2002 SAAB 9-5 Linear from North America - Comments

All internal and most of external lights.

Both info displays, including ACC display 3 times.

"Software" updates for rough idle and A/T shifts - several times.

Turbo failed.

All ignition and emission sensors.

Direct ignition module twice.

AC failed 2 times (needed recharge and compressor).

Front brakes froze at 30K.

My '02 Linear was the worst car I have ever owned. It spent so much time at the dealership during warranty period! I loved to drive Mazda and Saabaru (9-2X) loaners for hundreds of miles at the time!

All electronics were replaced, and most of sensors failed in the first 2 years. As soon as warranty ran out, small electronic problems and failed AC forced me to trade it in for something more reliable.

What a piece of Swedish crap!

You have to be kidding man. You definitely bought a lemon dude.

I don't think so, I think you bought a SAAB. The problems I have had with mine have been unbelievable. Worst build quality ever on a car that is a dream to drive when it's going, but a complete nightmare to own and very very expensive to repair. From what the dealers tell me. None of the multitude of expensive problems I had with mine are a surprise to them.

As I've said, here is a list of things that have gone wrong with the 2t Linear I bought at 45 thousand kilometers. The mileage was genuine and certified. Thankfully, I took out insurance.

1. Complete transmission failure, back at the dealers for two weeks.

2. Brake failure all brakes.

3. Heater stopped working.

4. Sid unit became unreliable.

6. Front drive unit, drivers side, fell to bits (needed total rebuild).

7. Air bag warning lights came on and stayed on.

8. The paint peeled off the SAAB emblem on the bonnet and blew away whilst driving, (a very common problem).

9. Drivers electric window malfunctioned and needed repair.

Then the same happened to the passenger window.

10. Knocking noise from underneath; exhaust brackets came adrift, because they were very badly welded at the factory.

11. Another complete transmission; exactly the same internal problems the first one had, purely bad manufacturing.

My experience in eighteen months of ownership? Delightful to drive when going well, and I love the comfort and higher cruising speed. BUT, can I drive this car now without the ever present fear of what next will go wrong? NO; WHY? Because it's a total piece of crap as far as build quality and reliability goes. I'd be forever fearful of buying another one, and certainly couldn't recommend a Saab to anyone needing a reliable car.

I've owned a Saab for years and it has been the most reliable car I've ever had the pleasure of owning.

I would buy another one in a minute, but I don't plan on getting rid of mine anytime soon.

Then I think you've just been one of the few lucky purchasers of a Saab. I've spoken to a lot of people who have owned and currently own Saab cars and most of them have the same response. Never again. Good responses are in the minority.

Nice car in terms of performance and comfort, but the chances of buying one that is trouble free is very rare.

All in all, the build quality and reliability of Saab cars is shocking.

In response to the comment on June 29th 17:18.

Now I'm really beginning to believe that there are a lot of either grossly misinformed people out there, or there is an conscious effort out there to damage the reputation of Saab.

Saab the automobile company is now owned by GM, and is no longer affiliated with the aircraft manufacturer.

As for your remark that most Saab owners would never buy another - Well there are plenty of Saab loyalists who are very happy with their cars and are happily repeat buyers.

If your Saab had problems - it is your right to be unhappy about it, however my Saab is the most reliable car I've ever owned, and it is by far the best car I've ever had the pleasure of owning or driving, and I have the right to my opinion too.

You can drive your Audi, BMW, Lexus, Jaguars & Mercedes - all fine automobiles - but I'll keep my Saab!

According to those surveyed on this site 55% of those who own a Saab 9-3 (which I do) would buy another one.

That is the MAJORITY not the minority.