2004 Saab 9-5

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(4.9) 9 reviews
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2004 Saab 9-5
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Key Specs
Our Take
Overview
Photos
Reviews
Safety & Recalls
Warranty & CPO
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Key Specs

of the 2004 Saab 9‑5. Base trim shown.

Our Take

From the Cars.com Vehicle Test Team

The Good

  • Construction quality
  • Ride comfort
  • Handling and control
  • Transmission operation
  • Performance of Aero

The Bad

  • Price
  • Control layout

Notable Features of the 2004 Saab 9-5

  • Choice of turbocharged four-cylinders
  • Manual and automatic available
  • FWD layout
  • Electronic Stability Program
  • Side-impact airbags

2004 Saab 9-5 Overview

By Cars.com Editors
Vehicle Overview
Saab’s front-wheel-drive 9-5 midsize sedan and wagon earned subtle changes for the 2002 model year by gaining styling updates to enhance their sporty character. The Swedish automaker also renamed its models Linear, Arc and Aero, and each has an exclusive powertrain, wheel style and interior trim.

For 2004, the Linear model is available only in sport wagon form. At the same time, the Arc sedan and wagon exchange their V-6 engine for a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder that produces 220 horsepower, which represents an increase of 20 hp; it teams with a standard five-speed-manual transmission. Color-matching body trim is now standard on the Arc, which may be equipped with 17-inch Sport wheels. The high-performance Aero models also get a sportier exterior appearance. Bi-xenon headlights are offered as a separate option for the Arc and Aero.

Exterior
The 9-5 sedan and wagon are easily recognizable as Saab models. Smooth bumpers wrap back to the wheel openings. An integrated grille sits between clear-lens headlights. Saabs are always aerodynamically oriented, and the automaker claims the 9-5 sedan has a coefficient of drag of just 0.29.

Each body style rides a 106-inch wheelbase and stands 57 inches tall. The high-performance Aero edition has a firmer suspension and 17-inch tires on 10-spoke alloy wheels, while the Linear and Arc models ride on standard 16-inch rubber.

Interior
All 9-5 sedans hold five people. Chairlike, upright seating in a taller-profile vehic...
Vehicle Overview
Saab’s front-wheel-drive 9-5 midsize sedan and wagon earned subtle changes for the 2002 model year by gaining styling updates to enhance their sporty character. The Swedish automaker also renamed its models Linear, Arc and Aero, and each has an exclusive powertrain, wheel style and interior trim.

For 2004, the Linear model is available only in sport wagon form. At the same time, the Arc sedan and wagon exchange their V-6 engine for a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder that produces 220 horsepower, which represents an increase of 20 hp; it teams with a standard five-speed-manual transmission. Color-matching body trim is now standard on the Arc, which may be equipped with 17-inch Sport wheels. The high-performance Aero models also get a sportier exterior appearance. Bi-xenon headlights are offered as a separate option for the Arc and Aero.

Exterior
The 9-5 sedan and wagon are easily recognizable as Saab models. Smooth bumpers wrap back to the wheel openings. An integrated grille sits between clear-lens headlights. Saabs are always aerodynamically oriented, and the automaker claims the 9-5 sedan has a coefficient of drag of just 0.29.

Each body style rides a 106-inch wheelbase and stands 57 inches tall. The high-performance Aero edition has a firmer suspension and 17-inch tires on 10-spoke alloy wheels, while the Linear and Arc models ride on standard 16-inch rubber.

Interior
All 9-5 sedans hold five people. Chairlike, upright seating in a taller-profile vehicle permits a comfortable posture. Scandinavian design themes emphasize natural materials. Leather upholstery is wrinkled rather than high-gloss.

The 9-5’s interiors range from fundamental leather and wood in the Linear to an industrial, high-tech feel that complements the Aero’s sporty nature. The Arc model emphasizes luxury touring and includes metallic-finished dashboard trim and ventilated power front seats with a memory adjustment. Sedan trunks hold 15.9 cubic feet of cargo. With the rear seats folded, the wagon can carry 73 cubic feet of cargo.

Aero models get leather sport seats, a 240-watt Harman Kardon-tuned audio system, and an automatic-dimming inside mirror with a compass and integrated garage door opener. GM’s OnStar communication system is standard.

Under the Hood
The Linear sport wagon uses a 185-hp, turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine. A turbocharged 220-hp version of the 2.3-liter engine now goes into the Arc. Performance-packed Aero models contain a high-output, turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder that cranks out 250 hp. A five-speed-manual gearbox is standard; Saab’s optional five-speed Sentronic automatic transmission permits manual gear selection by using steering-wheel controls.

Safety
Antilock brakes, traction control, an Electronic Stability Program and Saab’s active head-restraint system are standard. Side-impact airbags protect the heads and torsos of front-seat occupants.

Driving Impressions
Sheer excellence is evident during the first moments behind the 9-5’s steering wheel. The 9-5 sedans deliver an appealing and sophisticated highway experience that stresses comfort.

Despite its firm suspension, even the Aero produces a largely absorbent ride. Each model handles with precise control and runs with alluring quietness. Performance in the Linear version won’t set records, but the Aero takes acceleration to a lofty level. Automatic-transmission operation is close to flawless, and the manual gearbox glides between each ratio.

View 4 Photos

Latest 2004 9-5 Stories

See all 2004 Saab 9-5 articles >

Consumer Reviews

4.9
9 reviews
Exterior Styling
(4.1)
Performance
(4.8)
Interior Design
(4.3)
Comfort
(4.6)
Reliability
(4.7)
Value For The Money
(4.8)

What Drivers Are Saying

(4.0)

best value for the money!

by JR from Colorado on February 22, 2018

The Saab 9-5, in sport or Aero trim, is on par with Volvo or Audi. Because Saab was dissolved during the GM financial restructuring in 2010, they can be bought for cheap. Independent service centers ... Read full review

(5.0)

Registered Emergency Nurse

by SAAB FAN from NEW PORT RICHEY on April 18, 2017

Purchased this vehicle used in 2012. My SAAB now has 121,000 plus miles. This is the first yr for any needed repairs, ie...motor mounts and radiator. The car runs wonderful and the interior still ... Read full review

Safety & Recalls

Recalls

The 2004 Saab 9-5 currently has 2 recalls

Crash and Rollover Test Ratings

The 2004 Saab 9-5 has not been tested.

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Cars.com Car Seat Check

Certified child passenger safety technicians conduct hands-on tests of a car’s Latch system and check the vehicle’s ability to accommodate different types of car seats. The 9-5 received the following grades on a scale of A-F.*
* This score may not apply to all trims, especially for vehicles with multiple body styles that affect the space and design of the seating.

Warranty FAQs

What is a Bumper-to-Bumper warranty?

Often called a basic warranty or new-vehicle warranty, a bumper-to-bumper policy covers components like air conditioning, audio systems, vehicle sensors, fuel systems and major electrical components. Most policies exclude regular maintenance like fluid top offs and oil changes, but a few brands have separate free-maintenance provisions, and those that do offer them is slowly rising. Bumper-to-bumper warranties typically expire faster than powertrain warranties.

What is a Powertrain warranty?

Don't be misled a 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty doesn't promise a decade of free repairs for your car. It typically covers just the engine and transmission, along with any other moving parts that lead to the wheels, like the driveshaft and constant velocity joints. Some automakers also bundle seat belts and airbags into their powertrain warranties. With a few exceptions, powertrain warranties don't cover regular maintenance like engine tuneups and tire rotations.

What is included in Roadside Assistance?

Some automakers include roadside assistance with their bumper-to-bumper or powertrain warranties, while others have separate policies. These programs cover anything from flat-tire changes and locksmith services to jump-starts and towing. Few reimburse incidental costs like motel rooms (if you have to wait for repairs).

What other services could be included in a warranty?

Some automakers include free scheduled maintenance for items such as oil changes, air filters and tire rotations. Some include consumables including brake pads and windshield wipers; others do not. They are typically for the first couple of years of ownership of a new car.

What does CPO mean?

A certified pre-owned or CPO car has been inspected to meet minimum quality standards and typically includes some type of warranty. While dealers and third parties certify cars, the gold standard is an automaker-certified vehicle that provides a factory-backed warranty, often extending the original coverage. Vehicles must be in excellent condition and have low miles and wear to be certified, which is why off-lease vehicles feed many CPO programs.

See also the latest CPO incentives by automaker