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SAAB 9-5 REVIEW
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| Ratings |
( Maximum score is 100 ) |
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| Overall: |
 ( 100 )
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| Comfort: |
( 100 )
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| Performance: |
( 100 )
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| Quality: |
( 100 )
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| Appearance: |
( 100 )
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| Comments |
Favorite feature: |
Ventilated heated and cooled leather seats |
Least favorite feature: |
Navigation system is ridiculously expensive AND you lose XM Radio |
Advice to buyer: |
Go for the Aero with the ventilated seats |
Detailed review: |
This is my second Saab 9-5 Sportswagon; now called the SportCombi in the U.S. We also have a 2005 9-5 Arc. I am about to trade in my 2004 3-series BMW (too small and too slow). The 2006-07 redesigns and refinements have not gotten sufficient coverage in the press. They simply write it off because it is not an 'all-new' design. The exterior design looks very similar to the current Audis and VWs. Why change the 4-cylinder turbo engine? It is very, very reliable; something Saab has struggled with in some other models. It was rated as the safest car in Europe. But there have been significant improvements. The 2007 has a fully redesigned dash with a much improved Harman/Kardon soundsystem with a 6-disc in-dash CD, XM Radio, 36 presets, iPod/accessory input. The transmission is smoother and there are more horses under the hood (260), but it still gets over 30 mpg on the road as long as you keep it under 80. Admittedly, that is hard to do because this car is fast and likes to go fast, but such is life. There is more soundproofing from engine noise. The good parts remain unchanged; great seats, great cargo capacity, and $10,000 cheaper than the realistic competition. I liked the Audi A6 Avant a lot, but it wasn't worth $12,000+ more comparably equipped. The 9-5 Aero SportCombi doesn't really have any competition at its price point, and I really like the fact that it is rare. Give it a look if you need a mid to large size wagon for your family or to haul around your sporting/outdoor gear. I considered BMW 530ix and Audi A6 Avant but they were too expensive. Volvo V70 is just plain ugly and $5000 more. The Volkswagen Passat was considered but it not considered in the same luxury class and it doesn't have the free scheduled maintenance and outstanding warranty. |
Also considered: |
2007 Audi A6
2007 Volkswagen Passat Wagon
2007 BMW 5 Series
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Vehicle purchased: |
2007 Saab 9-5
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| About This Reviewer... |
Name: |
John Penton |
Location: |
Miami, Florida |
Other vehicles owned: |
2005 Saab 9-5 SportWagon
2004 BMW 3 Series
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Review submitted: |
March 18, 2007 |
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