Solid long distance driving
7 of 7 Ciao Users found the following review helpful
()
Advantages Comfort, boot capacity, reliability, specification
Disadvantages Running costs, looks
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!
Attention, this is the first review from this author
Instead of giving a negative rating, consider:

Help this member by giving your advice

Report fraud (for example plagiarism) or other issue with the review to the Ciao support team
Add your comment
hairy3074 04/01/2007 06:09
ilu02192 17/11/2004 16:54
noddy123 05/11/2004 17:38
alexander50 16/07/2003 22:44
averagepunter 25/10/2002 10:48
|
Quinton Hazell Saab 9-5 (YS3E) 2.3 t [01/2001 ] Brake Pads Brake pad set (Full set for 2 wheels) - SAAB 9-5 (YS3E) 2.3 t 01/2001 - 185bhp 2290cc B235E Width [mm]: 123 Height [mm]: 45 Thickness [mm]: 17,3... |
micksgarage.com
|
Shipping: £0.00 Availability: In Stock |
|
Quinton Hazell Saab 9-5 (YS3E) 2.3 t [09/1997 - ] Brake Pads Brake pad set (Full set for 2 wheels) - SAAB 9-5 (YS3E) 2.3 t 09/1997 - 170bhp 2290cc 2290 Fitting Position: Rear Axle From Chassis No.: X3025752... |
micksgarage.com
|
Shipping: £0.00 Availability: In Stock |
|
VALEO Saab 9-5 (YS3E) 2.3 t [09/1997 - ] Windscreen Wiper Blades Valeo Wiper Blade - SAAB 9-5 (YS3E) 2.3 t 09/1997 - 170bhp 2290cc B235E Driver Position: For right-hand drive vehicles Length 1/ Length 2 [mm]:... |
micksgarage.com
|
Shipping: £0.00 Availability: In Stock |