Faults:

The biggest problems arose with the EGR valve and the particulate filter.

These manifest as a loss of power, jerking under hard acceleration, or the "anti-pollution system fault" message. This is mainly caused by frequent short trips that prevent the DPF from regenerating.

Pressure leaks or turbocharger solenoid valve failures can occur, causing the vehicle to enter limp mode and suddenly lose power. The fuel rail pressure sensor can also malfunction.

The control unit (BSI) may register erroneous faults or suffer power outages in elements such as the power windows or the climate control.

The roller bearings on the rear axle suffer wear; if it squeaks or clicks when going over bumps, it requires immediate replacement to avoid damaging the seats.

General Comments:

There's nothing more subjective than comparing the designs of different cars, but with this generation of the C5, it's hard to avoid it.

Among the mid-size sedans imported by mainstream European brands, I find it more harmonious than the Ford Mondeo, more modern than the Volkswagen Passat, and better executed than my current favorite: the Peugeot 407.

The C5 even incorporates those quirky details so characteristic of high-end Citroëns, such as the rear window that combines straight and concave surfaces. And more importantly, it marks a complete break with the aesthetics of the old C5, which went down in history for having broken a world record for premature ageing. It's a car that commands an elegant presence without being ostentatious, with avant-garde headlights that still look modern today and very attractive 18-inch wheels as standard with interlaced spokes.

The visible components are of superior quality and the comfort is outstanding.

The rear seat offers comfortable space for three adults, although the shape of the middle seat makes it clear that this space would be better utilized by using the center armrest with cupholders and direct access to the trunk.

Driver's seat deserves special mention. By far, it's the most comfortable in its class. It comes standard with multiple power controls, two memory settings, heating, and even a massage function. The backrest is split into two sections, allowing for adjustable backrest angle. The electric massage function consists of a series of balloons hidden beneath the leather upholstery, which inflate and deflate to apply pressure to up to eight different points on the driver's back.

The engine is a common-rail direct-injection turbodiesel that delivers 138 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and a respectable 320 Nm of torque from 2,000 rpm.

The 6-speed manual transmission is also familiar from the PSA Group, but in this case, it has received special treatment to offer a very smooth, quiet, and precise feel. Its operation prioritizes comfort over speed.

Despite having a conventional shock absorber suspension, the car features a front suspension with double wishbones and a multi-link rear suspension. The result is an excellent ride, with the focus once again on comfort rather than sporty handling. The same can be said of the smooth, variable-assist power steering.

Both in the city and on the open road, the C5 is a machine designed for covering many miles and spending a good number of hours behind the wheel without fatigue, all while enjoying absolute silence. The engine only reveals its diesel heritage during the first few minutes of cold start-up and when refuelling. With an average fuel consumption of 6 liters per 100 kilometers in mixed driving, the 72-liter fuel tank lasts a very long time.

In conclusion, while it's not necessarily a car on par with the big three German manufacturers, compared to similar cars from mainstream brands, it's superior in my opinion. It has all the luxury you could ask for, and the fuel consumption is ridiculously low.

Faults:

External temperature sensor. A new one now.

General Comments:

Bought my Citroen C5 SX 2001 in June 2005. So far, after ca 70000 kilometres it has only been a pleasure to own and drive. I have had five cars before this one, three Volvo and two Mitsubishi. The Citroen is the best to drive (so far). If someone had said to me five years ago that I would buy a French car and a Citroen, I would have shaken my head. When I took a test ride in June, I just laughed: Wow, was I driving a van? A cloud? A living room? After the test drive, I did not look for any further car.

I have read that people have had problems with the electronics, no such problems so far. I have also read that many think that this is a really ugly car... I do not understand them. It is one of the most beautiful, stubborn, modern, masculine designs ever.