The Saab 9-5 is an executive car produced by the Swedish automobile maker Saab. It was the replacement for the Saab 9000 and was introduced in the spring of 1997, for the 1998 model year. However, it was introduced to the U.S. in the spring of 1998, for the 1999 model year. At the time, the car represented a great leap forward for Saab.
The 9-5 is available with sedan and station wagon (introduced in 1999) body styles. Aerodynamically, the sedan's drag coefficient is 0.29, and the station wagon's is 0.31. It features innovations such as tracks to secure cargo down, and a sliding load floor to make loading easier.
The badge on the sedan (95 ) is pronounced “nine five” rather than “ninety five”. This model should not be confused with the Saab 95, produced from 1959 to 1978.
The 9-5 is powered by Saab's B205 and B235 straight-4 engines, and in Europe by Alfa Romeo's 1.9 JTD 16V diesel straight-4. A version of the GM V6, powered by a unique asymmetrical low-pressure turbo-charger, was available from 1999 to 2003. This engine was available only with an automatic transmission, and cars with this engine installed are distinguishable by their twin tailpipes. It was only available on Arc, SE, and Griffin models. In 2004, the V6 engine was replaced by a high pressure turbo straight-4 engine producing 220HP. By 2008, this engine was producing 260HP even in the non-Aero model (US model).
The 9-5 was available with an Asin Warner 4-speed automatic transmission from 1997-2001. A new Asin Warner unit replaced the dated 4-speed automatic with a 5-speed automatic. A 5-speed manual transmission is fitted as standard to the base models and the Aero.
Saab continued its long-running tradition of offering leading safety features in the 9-5. Saab pioneered the availability of ventilated seats with Saab Active Head Restraints (SAHR), which moved up and forward to prevent whiplash if the car is struck from the rear. This feature won technology and safety awards, in Australia, Denmark and the United Kingdom. The Saab 9-5 has been one of the first cars to have extensive side-crash protection. In the front seats there are torso and head airbags, even on the oldest of 9-5s, making it unique in that few other late 1990s vehicles provided the same feature. Even more important, is the side structure, which includes a passenger cage and crumple zones. The design has been proven by the IIHS to protect occupants in side crashes, even without the addition of side airbags to the rear seats.
Another Saab feature is the 'Night Panel', which permits dimming of the instrument panel lighting, except for essential information, for less distraction when night driving.
Saab sells a performance oriented 9-5 called the Aero. The 9-5 Aero was first released in 2000 with a 230hp 2.3t B235R engine. The 9-5 Aero represents the flagship car and has a long list of standard features. The 9-5 Aero is also fitted with a sport tuned suspension and body side moldings. In 2002 a 250hp 2.3 turbo engine was made standard. The high-powered version of the 9-5 in the current form produces 260 hp and 258 ft-lbf of torque.
Currently, the standard engine in the 9-5 (both the 2.3T and Aero trims) is the 260hp B235R. Almost all of the standard features on the Aero are now standard on the 2.3T, the exceptions being sport-tuned chassis, two-tone leather upholstery, "anniversary" rims and brushed aluminum interior trim, all of which are standard on Aero and not available on the 2.3T.
Body Styles:
4-Door Sedan
5-Door Wagon
Options, Features, & Specifications
Year Range: 1998-Present
Passengers: 5
Fuel Mileage: 17-30 MPG
Horsepower: 170-260 BHP
Torque: 207-258 LB-FT
List of some of the standard features:
Power Steering, Power Windows, AM/FM Audio, Tilt Wheel, Single CD, ABS, Power Driver Seat, & Power Locks
Harmon Kardon Audio, Heated Front Seats, & Heated Rear Seats