2003 SAAB 9-5 Arc review from North America

Driverside front corner bumper needed to be aligned with body (loose screw).

Two bulbs in the rear cyclops tail light replaced.

Curious, vibration at idle, however was reassured that the turbo causes a bit of a vibration when idle, weather (cold and hot) have a significant effect.

Slight fade on exterior black trim, touched up with some nu-black and it looks great.

Fingers crossed.

My 04 Arc is a blast to drive. It has decent pull off the line, and excellent passing power on the freeway, 60-80 mph is a flash. I think the Sentronic paddle shift transmission is really fun, but you can drive in standard, sport mode, or with the paddles.

The car cruises great. The road noise is a bit above what a luxury tourer should be, just watch the aggressiveness of the tires you choose.

The suspension is also excellent in my book, it doesn't "boat" over wallows in the freeway like some luxury cruisers. And sharp dips, potholes, road debris are soaked up with a solid thump (the reassuring kind that demonstrate solid build) This is not a Caddilac, but they don't compare it to jets for nothing.

The interior is nice, not luxury league, just a bit too much plastic, but I like it. The leather seats are also very good, plenty of power adjustment and manual lumbar control.

The sound system is very good. But I only have a single CD. I am considering the additional trunk changer. And the dash is all kinds of info. Has a cool "night panel" button that turns off all illumination except to the speedometer. An odd thing, until you make a long night journey.

Heated seats are excellent with 0-4 settings. Keeps the buns nice and toasty. Auto wipers keep both hands on the wheel in off and on downpours, also great for clearing the random splashes from passing semi-trucks.

Wish it could be AWD however the front wheel drive system is great for the northwest. I have not had the chance for ice or snow, but have a gut feeling my Arc will do great. There is some torque steer and wheel spin on quick take offs, but once you get used to the car and if you know how to drive it, not a problem.

I seriously love this car, it is so unique. Saab built great cars. I will be interesting to see the 100% built GM Saabs. I know my model year had a little influence from GM, but not 100% as the new models.

Take a decent test drive, say a good 20 min. and you will fall in love. And to top it all off a very safe car. One of the few that comes standard with side airbags and steel beams in the doors.

And if you have the rear parking sensors they are very useful in downtown parallel parking.

Cheers from Oregon.

Let me know what you think and I will also update as the miles pile on.