2000 SAAB 9-5 Arc review from North America
"It is fun to drive a decent car that is a bit different from the masses"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Most recently, the turbo booster had to be replaced due to a leaky gasket.
The small lights on the heater switches, and central lock button have failed and had to be replaced.
At 56,000Km, the oil pressure sensor failed and had to be replaced. It had also allowed the engine oil to leak to potentially dangerous levels.
General comments?
I am generally pleased with the car although the ride is rougher than a Lexus, and handling/road noise are only average.
However, it has outstanding safety features, comfortable seats with more room than you would expect, a decent stereo, cool features like a cooled (or heated) glove box, map and storage pockets everywhere, a trunk that has low lift-over height and good depth, especially with a 60/40 split rear seat.
Every reference I have checked on Saabs refers to their "quirkiness"; well, I like the ignition on the transmission hump (once it was explained that safety was the driving force behind the design, it makes sense), but I am still a bit unsure of the dependability/reliability that I have come to expect, and experience from same-class cars (like my previous Lexus).
Time will tell.
Recommended Reviews:
  | 2000 - 9-5 Wagon Ecotec V6 turbo Great car! Great value, for a SAFE, dependable and luxurious car |
| Wonderful car to drive - when it works |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.3 turbo Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 7/10 |
| Comfort marks | 10/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 10/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7/10 |
| Most recent distance | 77700 kilometres |
| Previous car | Lexus ES300 |
| Date of Entry | 4th July, 2004 |