Turbos require extra care (true of all turbos), they need to cool down after long use (by idling 1-2 mins) or they will prematurely fail. Each major repair costs reliably $1K. However, this car is very easy to work on, I've done a front headlight change, front fog light change, throttle body change, and ABS module change with novice skill, the internet, and very few tools and few hours and saved $1000s. Both cars at 8+ years old, and have no rattles and squeaks and drive, look and feel like 2 year old cars. Engines will last easily 200,000+ w/o need for rebuild if cared for. 4-6 parts commonly fail early (50-100K) (IDM, throttle body, ABS module, display panel, struts, non-aero turbos) so midlife cars are more expensive to maintain than average Toyotas. My 1st 9-5 drove better than any other $11K 4-yr old car around (cheaper than same age/mileage Honda Civics and Jettas) and have not regretted either purchase even though I'm on a 1st name basis with my mechanic (the 2008 almost identical 9-5 is $40K+). My wife with no mechanical skills refuses to drive another car, it is that NICE and PLUSH (think Mercedes cabin). It is still a tremendous value as long as you keep an adequate repair budget (comparable Audis, BMWs, and Volvos would have cost me $20-26K. With 4+ years of ownership, total costs are less than 17K each.). Also, it is FAST on the highway. I can pass anybody, anytime, any road. Period. I went 13 years w/no tickets, and have 2 in 3 yrs in Saabs. The 9-5 was the safest car in Sweden 4+ years in a row; safer than Volvos and Mercedes according to the Swedish Gov’t. Finally: it is the only luxury car I know that can take 87 Octane gas and get realistically 30 MPH highway.
VS
Critical Review
"You bought this car?" I did. "This is the kind of car you lease." Oh. That was the body shop owner's advice. He was right. This is our third Saab, each one had its breaking point. They got better. This was our best one. I have a Japanese car that is 12 years old and has cost me maybe an 1/8 of what it has cost me to keep my 6 year old Saab. I love the way the Saab drives. I like the power. The handling could be more agile - but it's fine. The interior quality is fair. The leather is inferior to similarly priced cars. The plastic is not bad, but I have had to replace the plastic shell on the driver's seat that houses the seat's adjustments. And it's breaking again. Unless you are a mechanic or know one who can service the car cheaply, this is the time to give it up and buy something else. I have had an abundance of repairs in the last year - whose expenses are adding up to a tidy sum - and I have one ahead that is making me sigh. Do I spend the $2k and wait for the next repair or do I take the same money and make a down payment on something else?
2005 9-5 Reviews
Showing 8 of 423 reviews.
dependable, comfy, fast, fun
burns oil
I bought my Saab wagon with about 90,000 miles on it eight years ago. I’ve since put on an additional 112,000 miles. Overall it’s been very dependable. It’s fun to drive, it’s comfy, and the wagon is practical and spacious. I’ve had to change the brakes and tires a couple of times, and I’ve had to change both front wheel bearings, the muffler, and the alternator. These are normal service items. Rust is starting to develop in a few spots, helped by the salted Maine winter roads. The engine burns about a quart of oil every 1500 miles. I’m just careful to stay on top of it. Overall it’s been a great car. I didn’t expect to keep it so long.
Even at 17 years old, this car is amazing. Has never had any real problems and has an amazingly comfortable ride. Extremely fun to drive. Had it up to 150 and you'd think you were going 40. Solid, reliable car!
More fun to drive on the highway than in city traffic. It purrs at 2500 rpms when going 85 mph. It's now technologically out of date, but still gets 30 mpg on the road, handles like a tiger and is spacious and comfortable. It's a shame Saab went out of business.
It drives nice. It's a turbo.
Very VERY comfortable. Fast, handles well
Unreliable, only one cup holder in front
Transmission problems, followed by a leaking coolant valve, followed by a failing purge valve followed by whining alternator, followed by a vacuum leak followed by more transmission problems, followed by an exhaust leak brought on because of a snapped manifold bolt followed by coil pack failure (twice).. DONE! I must say for the short times she worked well it was fun and VERY comfortable. Probably the most comfortable compact car I have ever owned. Plenty of trunk space as well as the trunk opens a full 90 degrees. Wish I could trust it.. I just cant so it goes. If you must own this car I wish you more luck than I had. Oh, and did I mention that Saab is no more so just try and find someone qualified to work on this who knows the ins and outs of this vehicle.
Fast, convenient, areodynamic feel, premium bulid
large gas tank, bad fuel economy
Have had a lot of memories with my Saab. Not once has it broke down. It does have electrical issues now and again. The trade of with that is the driving experience. It just has features that new cars no a days dont have.
A high performance fully equipped luxury sedan.
There are NO defects.
Mechanically,visually,and performance like new car.Has been garaged for 42,000 miles since purchased. Have all dealer maintenance records. This is a genuine "cream puff" in the language of car dealers
my 6th saab. bought in 2004 with 35,000 miles. one of the best saabs i've owned. timeless design, true saab performance. very cult...too bad they stopped production, but there are a bunch of well looked after cars around
