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Saab 9-5

EPA MPG: NA
Average Retail Price
$2,975

RECALL ALERT:
There are 6 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Road Test

With an older design than the competition, the Saab 9-5 falls short. It is neither sporty nor particularly luxurious and refined. It performs well enough overall, but lacks polish. Fuel efficiency isn't particularly impressive despite having only four cylinders. Curtain air bags aren't available.

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2002 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car
NA
vs. Similar Cars

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

2002 Midsized cars Ratings

$2,975
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$2,850
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$2,900 - $2,950
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$2,900 - $3,800
economy-icon
EPA MPG 26 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$2,900
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
Features & Specs
Body Style
    wagon
    sedan
Seating
2 front, 3 rear
Drive Wheels
Front
Engines Available
  • 2.3-liter 4 turbo (185 hp)
  • 2.3-liter 4 turbo (250 hp)
  • 3-liter V6 turbo (200 hp)
Transmissions Available
  • 5-speed manual
  • 5-speed automatic
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Model History
2010-
Current Generation

Saab's 9-5 is a competent car with capable and secure handling. A major 2010 redesign produced a car that wasn't as well rounded as previous 9-5s. It handles fairly nimbly and has great fit and finish, but the 220-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine is noisy and a little weak for the class. A stiff ride and the cramped cockpit didn't help either. Sales were meager. The brand was discontinued after 2011.

1999-2009
1999 Redesign Year

Saab's 9-5 is a competent car with capable and secure handling. The ride is firm and compliant, but road noise is pronounced. The turbocharged 2.3-liter, 170-hp four-cylinder (185 hp from 2000 on) provides ample acceleration. The 3.0-liter, 200-hp V6 is smoother, quieter, and stronger. A higher-performance 230-hp Aero model was added for 2000. Aside from styling updates the 9-5 was largely unchanged through 2009.