2000 SAAB 9-5 Aero 2.3L turbo from North America

Summary:

Never buy a Saab

Faults:

At 90K miles had to replace full engine, Electronic engine control, all hoses and a bunch of other parts. Total cost US$7800.

SID quite working at 80000miles.

A series of electrical problem resulting in replacing all the bulbs very often (at least one every 1.5 months)

No help what so ever from Saab.

General Comments:

Not at all reliable - unlike the other Saab that I owned.

Saab company does not give a damm about their customers.

Car is comfortable and runs well (when it is working)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 27th March, 2006

11th Oct 2006, 20:02

I've noticed that almost every one of these reviews lists an electrical problem as the cause for bulbs burning out frequently on Saabs. I do not think that there is any electrical problem at all. Rather, the lights run all the time whilst the car is running, so the bulbs are going to have a significantly shorter lifespan. This is Saab and Volvo's way of offering Daytime Running Lights (DRLs). On most other cars, DRLs are set up differently so that the bulbs will not all burn out as often. Happy Motoring everyone! =-)

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2000 SAAB 9-5 SE 3.0L V6 from North America

Summary:

Great car... when it's not on a tow truck

Faults:

Front DIC/module failure @ 132,123km's.

Replaced front O2 sensor @ 133,070km's.

Rear DIC/module failure @ 133,529km's.

Replaced catalytic converter @ 133,765km's.

Replaced rear O2 sensor @ 134,215km's.

General Comments:

I have been very impressed with this vehicle up until it stranded my family a total of 2 times in less than 1,500km's. My old Mercedes 190E with 275,000km's has never stranded my family. I purchased the newer SAAB to replace the 'aging' smaller BENZ.

There is an impending DIC/MODULE recall scheduled for March 2006. I've been told to hang onto my receipts for possible reimbursement. (well over $2,500 right now)

Component failures that put the driver and passengers in danger are unacceptable!! Flashy advertising campaigns will do nothing to combat word of mouth advertising from current owners.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 8th December, 2005

9th Feb 2007, 12:57

UPDATE: Traded in the SAAB for a BMW 3 series last April (2006). Went back to the dealership a few weeks later to talk cars with the sales manager. He had the pleasure to inform me that the turbo was 'going' and that the car 'crapped' out on a recent test drive. There was no blame thrown around... I felt very bad... but I think it is SAAB/GM that should feel this way for putting out a car that has an expiry date of 130,000km's...I'd be ashamed if I was them.

The car has since sold off where I purchased the BMW, but it took nearly 8 months to do so. I'll say it again..."It's a great car when its not on a tow truck!"

2000 SAAB 9-5 2.3t 2.3L turbo 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

A fun sports car with luxury trappings

Faults:

The trip control module went bad and was replaced under warranty (at about 5000 miles).

Some of the paint on the SAAB badge on the hood peeled off. (The dealer replaced it for free without even mentioning it.)

The fog lights are vulnerable to stones and the like. I've had to replace both sides at least once. A guard in front would help, but the brackets broke on one the last time (the lens is still OK).

General Comments:

Drawn in by the reputation of safety, sold by the comfort and performance!

This car is very sporty. It's not quite as good as a rear wheel drive for top performance, but it is fun to drive!

The stiff suspension and performance tires allow more road noise and road feel than some of its direct competitors, but that's no problem for me.

The seats are very comfortable and offer good support (though they don't match after-market seats such as Recaros).

This and the previous SAABs we've owned have all proved very reliable. The clutch on this one has even survived teaching a couple of teens how to drive a standard transmission.

This model has the vented front seats which make a huge difference when it's hot. The seat fans are a bit noisy though.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th July, 2005

2nd Aug 2009, 23:07

What do you mean boring? How can you get bored when you always have something to fix!!