1999 SAAB 9-5 review from North America
"Great car except for major mechanical failure for no good reason"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Climate control display numbers spotty.
Air conditioning smells for first ten minutes every use.
Seat adjustment buttons stick.
Brakes rotors require replacement every other pad replacement.
Number four cylinder blown at 82k.
Suspect turbo ceased to function around 82k.
General comments?
Car feels and drives well.
Comfortable and civilized overall.
Relatively serious rear end collision at 76k miles did not affect straightness or function of overall chassis.
Excellent looking vehicle.
Purchased used from dealer and seemed like a lot of car for the money.
Engine replacement required at 82k miles seems premature. Dealer states that oil sludging not an issue, but would not specify cause of catastrophic engine failure. Have been hearing rumors that this is not an uncommon problem with this model. Is there any class action/legal activity associated with these failures?
Recommended reviews
| Stay away from this car |
|
| A comfortable wagon that drives like a rocket, but in fact is a major LEMON |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| Model year | 1999 |
| Year of manufacture | 1999 |
| First year of ownership | 2004 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2006 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.3 turbo Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 7 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 4 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 1 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 74000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 82000 miles |
| Previous car | SAAB 9000 |
| Date of Entry | 14th March, 2006 |