2008 Saab 9-5 Exterior Review [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 32 9-5 reviews and test drives.
Exterior - What the Auto Press Says
The 9-5's boxy design is inoffensive, but doesn't earn as much praise as others in the class with flashier styling.
"The exterior is elegant, though unexciting," says Autoweb. "None of it will register even a small blip on the 'see-me' attention monitor."
One exterior feature that received attention in reviews is the front end. "The 9-5 has what Saab calls the most dramatic frontal design change since the Saab 900 was launched in 1979, although it's still clearly a Saab with such items as a "clamshell" hood," says MSN. "The aerodynamic 9-5 has new front/rear fascias, front fenders, front/rear lights and a new tailgate and trunk lid, with color-matched side moldings and door handles. The new grille has a horizontal bar representing an aircraft wing to salute Saab's aviation heritage." For the most part, reviewers do not like the front-end style. "When it comes to the exterior styling changes, I am not a fan," says About.com. "The chrome and dark plastic nose job makes the 9-5 look like it's . wearing too much eye makeup, while the monochrome taillights look like someone broke out the lenses and covered them with red cellophane."
