Faults:

Valve in A/C unit.

Air bag sensor failure.

CD player.

SID - have had repaired 4 times.

Idler pulley - took out idler arm and serpentine belt in the process.

Throttle body.

Rain sensor (wipers)

Electric window on drivers side.

Fan contacts coroded (for heating A/C)

Alarm batteries (have to replace entire alarm)

Faile motor mount (took out oil pan).

General Comments:

Of all the cars I've owned over the years, and there have been many, NOTHING has given me as much pleasure as my Saab 9-5 Aero. First Saab I've ever owned. Fun to drive, most comfortable seats ever, still greatlooking after 6 years (strangers stop and look at it in parking lots). Good fuel economy (avg 30 on Hwy).

The downside is that it has encountered more problems than any car I have owned - by far. One issue after the other. But, I am told, you keep it fixed and it will run nearly forever. Generates huge amounts of brake dust, I replaced the factory pads with ceramic pads and it went away.

To my surprise, I keep putting $ in it. Tried to trade it off a couple of times, each time I drive the next "great thing" from all the competitors and each time my wife and I look at each other and say: "I like the Saab better". We both have a passion for it.

Faults:

All internal and most of external lights.

Both info displays, including ACC display 3 times.

"Software" updates for rough idle and A/T shifts - several times.

Turbo failed.

All ignition and emission sensors.

Direct ignition module twice.

AC failed 2 times (needed recharge and compressor).

Front brakes froze at 30K.

General Comments:

My '02 Linear was the worst car I have ever owned. It spent so much time at the dealership during warranty period! I loved to drive Mazda and Saabaru (9-2X) loaners for hundreds of miles at the time!

All electronics were replaced, and most of sensors failed in the first 2 years. As soon as warranty ran out, small electronic problems and failed AC forced me to trade it in for something more reliable.

What a piece of Swedish crap!

Faults:

Within the last six months the car developed a stutter when running, twice shutting off completely while sitting idle in traffic. Problem is that the stutter happened intermittently, so when we took it to a SAAB mechanic, they couldn't find the problem. After three attempts there, went to SAAB dealership. Initially, the dealer could not locate the problem, but on the second try they diagnosed it as a throttle issue. Luckily we purchased a warranty when we purchased the 9-5 (gently used). So the repair was covered. We'll see if this resolves the hiccup/stutter problem... So far so good ( x fingers crossed x)

General Comments:

Generally, we LOVE our SAAB. We also understand that 2002 (I think) is the last year Saab's were made in Sweden (prior to GM acquisition). Due to same, would likely not buy a GM SAAB, especially due to our recent problem with our 9-5. It's really kind of a love-hate relationship. Love the special feel of a SAAB, hate when something goes wrong.

I owned two Honda preludes in college and grad school and loved both dearly. Especially because they were pretty AND completely headache free. But do feel quite safe in the SAAB, so our next car will have to be a tank also (but no SUVs for us).