‘What, you mean you can actually still buy this thing? New? From a dealership and everything? Is this an episode of Life on Mars?’
Our verdict
About 12 years after it was launched, the Saab 9-5 lumbers on unnoticed. OK it’s safe, huge and cheap-ish, but there are many many better choices these days.
Comfort
Great seats, lots of room (especially in the back) and decent ergonomics lead the 9-5's tick-sheet on comfort. But if you get big wheels the ride is turbulent.
Performance
Thanks to their turbos, all versions are under 10 seconds for 0-60mph. There's plenty of mid-range overtaking pull too. But all power units are four-cylinders, so don't expect class-leading refinement.
Cool
Pipe. Slippers. Tartan rug.You getting this?
Quality
It's been around so long those Swedes have had lots of time to practice spannering the 9-5 together. It's a tough old boot. But it completely lacks the satisfying quality interior jewellery buyers of this class of car have come to look for these days.
Handling
It's stable on a motorway but through the curves it's imprecise and wobbly. Understeer-heavy, afflicted with torque-steer and generally uninterested in playing games. Get the high-power turbo and the front tyres are really strained.
Practicality
It's huge and has an equally huge boot. A bioethanol version might seem impractical if you're going to drive a long way from E85 stations but don't worry, it'll run on regular petrol too.
Running costs
Pretty well-contained for servicing (at 18,000-mile intervals) and insurance, but secondhand buyers have lost interest so it depreciates fairly fast.
TG Tips
If you go for an ethanol version, make sure the ethanol you buy is actually sustainable.








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