2008 Saab 9-5 Review

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All 2008 Saab 9-5s come standard with a host of safety and convenience features. In addition to front and side air bags, head curtain air bags are also standard. Saab's patented Active Head Restraints actually move forward in a rear end collision to cup your head and reduce incidents of whiplash. ABS brakes with discs at all four corners provide safe stops, traction control assists in slippery conditions, and an electronic stability program helps prevent spins. OnStar is newly standard.

Both the 9-5 sedan and wagon have the same 260-horsepower 2.3L four-cylinder engine that also makes 258 lb-ft of torque from 1,900-4,000 rpms. A five-speed manual transmission or five-speed automatic with four shift programs are available, and both help apply plenty of mid-range torque for... see more

All 2008 Saab 9-5s come standard with a host of safety and convenience features. In addition to front and side air bags, head curtain air bags are also standard. Saab's patented Active Head Restraints actually move forward in a rear end collision to cup your head and reduce incidents of whiplash. ABS brakes with discs at all four corners provide safe stops, traction control assists in slippery conditions, and an electronic stability program helps prevent spins. OnStar is newly standard.

Both the 9-5 sedan and wagon have the same 260-horsepower 2.3L four-cylinder engine that also makes 258 lb-ft of torque from 1,900-4,000 rpms. A five-speed manual transmission or five-speed automatic with four shift programs are available, and both help apply plenty of mid-range torque for handy acceleration.

Every 9-5 has leather seats that are electrically adjustable in the front. A cabin air filter works with the automatic climate control, and even the glovebox is refrigerated. The leather-wrapped steering wheel is adjustable for both reach and height, and has controls for the audio system. Aero models have a lowered ride height, unique 17-inch alloy wheels, and metallic interior trim.

The 9-5 impresses with its ability to corner at a very high limit, and the seats are both extremely comfortable for a long day of driving and nicely bolstered to hold you in place. Navigation is optional, and a Visibility Package adds xenon headlights, rear park assist, and power folding auto-dimming exterior mirrors.

Yes, the key is still on the floor console, and you need to put the manual transmission 9-5 in reverse before you can remove the key, but Saab continues to offer a fine driving vehicle for those searching for something a bit different.
The Saab 9-5 continues into 2008 with very few revisions. OnStar and rain-sensing wipers are now standard, and the Visibility package adds power folding exterior mirrors. A new upgraded leather seat trim is available across the model line and the color palette has been slightly shuffled. Aero models have a new wheel design for 2008. see less

Trims	City MPG	Hwy MPG	MSRP	Invoice	Displacement	Engine
4dr Sdn	17	26	$37,685	$35,612.33	2.3L/140	Gas 4-Cyl
4dr Sdn Aero	17	26	$38,705	$36,576.23	2.3L/140	Gas 4-Cyl
4dr Wgn SportiCombi	17	26	$38,955	$36,812.48	2.3L/140	Gas 4-Cyl
4dr Wgn SportiCombi Aero	17	26	$40,070	$37,866.15	2.3L/140	Gas 4-Cyl

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Â 2008 SAAB 9-5 STYLING | [5 out of 10]

Edmunds: "outclassed ... when it comes to ... refined luxury and engaging performance"
Kelley Blue Book: "2008 Saab 9-5 is neither as premium nor as sporty [as other premium sport sedans]"
The Auto Channel: "still partying, er, driving like it's 1999"

The Saab 9-5 sedan returns for yet another model year with minor changes, as it awaits a full model renewal in the 2010 model year. Automobile says "with the current car dating back to 1998, an all-new 9-5 is long past due."

For 2008, there are two body styles, sedan and SportCombi wagon, and both show their age inside and out. On the exterior, the Saab 9-5 has larger headlamps and a new hood, but with age, the Saab 9-5 has become a bit frumpy. "The Saab 9-5 has not been redesigned since its debut, though it did receive a recent update for the 2006 model year that included an exterior face-lift," Edmunds says. Motor Trend notes, "The 9-5's new front-end styling features projector-style headlamps set in a unique matte-black housing," but adds the "nose and tail fail to hide its long-in-the tooth styling and the doors and tumblehome remain unchanged (and are showing their wrinkles)." Automobile thinks that refresher gave the 9-5 "cleaner front and rear styling." The Auto Channel comments that even though "the 9-5 underwent a significant freshening that included an exterior face-lift" two years ago, for the Saab 9-5 2008 "there's just no escaping the fact that it's still partying, er, driving like it's 1999." Kelley Blue Book observes that it holds a strong appeal to "purists who shun the overly high-tech approach and flashy styling so pervasive in today's luxury sedans."

(see full review)

2008 Saab 9-5

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