Reviews - Saab

Overall Rating

Despite its age, 9-5 still looks stylish inside and out. It offers plenty of space, and it's very refined with excellent engines. It may disappoint sporty drivers but not value-seekers.

• Safe, stylish and solidly built
• Smooth ride, roomy cabin, generous equipment
• Estates are roomy, practical and distinctive

• Fairly steep servicing costs
• Heavy depreciation compared to a BMW or Merc
• Handling can suffer on 2.3 Turbo versions

Executive car buyers who dare to be different might go for 9-5 rather than something predictable and German. Instead of a dedicated driving machine, 9-5 buyers get a more comfortable, well-equipped and equally refined large saloon or estate car for less money. Bought used, 9-5 is a bargain. There's a range of petrol and turbodiesel engine options; curiously, it's the smaller units that provide the best drives. High power upsets the balance of the car, and the 9-5 is much better at soaking up bumps and keeping occupants happy in the spacious interior than it is being hustled along at high speeds. The seats are very comfortable, whilst the driver's environment with easy-to-reach controls and clear dials is a delight. Generous equipment, impressive safety features and a good crash test rating make 9-5 even more attractive. One downside though is steep depreciation, which pushes up running costs and puts buyers off.

JD Power stars: 4

NCAP: 5

Best Models: 2.0 t (150 bhp) Arc, 3.0 TiD Linear, estates

Worst Models: 2.3 Aero and 3.0 V6 petrol

Replacement: 2005 by updated 9-5 range

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