Cars are usually reworked every 5-6 years. Sometimes a company waits another year, but a longer period is an anomaly. This model of the Saab car (photo is given later in the article) lasted 11 years, which, by human standards, is equivalent to reaching 178 years of age.
The long-awaited update
If at first the car was respected, then later it became only an object for jokes. As the years went by, the Saab 9-5 sank to the bottom of the rating of mid-size luxury sedans and in the end almost disappeared from the field of view of motorists. In the end, the manufacturer turned the page and released a new modification. It was designed at a time when the brand belonged to General Motors and was based on the same platform as Buick Regal, so, of course, it did not have the technical scope of its German competitors. Nevertheless, it was cheaper, a pleasure to ride and had its own unique style inside and out. The model could in no way be called the leader in its class, but it definitely became a worthy alternative to any mid-size luxury sedan.
2011 version review
Saab 9-5 was available in Turbo4, Turbo4 Premium, Turbo6 XWD and Aero trim levels. The Turbo4 models were equipped with a two-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine with a capacity of 220 liters. from. and 350 Nm of torque. The standard front-wheel drive was paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. An optional 6-speed automatic was installed. This, of course, is modest for a mid-range luxury engine, but at least its strong point is economy, especially in the variant with manual gear shifting.
However, there was another turbocharged engine, a 2.8-liter V6 that produced 300 liters. from. and 400 Nm of torque on all four wheels through a standard six-speed automatic transmission. This ensured the solid performance of the all-wheel drive sedan, which was achieved due to fuel economy. The Aero trim, sports suspension, responsive steering wheel, limited-slip differential and an improved all-wheel drive system together made up one of those cars that bring maximum inner satisfaction to the driver, even greater than the BMW 5 Series.
Trim
The basic configuration of the model was the same as that of competitors sedans only for an additional payment. For example, the car had seats with a function to remember driver settings, leather upholstery and an iPod interface. Improved options made it possible to have elements such as a panoramic sunroof, tracking system for road markings, three-zone climate control, navigation and a multimedia system for the rear seats.
All this was equipped with a salon in which it was easy to recognize Swedish cars. The instrument panel literally surrounds the driver, with the result that all controls are within easy reach. Other distinctive features of the car are characteristic ventilation grilles, a night panel switch that muffles the backlight of the instruments with one touch, and an ignition switch, though now in the form of a button. However, many climate and electronic interfaces have been taken over from General Motors. Only the layout and the green backlight, unique to the Saab, have been preserved. All these elements are pretty good, but, like the entire interior, did not reach the standards of Audi or Mercedes.
Previous models
The modified Saab car (photo is given in the article) appeared in 2010, but then few cars were sold, and it was offered only in the most loaded version of the Aero. Other configurations became possible in the 2011th.
The original “Saab 9-5” was produced from 1999 to 2009 and has undergone changes several times during its existence, which mainly concerned engines. The model retained the distinctive features of its predecessor Saab 9000, but the five-door hatchback design was replaced by a more traditional four-door sedan. The station wagon appeared a year later.
Since Saab 9-5 lasted incredibly long, the assessment of its competitiveness depends on how far back in the past. Things like the level of equipment, interior quality and technical sophistication seem relatively stronger when comparing old cars with their age-appropriate BMWs or Lexuses. Nevertheless, regardless of the year of manufacture, most drivers will find the Swedish car extremely convenient, especially when the additional equipment of the Saab 9-5 sedan is installed in it - a stove and ventilation. The space for the passenger is just great. A folding rear seat and 450 liters of luggage space offer an extra level of practicality. A SportCombi station wagon offered more than 2 thousand liters of cargo space to those who have something to transport.
Initial configuration
At the very beginning, the Saab 9-5 line consisted of a base model, a SE version, and packed with all amenities and focused on high performance Aero modifications. A standard 2.3-liter four-cylinder turbo engine produced 185 liters of power. from. (170 hp. In 1999) and worked in tandem with a five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic transmission. Modifications "Aero" had 230 liters. with., 2,3-liter four-cylinder turbo engine with a manual transmission. Initially, there was a choice between a 2.3-liter engine producing 170 liters. from. or 3.0-liter 200-horsepower V6 turbodiesel, but since 2000 all SEs have been equipped with a V6 with four-speed automatic transmission.
2002 Changes
Although the Swedish car of 2002 is very similar to previous modifications, it underwent a massive alteration. Three different models (Linear, Arc and Aero) now had their own style and specifications. The basic version of the previous year turned into Linear and offered 185 liters. from. The 4-cylinder turbo, while the SE became Arc and with the V6 turbo went into luxury. In addition, the entire lineup received a new five-speed automatic, and the Saab 9-5 Aero acquired a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a capacity of 250 liters. from. Changes to the steering and suspension helped optimize dynamic performance, while electronic stability control and adaptive front airbags improved the car's reliability. If someone has the intention to purchase a used Saab 9-5, user reviews recommend choosing 2002 models and newer.
Modifications of 2004
Until 2004, changes occurred only in detail. And then the feature set was radically shuffled. The Linear model became exclusively universal, and the Saab 9-5 Arc lost its 200-horsepower V6 in favor of a 220-liter turbo-4. from. A year later, DVD navigation appeared on the list of options. By 2006, Saab 9-5 received an updated exterior design, a modified suspension and a high-performance 2.3-liter turbo-4, which became standard, along with an increase in engine power to 260 horsepower. In addition, the station wagon was renamed SportCombi, and similar finishes Aero, Arc and Linear unified. “Aero” and its sport-oriented style technically became a package for two years, and then revived in the form of a full finish along with the newly made base model 2.3T.
Problems of Saaba 9-5
Below are the most typical cases when the owners had to make repairs.
- “Saab 9-5” suddenly stops while riding or refuses to start. The cause may be a malfunction of the direct ignition system. Other external manifestations of failure are uneven idling and engine starting. Diagnostics gives fault codes for random misfires.
- Damaged and headlights. Saab 9-5 is prone to leakage of fluid onto the HID modules. The valve passes the washer and it drips onto the equipment installed under the headlights.
- Oil leakage from under the timing cover, valves or the rear main seal may be caused by excessive crankcase gas pressure. To resolve this malfunction, an updated PCV kit for crankcase ventilation was specially released.
- Damage to the throttle with an electric drive triggers the control signal of the engine. Other symptoms include loss of acceleration, high idle and a difficult start.
- Failure of the bellows leads to increased noise in the front and central parts of the car. The bellows is a flexible pipe in the exhaust system and is necessary for the operation of the engine.
- The cylinder head gasket may cause oil to leak.