I drive over 40000 miles a year and have a company car. I don't have to think about fuel consumption or service costs. I chose the Saab 9-5 due to previous positive experiences with a Saab 9000. I've also driven BMW, Honda and Audi cars in similar circumstances.
First impressions are that the car is not attractive. I don't think anyone considers Saab to design eye-catching cars but if you can get over the looks and actually get inside the cabin you really begin to appreciate what saab does really well.
The inside is, like the 9000, huge. I have not found as big a boot or as much interior width in other cars. Compared to Audi in particular this is noticeable. The boot comfortably carried all the luggage necessary for long touring holidays with two infants without imposing on the cabin space. the height of the boot helps enormously in carrying awkward loads (although some people do find the height of the boot sill difficult).
Importantly for me the seats are easily the most comfortable I have ever tried. Compared to some of the cheaper brands such as Vauxhall and Honda the Saab seats are incredibly comfortable and supportive. When you drive a lot of miles this is crucial.
The driving position and display are good with a very useful computer to calculate all the usual things such as remaining distance to refuel. Cruise control is very precise and easy to operate. Other nice extras are the very effective drop down cupholders (I'm sick of spilling coffee on upholstery)and the large central container which is large enough to hold loads of change, sunglasses, tapes etc.
The performance of the car is not exceptional but it does offer power were you need it. It is not the fastest car in the world but it does have good acceleration for overtaking, good visibility all round and the automatic gearbox is reliable and seems to respond well throughout the gears. On country roads it is fun to drive although the handling on corners is not the greatest - this is a big heavy car.
Overall I am a Saab fan. The design is quirky for newcomers but is highly functional. The cars are extremely reliable up to 100,000 miles and safety is another strong point - I was involved in a multiple accident causing £14000 damage and emerged unscathed.
I would stress that the car should be considered only as a company car. The cost of servicing and parts is very high. I owned a 9000 privately and regularly incurred servicing and repair bills in excess of £500. As a solid executive saloon it can't be beaten - once you get inside!
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Estate - Front (FWD) - 5 Speed Automatic, 5 Speed Manual - 2290 cc - Max Speed: 143 mph - 220 bhp - Petrol - Available Trims: Linear, Linear Sport, Vector, Vector Sport
Saloon - Front (FWD) - 5 Speed Manual Gearbox - 1796 cc - Max Speed: 123 mph - 122 bhp - Petrol - Available Trims: Airflow, Linear, Vector, Vector Sport, Linear SE
Advantages: Extremely comfortable, with generous amounts of leg-room in both front and back of car. Disadvantages: The exterior styling may not be to everyones taste.
KieranBal 12.08.2008 ·
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Review of Saab9-52.3 HOT
Aug 2nd, 2000
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