2008 Saab 9-5 [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 32 9-5 reviews and test drives.
Saab 9-5 - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Saab 9-5 ranks 12 out of 16 Upscale Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 32 published reviews and test drives of the Saab 9-5, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The 9-5 delivers sporty handling and great safety ratings, but can't match the ride quality of others in its class.
Saab is proud of its aircraft-building heritage, and with good reason. Many reviewers say the sedan's four-cylinder engine is capable of jet-like speed and acceleration. But most consumers and critics expect more from an entry-luxury vehicle. A rough ride and not-quite-silent interior are sore spots for test drivers. The 9-5 sedan does live up to its Swedish reputation for strong safety ratings and a clean, if dated, design (it was updated in 2006 but is otherwise a 1999 car). But for a design that lags behind competitors for newness, the 9-5 leads the class with the highest MSRP.
If you are in the market for an upscale sedan, consider the prestige and all-around excellence of a BMW 3-Series, or the luxurious Lexus ES.
- "The 9-5 is the senior Saab, a mid-size front-drive sedan that aspires to the lower ranks of the European luxury-car class. However, there's only one engine…and it also has the disadvantage of being a front-drive sedan in a rear- and/or all-wheel drive class." -- Car and Driver
- "Saab enthusiasts should be satisfied with what amounts to a faster, sharper, better-looking, and best of all more affordable 9-5. For the rest of us, all-wheel drive and V6 power can't come soon enough." -- AutoWeek
- "As always, any 9-5 is a good choice for drivers who don't want a cookie-cutter car." -- New Car Test Drive
- "It has a higher price than many competitors, it's average in most every way, and it lacks an all-wheel-drive option. The result? A good 9-5 lost in a sea churning with better alternatives." -- Autoweb
- In its 2006 review, CNET reports the 9-5 "might not be the brightest star in the galaxy of near $40,000 passenger cars, but the Swedish four-door certainly isn't the dimmest." -- CNET
- "I went into this test drive regarding the 9-5 as the elder statesmen of European cars and came away with a new-found respect for it. Yes, it's been around a while, and its face bears the scars of questionable plastic surgery. But the 9-5 can still hustle with the best of 'em, and that's what really counts." -- About.com
9-5 Performance - 7.3 (Good)
The 2008 Saab 9-5's turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder, which is as powerful as many competitors' V6 engines, gets some positive reviews. However, a sometimes-bumpy ride results in a lower performance score than most of the class. Car and Driver says, "It's largely smooth and comfortable, but the front-drive 9-5 is feeling a bit old. The engine is outclassed, the handling isn't quite up to snuff, and it's pretty boring." Continue with our full Performance Review to learn more about the 9-5's turbocharged powertrain and chassis. continue
9-5 Exterior - 7.3 (Good)
The 9-5's boxy design is inoffensive, but doesn't earn as much praise as others in the class with flashier styling. The Truth About Cars says, "Luxury sedan buyers tend to place beauty at the top of their list of priorities. Fortunately, the 9-5's lines have worn well over the past nine years. But they have, well, worn." Check out the Saab 9-5 Photo Gallery for images of Saab's trademark clamshell hood, or continue with our full Exterior Review to learn what minor refreshes since sedan's exterior debuted 10 years ago. continue
9-5 Interior - 7.8 (Good)
The 2008 Saab 9-5's cabin is one of its strongest selling points and ranks among the best in the class. The 9-5 comes with a long list of standard amenities, and most reviews say that both front and rear passengers should expect to find the car spacious and comfortable. New Car Test Drive says, "The Saab 9-5 is roomy for its exterior size, making for a comfortable cabin front and rear. Interior materials are high quality." Check out the Saab 9-5 Photo Gallery to view such design quirks as flip-out cupholders or a console-mounted key ignition, or continue with our full Interior Review for further reading on Saab's unique cabin elements. continue
9-5 Safety - 9.4 (Excellent)
The 9-5 sedan performs reasonably well in government and insurance industry crash tests. In keeping with the Saab reputation, the 9-5 is loaded with standard safety equipment. Continue with our full Safety Review for information on features in the sedan that help reduce potential distractions for drivers. continue
9-5 Reliability - 5.0 (Mediocre)
The 2008 Saab 9-5 reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 9-5 comes with a four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. Continue with our full Reliability Review to learn more about the 2008 9-5's basic coverage. continue
