2008 Saab 9-5 Wagon
Not Yet Ranked
Saab 9-5 Wagon - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Saab 9-5 SportCombi has good handling, state-of-the-art safety features and a spacious trunk, but reviews find fault with its four-cylinder engine, its lack of high-tech features, and the loss of the distinctive Saab look.
According to our analysis, the 2008 Saab 9-5 SportCombi's unusual styling, pleasant dynamics and abundant cabin space will attract many prospective wagon drivers. But reviews do note a few low points to the 9-5's overall appeal. First, it only comes with a four-cylinder engine when many of its competitors offer either V6s or V8s. Second, the 9-5 SportCombi is not on the cutting-edge of cabin technology -- while its competitors offer iDrive, COMAND and MMI entertainment interfaces, the Saab wagon has nothing comparable.
If you're shopping for a luxury wagon, please note the BMW 3-Series Wagon offers some of the features that reviewers say the 9-5 SportCombi lacks.
- "We see this as the more appealing of the two 9-5 body styles; the roomy, well-appointed SportCombi is more versatile than the sedan." -- Car and Driver
- "All 9-5s are comfortable and sporty, and the wagons are excellent alternatives to gas-guzzling SUVs. As always, any 9-5 is a good choice for drivers who don't want a cookie-cutter car." -- New Car Test Drive
- "Mostly everything about the 9-5, Saab's high-end sedan and wagon, is quite refined, from its crisp handling and brisk acceleration to the placid, green dashboard readouts. But nothing stands out -- except for the 9-5's oddities." -- U.S. News
- "An offbeat alternative to European station wagons like the Audi A6 Avant, BMW 5 Series Wagon, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon, though it doesn't share the brand cachet (or sticker prices) of those cars." -- Forbes
9-5-Wagon Performance - NA
In a class dominated by V6 engines, the 9-5 SportCombi's four-cylinder's acceleration strength is debatable compared to competing wagons. But the SportCombi still offers snappy handling and a smooth ride. Continue with our full Performance Review to learn more about what the 9-5's steering, cornering and braking capabilities. continue
9-5-Wagon Exterior - NA
According to most, the 2008 9-5 SportsCombi still has Saab's one-of-a-kind design -- sort of. Forbes says, "While the Saab wagon has lost a bit of its quirky Swedish appeal over the years, it remains distinctively styled." Go to our Saab 9-5 SportCombi Photos for close-up angles of Saab's distinctive three-point grille, or continue with our full Exterior Review for full descriptions of the SportCombi's appearance. continue
9-5-Wagon Interior - NA
Reviewers say the 2008 Saab 9-5 SportCombi doesn't have the high-tech gadgetry of its competitors, but it does offer spacious seating and plenty of cargo room. Our Saab 9-5 SportCombi Photos will give you a better idea of the wagon's dimensions, and our full Interior Review breaks down what entertainment and convenience features are standard or optional with the SportCombi. continue
9-5-Wagon Safety - NA
The Washington Post and others report "your chances of avoiding a crash, or surviving one that proves unavoidable, are good in this wagon," when referring to the 9-5 SportCombi. In addition, this wagon does very well in government crash tests. Continue with our full Safety Review for specifics on safety features and crash test ratings. continue
9-5-Wagon Reliability - NA
The SportCombi comes with a four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. Our full SportCombi Reliability Review gives more information on the SportCombi warranties. continue