2002 SAAB 9-5 review from North America
"Not a bad car, but not good enough"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The tires wore quickly and had to be replaced at 40,000.
Full brake job at just over 40,000.
Lots of stuff while on full warranty that I can't remember!
Transmission computer gets out of whack, requiring dealer intervention pretty often.
Battery dead at 55,000. Very expensive to replace.
General comments?
This car rides very smoothly, but handles more like a traditional GM sedan than a traditional Saab. Very nice on long highway jaunts. Plenty of pep.
Three big problems: (1) ridiculous cost of repairs compared other cars; (2) very bad resale value, especially compared to my previous Saabs and Volvos; (3) worst car in the snow that I have ever driven, and that includes my father's rear wheel drive '72 Olds 88!
Do not get the extended warranty because it is through an outside insurer, not the manufacturer, and they will claim things are not broken and put you through the ringer before they fix anything.
Recommended reviews
| It is the best of times, the worst of times |
|
| Can't be beat for the price, and that's not a fair way of looking at this gem |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model year | 2002 |
| Year of manufacture | 2002 |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2008 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.3L Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 6 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 9 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 2 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 0 miles |
| Most recent distance | 67000 miles |
| Previous car | SAAB 900 |
| Date of Entry | 15th December, 2008 |