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2011 Saab 9-5

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Overview

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2011 Saab 9-5 Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 6.2

When General Motors faced bankruptcy in 2009 and was forced to shed half its eight U.S. brands, Sweden-based Saab – acquired by GM years ago – was one that had to go. When early efforts to sell the company failed, it entered the Swedish version of Chapter 11 bankruptcy, suspended operations and went into liquidation. But then tiny Dutch exotic sports-car maker Spyker stepped in and bought the proud "Born from Jets" brand and all its assets, with financing from the Swedish government and European investment banks. Saab then resumed operations as an independent automaker with its own design, engineering and state-of-the-art manufacturing, and is again building mid-size 9-3 models while ramping up production of this larger all-new 9-5 luxury sedan.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you have owned and enjoyed Saab cars in the past, you should love this new and best-ever 2011 Saab 9-5. It's distinctive outside, quiet, luxurious and roomy inside, and strikes an excellent balance of performance and fuel efficiency for its size.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Saab is hardly a mainstream brand...you might have to explain why you chose it. Instead, you might prefer a similar-size Audi A6, Lincoln MKS, Volvo S80, or maybe the more affordable Buick LaCrosse - with which the Saab 9-5 shares its underpinnings.

What's Significant About This Car?

Although Saab's first post-GM product was actually designed and engineered under GM ownership, is based on GM's Epsilon II global architecture and is powered by GM-developed turbocharged V6 and four-cylinder engines, it's nevertheless strong on distinctive Swedish design and driving character.

Driving the 9-5

Driving Impressions Saabs are typically fun-handling cars, and the 9-5 turbo-four models are dynamically the best-ever. Steering is crisp and responsive and braking is reliably strong. The suspension takes a set and...

holds on through tight and faster curves, while XWD – Saab's advanced, corner-to-corner all-wheel-drive system, standard with the turbo V6 – eliminates annoying front-wheel-drive torque steer. Each engine comes with its own specific suspension and calibration and an available sport chassis setting. Saab "DriveSense" (standard on the Aero XWD) adaptive chassis control varies shock rates, steering feel, shift points, throttle response and front-to-rear torque distribution with a choice of Comfort, Sport and Intelligent settings. We sampled all three powertrains on a test track and on public roads and found the turbo V6 strong but the turbo four with the manual transmission more fun to drive.

Favorite Features

XWD
Saab's advanced, highly effective corner-to-corner all-wheel-drive system helps the 9-5 better convert power into momentum.

DriveSense
The 2011 Saab 9-5 Aero XWD's adaptive chassis system varies shock rates, steering, shift points, throttle response and front-to-rear torque distribution with Comfort, Sport and Intelligent settings.

2011 Saab 9-5 Details

Interior

Inside its quiet, spacious, tastefully-crafted cabin are more traditional Saab shapes echoing the exterior design. Legroom is increased front and rear vs. the previous 9-5, and the interior materials, fit and finish, and tactile quality of the controls all have a premium feel. The large center console sweeps up into a display of deeply-recessed dials, where the crisp, floating displays are illuminated in signature Saab green and a rolling altimeter-like speed meter alludes to Saab's aviation heritage. Between the front seats, where Saab ignition switches have traditionally lived, is a start/stop button.

Exterior

This new 2011 9-5 brings traditional Saab styling cues thoroughly up to date. Its face is defined by a forward-looking take on the traditional Saab grille, and its upper proportions are reminiscent of the iconic Saab 900 of the 1980s. Its entire "greenhouse," with its pillars subtly blacked out, looks almost like a single wraparound piece of glass. Its falling roofline blends into its rear pillars, and below its smooth rear deck is a full-width light-bar with LED signature lighting. Additional Saab cues are its "hockey-stick" beltline and the smooth surfacing of its body sides. Its aerodynamic drag coefficient is a very slick 0.28.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The base 2011 Saab 9-5 Turbo4 comes with a full complement of features, including a leather-trimmed interior, power front seats with driver-side memory, keyless ignition, dual-zone climate control, nine-speaker audio system, USB and aux inputs, Bluetooth, XM Satellite Radio, power heated outside mirror, and fog lamps front and rear. Standard safety features include Electronic Stability Program (ESP), traction control, OnStar Safety and Security, active head restraints, six airbags, and breakaway pedals.

Optional Equipment

The Saab 9-5 Turbo4 Premium, Turbo6 XWD and top-of-the-line Aero XWD models add progressively more features including 18-inch wheels, Bi-Xenon headlamps, panoramic power moonroof, power-folding and auto-dimming outside mirror, keyless entry, remote start, and front/rear park assist. Most options are grouped into packages, including a Technology Package (head-up display, lane departure warning, advanced park assist) and a Rear-Passenger Package (tri-zone climate control, rear-seat audio and DVD video). Stand-alone options are a navigation radio with hard-disk drive and premium 11-speaker Harman/kardon audio, plus (for the Aero only) summer performance tires on 19-inch alloy wheels and ventilated front seats.

Under the Hood

Saab has been turbocharging engines for more than 30 years, so the new 2011 9-5's all-turbo line-up comes as no surprise. Top-of-the-line Aero models are powered by the 300-horsepower 2.8-liter twin-scroll turbocharged VVT (variable valve timing) DOHC 24-valve aluminum V6 mated to a six-speed automatic (with manual shift capability) and XWD. Lower-priced two-wheel drive models get a flex-fuel (gasoline or E85) 220-hp 2.0-liter direct-injected VVT DOHC 16-valve aluminum turbo four with the of a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transaxle.

2.0-liter Turbocharged four
220 horsepower @ 5300 rpm
258 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A

2.8-liter Turbocharged V6
300 horsepower @ 5500 rpm
295 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/27

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Saab 9-5 vehicles for sale near you.

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2011 Saab 9-5 Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.0

Out of 10

Based on 36 Ratings for the 2010 - 2011 models.

Review this car

Value

8.2/10

Quality

8.1/10
Reliability

8.5/10

Performance

8.7/10
Comfort

8.6/10

Styling

8.8/10

Best of all SAABs that I have owned (6)

By SGW (GA) on Monday, July 01, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 25,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Overall, totally satisfied. Slight detractions: 6 cylinder would be a bit better that the 4 Cyl. Turbo. Radio knobs show slight flaking. Backup warning is combined with front warning, so one is not sure where from where the conflict is coming from, back or front. These are minor, and I love my 9-5."

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A deal if you can find one new or slightly used

By PaulS (MA) on Sunday, October 07, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 700

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Turbo, XWD, Nav, space - fun car to drive"

Cons: "Saab is out of business - to bad!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"Not sure if I would have paid sticker price for the Saab 9-5 at $54,700 but for a new 2011 9-5 Turbo6 XWD at $34K and a 4 year, 48,000 warranty you cannot go wrong. You get a lot of car for the money. The Turbo6 comes with XWD and lots of standard features. The car also included the technology package and navigation system. It has a great ride, lots of power and, even though it is a 2011, it is still one the sharpest looking cars available. You get a lot of car and loads of features for the price. You could not get a smaller luxury car for the price like the BMW3, A4, Infinity G or even the Acura TL. I recommend you run out and but one if you can still find one..."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Hugs corners, has power

By Tad (CT) on Tuesday, December 27, 2011

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 11,800

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Handling, Heads up display, lane departure, MPG"

Cons: "SAAB is in financial straights"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"2010 9-5 Aero: Has all options including the Technology package. Heads up display has quickly become an option both my wife and I really like (before getting it we thought it a waste but now having it we appreciate it.) The XWD and power gives the driver a high degree of confidence in any condition. The styling has had strnagers stop to give us compliments, something that we never had experienced or seen on other cars. Best compliments have come from Jaguar and BMW owners."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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new 9-5 just great

By belarus (MA) on Tuesday, December 20, 2011

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 10,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"New Saab is just perfect. Handling is the best known from all same class sedans tested. Highly recommend!!!"

1 person out of 2 found this review helpful

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Nice mid-range, semi luxury car

By Careyoki (NH) on Tuesday, November 22, 2011

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 2,000

10 6.0

overall rating 6 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 6/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 7/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Solid design and nice interior layout. Comfortable"

Cons: "Under powered and very stiff ride. High list price"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Went out on a limb to purchase based on all the corporate changes, but very happy so far with the car. At the price I paid ($30k) it's a good quality and conservative performing car. Purchased the T4 Premium and overall the quality is nice and the convenience packages are more than adequate and well laid out. Interior is roomy with great forward visibilty. Rear and side visibility is tight. You need to check blind spots twice. Ride is very stiff. You can feel and hear every bump. Front end is low enough to scrape the ground even on mild dips on the hightway. The handling is tight and firm and might be a bit to tight and responsive if you're looking for a smoother handling ride. Coming from a MB S430 and test drove my friends 2009 BMW 5, an 2008 Audi A6 and a new Infiniti M series. The 9-5 can't compare to any of them on performance, especialy with a price tag of $44k, but it does well against the next level down; C-series, BMW 3, Audi A4. Again, if you're not looking just for performance. I also compared this to the Toyota Avalon LTD ($40k) and Hyundai Azera ($38 K). Avalon is a great car with lots of room and the Azera is loaded with features but both designs are boring and "old manish." For $14k less, it's hard to beat. If you're looking for a nice, mid-range, semi-luxury car, this is worth a look."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Car connection!

By emotional driver (Detroit, MI) on Wednesday, February 16, 2011

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

"Wow, what a car! I love it. This car is so easy to drive right from the get go. If you are thinking about a Mercedes E or BMW 5, or Audi, just go and test drive the Saab and you will be amazed! It may just change your mind, as it did mine. Very nice car that makes sense."

6 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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See all 36 reviews