2003 Saab 9-5 Consumer Reviews

2003 Saab 9-5

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2003 Saab 9-5

Kelley Blue Book Retail $3,625–$7,600  

Average Rating

4.0 out of 5
Review This Car
Comfort:4.5 out of 5
Performance:4.2 out of 5
Exterior Styling:4.2 out of 5
Interior Design:4.2 out of 5
Value for the Money:4.0 out of 5
Reliability:3.7 out of 5

13 out of 17 people would recommended this car to a friend

Consumer Reviews

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A four-wheel money pit

by ricksaab
from San Francisco, CA | April 24, 2009

Rating from

(3)
Comfort: 5 out of 5
Performance: 5 out of 5
Handling: 5 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 5 out of 5
Interior Design: 5 out of 5
Features: 5 out of 5
Value for the Money: 3 out of 5
Reliability: 1 out of 5

"I bought a used 2000 9-5 wagon with 60K miles on it for $10K. I've put 30K miles on it since owning and have spent nearly $6000 in repairs during that time. What broke: serpentine belt, throttle body, water pump, fuel pump, ABS module, SID display, drive belt and upper idler pulley, motor mount, coolant temp sensor, neutral safety switch, DI cassette (ignition), and headlight bulbs that burn out every 6 months ($20 a pop for each bulb). Saab owners know that these are common problems. If you've never owned one, be aware that these problems could present themselves all within a short span of time. I love the car when it runs, but I hate it when it doesn't. Will never buy one again."

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Commuting


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5 out of 6 found this review helpful

Great car for the savvy buyer

by bobsaab
from Chicago, IL | April 3, 2009

Rating from

(5)
Comfort: 5 out of 5
Performance: 4 out of 5
Handling: 5 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 4 out of 5
Interior Design: 5 out of 5
Features: 5 out of 5
Value for the Money: 5 out of 5
Reliability: 5 out of 5

"Do Saab's have a "love-hate" following?--For sure. However, if you do your homework, have your Saab inspected by a reputable mechanic prior to purchase, and buy from a reputable dealer, you can get a great deal on a solid, safe, European car for a fraction of the price of a Volvo, Lexus, Toyota, Honda, etc. Bought a used 2003 9-5 Linear with 50,000 miles on it. Had a full inspection prior to purchase--by 2 different Saab specialist shops because I had read about some of the horror stories associated with Saab. Now, 12,000 miles later, I've simply changed the oil with synthetic oil every 4,500 miles and enjoyed a ride with a European luxury feel. Much more solid than other cars in the price range. Do your homework and buy a Saab. Put the money you save back into the stock market..."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Just getting around


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6 out of 7 found this review helpful

horrible car

by saynotosaab
from | February 27, 2009

Rating from

(2)
Comfort: 2 out of 5
Performance: 3 out of 5
Handling: 2 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 3 out of 5
Interior Design: 3 out of 5
Features: 3 out of 5
Value for the Money: 1 out of 5
Reliability: 1 out of 5

"I bought the car one owner used, and after owning after 3 months things started to go wrong. The gas tank meter had to be fixed, coolant leaked, security alarm needed to be reset, transmission is starting to go out. DO NOT buy a SAAB!!"

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

Primary use for this car: N/A


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4 out of 7 found this review helpful

Best car I've ever owned!

by Jimbo
from Orange County, Ca | November 18, 2007

Rating from

(5)
Comfort: 5 out of 5
Performance: 4 out of 5
Handling: 4 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 4 out of 5
Interior Design: 5 out of 5
Features: 4 out of 5
Value for the Money: 5 out of 5
Reliability: 5 out of 5

"This car does everything so well. Tt's the best kept secret on the market. It gets 30mpg on the highway, has great performance, has very low maintenance cost and is just a dream to drive. My next car will be another Saab."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: N/A


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2 out of 2 found this review helpful

I love this car!

by Saab Lover
from Maynard, MA | June 19, 2007

Rating from

(5)
Comfort: 5 out of 5
Performance: 4 out of 5
Handling: 5 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 5 out of 5
Interior Design: 5 out of 5
Features: 4 out of 5
Value for the Money: 5 out of 5
Reliability: 5 out of 5

"This is the 2nd Saab I've owned - the first a 9-3. As much as I liked the 9-3, I love the 9-5. The car is heavy and hugs the road. I love the design. It is comfortable - I drive about 43k miles a year and have sciatica. This is one of the few cars my back can endure. It is a little fussy starting at the change of seasons when the gas formula changes - it does always start, but it sometimes cranks for a while on the first cold morning start. It is fine from then on. I use 87 octane gas and it is fine, though sometimes the car seems to idle roughly and I have wondered if this is a gas issue. Both of my Saabs (both purchased gently used) have had little things break (the CD player in both, the compass in the mirror of the 9-5, a squeeky front seat). But all were easily repaired, and all repaired at no cost as they were covered by warranty. The ride is very nice - it is easy to speed in this car because at even high speeds there is no shimmy or shake - a lovely smooth, quiet ride. The heated seats are my best friend and it handles well in snow. I love the luxury of this car without spending big bucks (I had narrowed my search to this car or a BMW, and chose the Saab). I have 67k miles on my car, and I would definitely recommend this car."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: N/A


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1 out of 1 found this review helpful

iwantedtoloveit

by exsaabowner
from Albuquerque, NM | August 12, 2006

Rating from

(3)
Comfort: 5 out of 5
Performance: 5 out of 5
Handling: 5 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 4 out of 5
Interior Design: 3 out of 5
Features: 3 out of 5
Value for the Money: 2 out of 5
Reliability: 2 out of 5

"I loved how she drove. At 30k, the transmission leaked. The dealer had to pull the entire front end to fix it. I didn't like the dealer's repair shop. Seemed sketchy. I traded in the car for an old Volvo wagon. One week later, the used car dealer called me, seems THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL FELL OFF. Now, hmmm, 6 months before, the dealer had pulled off the front, now it's falling off.... So, do I blame Saab for a car that leaks at 30k, or the mechanic who can't be bothered to safely tighten everything?"

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: N/A


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0 out of 0 found this review helpful

Great car overall!

by Mike
from Chicago, IL | May 18, 2006

Rating from

(4)
Comfort: 4 out of 5
Performance: 4 out of 5
Handling: 4 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 4 out of 5
Interior Design: 4 out of 5
Features: 4 out of 5
Value for the Money: 4 out of 5
Reliability: 4 out of 5

"Love the car. Great family car (wagon), but still sporty and quick off the ball. While the performance tires are not good in the snow - and require another set that have to be changed twice a year, still worth it."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: N/A


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1 out of 1 found this review helpful

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