Faults:

The tires wore quickly and had to be replaced at 40,000.

Full brake job at just over 40,000.

Lots of stuff while on full warranty that I can't remember!

Transmission computer gets out of whack, requiring dealer intervention pretty often.

Battery dead at 55,000. Very expensive to replace.

General Comments:

This car rides very smoothly, but handles more like a traditional GM sedan than a traditional Saab. Very nice on long highway jaunts. Plenty of pep.

Three big problems: (1) ridiculous cost of repairs compared other cars; (2) very bad resale value, especially compared to my previous Saabs and Volvos; (3) worst car in the snow that I have ever driven, and that includes my father's rear wheel drive '72 Olds 88!

Do not get the extended warranty because it is through an outside insurer, not the manufacturer, and they will claim things are not broken and put you through the ringer before they fix anything.

Faults:

Several dash bulbs, thermostat, mid exhaust pipe, ignition switch sometimes won't turn headlights off (I disconnected the daytime running lights to solve the problem), display pixels, driver's heated seat broke, driver's seat leather isn't wearing well, suspension is creaky and a little unsettled over bumps, shift linkage is terrible... worst of the many standard cars I've driven (including a VW van). Hard to get into 1st and reverse at times and a hitch going into 3rd. Long, sloppy throws. Can be fixed with an expensive aftermarket short shift kit retrofit. Knock somewhere in the undercarriage when I let the clutch out aggressively (exhaust banging on something?) Hard to work on yourself (difficult access too many parts). Expensive parts, few mechanics.

General Comments:

This car is a highway rocket. Not much to write home about until the high pressure turbo kicks in in 3rd gear, then you are thrust forward very quickly. The 9-5 is solid as a rock on the highway at high speeds, however, the steering is slow and doesn't transmit a great deal of road feel. The suspension won't get upset at high speeds but feels a little loose and sloppy over choppy pavement. Overall still lots of fun on straight multi-lane or winding country highways.

Like all Saabs, the 9-5 is very safe and comfortable. It has been a very practical car for our young family... lots of passenger and cargo room. Great stereo. Much better driving dynamics and economy than an SUV or minivan without losing much space. One of few wagons available with a stick shift. Horrible depreciation is your gain when buying used (best used European performance car bargain).

Very good winter car. Starts, clears windows and heats up fast. Not as good in the snow as other Saab models I've driven, but is still better than average.

Ideally, to own one of these, you should be an automotive enthusiast who is willing to work on the car yourself, locate affordable parts and deal with the one (typically) place in town that knows how to fix Saabs. Non enthusiasts will get taken to the cleaners for repairs.

The jury is still out on the long term reliability of this car, but I really like it.