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Saab 9-5 Wagon - What the Auto Press Says

The 9-5 SportCombi is powerful, comfortable and practical. Still, it trails behind more luxurious and better handling competitors.

Though other wagons in its class provide better overall refinement, the 2009 Saab 9-5 SportCombi deserves a slot on any wagon shopper's short list for its practical combination of safety, comfort and functionality. What's more, the 9-5's distinctive exterior design breathes life into parking lots full of boring family station wagons. 

If you're in the market for a luxury wagon that's a lot more refined, consider the BMW 3-Series or Audi A4 Avant. These wagons are the total package -- leading this class in performance, luxury, and design. What's more, they're less expensive too.

The 9-5 SuperCombi wagon is available in two trims 2.3T and the sportier Aero. The 9-5 is also offered in a sedan body style.

• "The 2009 Saab 9-5 sedan and wagon will still please those who have an affinity for classic Saab styling. But in terms of performance, luxury and overall refinement, the 9-5 is outclassed by newer competitors." -- Edmunds
• "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
• "It's also pricey for a 4-cylinder automobile. Still, this is a roomy, solid, good-handling car available with the added utility of a wagon body style." -- Consumer Guide
• "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
• "With 5-door roominess, impressive agility and a 260-horsepower 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-4 that achieves an impressive EPA mileage rating of 28 mpg highway, the 9-5 SportCombi is a pretty well-rounded package." -- Road and Track

9-5-Wagon Performance - NA

Test drivers report that the 9-5 SportCombi's turbocharged 260-horespower four-cylinder engine offers plenty of power. "Around town, the Saab 9-5 is responsive, nimble and downright quick, benefiting from a turbocharger that delivers its influence politely but firmly," writes Kelley Blue Book. Still, critics complain that it lags behind its sportier competitors in terms of handling. continue

9-5-Wagon Exterior - NA

Like most Saabs, the 9-5 SportCombi looks unique. That, however, doesn't mean that it's unattractive. In fact, U.S. News reviewer Rick Newman rates it "Hot," writing, "Saab's jutting-jaw front fascia and oddly balanced curves are still distinctive." continue

9-5-Wagon Interior - NA

Auto writers report that the 9-5 SportCombi's cabin is both comfortable and practical. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, "[T]he wagon has such a large cargo space with its rear seat folded forward that it outdoes some midsize sport-utility vehicles." Even so, many reviewers find that the backseat is better suited for two passengers than three. continue

9-5-Wagon Safety - NA

Not only does the 9-5 wagon perform well in federal government and insurance industry crash tests, but it also comes equipped with a host of standard safety features -- including stability and traction control, as well as an OnStar communications system. continue

9-5-Wagon Reliability - NA

The 2009 Saab 9-5 SportCombi carries a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty, as well as a competitive powertrain warranty. continue