2009 Saab 9-5
- 2010 Saab 9-5
- Used Saab 9-5
Based on analysis of 34 9-5 reviews and test drives.
Safety - What the Auto Press Says
The 2009 Saab 9-5 earns top scores in most government crash tests, winning five of five stars in every test but one. The 9-5 earns four stars for protecting rear-seat passengers in side-impact crashes.
Despite Saab's strong safety reputation, the car doesn't so as well in Insurance Institute for Highway Safety testing. The IIHS has not tested the 2009 model, but the identical 2008 version won a "Good" score for frontal-impact crash protection, but only an "Acceptable" score in side-impact testing.
The 9-5 comes with front and front-seat side airbags that adjust their force depending on the speed of a crash. However, head-curtain airbags are not even optional -- a serious oversight, as this is the only car in the class that doesn't even offer them. Active head restraints are standard for front-seat occupants only.
Saab offers a handful of innovative features designed to reduce driver distraction. "Dynamic Workload Manager" turns off dashboard warning messages during quick maneuvering or heavy braking. The car's Night Panel function shuts off all instrumentation aside from the speedometer at night (though it can be turned off). A one-year subscription to OnStar, which can contact emergency services in the event of an accident, is standard.
