That unique Saab heritage not only lends itself to a quiet, mileage stretching ride (via the lowest drag coefficient in its class), it also gives it an understated yet sophisticated look without the prestige baggage of a BMW or Mercedes. V6 engine has lots of torque, making this car cook off the line. The interior is so comfortable/roomy (for a mid-size) that it borders on the ridiculous.

The instrument panel is a little dated and busy b/c of all of the nifty gadgets. In the V6 the ride is too soft/luxury-oriented for all that horsepower.

I got it with 7k miles on it with the heated front/rear seats for only $26.5K-- you just don't get bargains like that with any other manufacturer. And it has one of the best reliability ratings in its price category. Even if it wasn't such a steal (i.e. I had the money to buy a new one) I would take the 9-5 over any other mid-size including the BMW 528 and Audi A6 in its class. Besides being faster than both of them (not the 540 or bigger engine A6 but rather the respective two in this price range), the Saab is also way more comfortable. And, in most areas, you don't have to be labeled an instant yuppie b/c you drive one.

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BMW 528, Volvo S80, Audi A6

Nice styling, very roomy, excellent trunk/back seat combo for large loads. Vehicle is fun to drive, especially with 5 speed. Good gas mileage

Rear visibility is poor. Squeek somewhere in front dash that never squeeks for the service tech (probably my car only). This is a fine vehicle, but overall I don't think it is quite the qaulity level of similar Euro or Japanese sedan, IE: BMW, Acura, Lexus, Audi ETC.

I leased the vehicle. All in all I enjoy this car but I'm not in love with it. I will look at the newest Saab when my lease expires. I will also shop the field.

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See aove

Safety! Control at all times. Very comfortable. You just don't see the same car coming at your from every direction. Saab did a great job on the 9-5. This car won hands down. Compared Audi A6 & A6 2.7T(came in 2nd), VW Passat, BMW 328 and the Mercedes C280. The Saab is a sleeper, glad that I decided to add it to our list...
Drive one, it will surprise you!

Front Braked Dust - great stopping power and feel. The dreaded dust seems to have a way of recreating itself after just a few miles of drving!

Just about said it all in the strengths. Fantastic car, zero problems with our car. I expect it will just keep growing on us as it ages...

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see compared above

Handling, acceleration, roominess, economy, safety

torque steer, engine doesn't make sound like a BMW, front wheel drive

Great car that is fun to drive, fast, handles well, safe, well equiped, roomy and gets good gas mileage. I do enjoy driving this car and have had NO PROBLEMS. I picked up mine used (1500 miles) and got an incredible deal. It is an Aero with metalic paint, heated seats, and the sweet BBS wheel package.

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A6 2.7T, BMW 528i, Lexus GS 300

Great styling, lots of room, cool nav computer, excellent engine and power

Engine is kind of noisy

Paid about $37500 for it, and would recommend it for those looking at SUV's. I was comparing it to the Ford Explorer, Lexus RX300, etc, but it won hands down. Lots of cargo carrying space, zippy performance, and looks cool, even for a wagon!

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Lexus ES300

Classic, unique, subtile look, lots of heads turn and at first they are not sure what car it is. I'm 6'2" and its very roomy @ comfortable. Quick/fast and nibble. Good sound system.

Limited visibility in rear (you have to get use to it);Not a lot of storage area in front for things like sun glasses, door opener etc; need one more pop-out cup holder in front.

Paid $38,500 for a 2000 V6 SE. Have about 3,000 miles on it now and I love it. It's classic looking, not stoggy or goddy like a BMW or Mercedes. The car has great lines and turns heads. The turgo charged V6 is a great engine and is very fast. When you drive it in sport mode the car is a rocket. Anyone looking at a sports sedan in the $35,000 - $50,000 price range should definately look at a 9-5. SAAB doesn't advertise much, the car unique and has got to be the best kept secret around. It basically comes fully loaded. Would hightly recomment the car. I plan to keep mine for a number of years.

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BMW 3 and 5 series;Volvo

Styling, comfort, safety features, "uniqueness"

occasionally lights in digital display on console will go out in cold weather

This car was a "loaner" that the dealer gave to people while their car was being worked on. I got it with about 7700 miles on it and it has been great to drive. I have the base 2.3L inline 4 engine, but it has plenty of pickup and I have had no trouble passing people on the interstate. The car is very comfortable for long trips and I plan on keeping this car for at least 5-7 more years. Anyone planning on getting a BMW or Volvo I urge you to drive the 9-5SE. You'll be happy you did

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test drove Acura 3.2TL

Nice lines and space, don't see car every day.

All of the above. Electrical annoyances, rough steering, sense of being without the ability to fully trust the car.

What I liked about this car was its understated look and nice lines. It accommodates four adults nicely. However, that is where the love affair ends. I've been back to Saab at least four times for minor annoyances. Like the others, I too have had electrical problems. I also have an engine hiccup that the dealer said should go away after the engine is fully broken in.

I have 9,000 miles on the car. My Nissan Maxima has more guts and has a smoother ride with over 75,000 miles. I have noticed far too much torque steer with the 9-5 (vibration, engine and car feeling through the steering/front wheels) and I only wish I had noticed during our test drive. In essence, I think this car is far overvalued. The service manager is too cool to level with me. Unfortunately, I bought the car. Buyer beware! +

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Nissan Maxima with over 75,000 miles which has never let me down and has been back for service far less over six years than the Saab has in six months.

Beautiful, spacious interior, nice outer styling, very fast, big trunk, climate control is very very good, high performance tires, smooth ride, very good audio system, lots of space for 4 people, excellent for long drives and safe for any kind of road condition.

There are problems with any car you can buy. I'm driving my car, I'm using my car - it can broke down and have problems. Many of my friends have Saabs and they all had some kind a problem with it.
None of the problems have directly affected the vehicle's ability to drive.

Ever.

I never consider Saab as an option, I just got one and I love it.

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Sure you can get a Mercedes for the same money, but it is going to be the CHEAPEST and SLOWEST one – not in any kind of competition with SAAB. If you want to buy a Mercedes with the same options as my 2001 9-5 SE it will cost you 10-15,000 more.

BMW is very nice and you can get a cheap one for the same money. 3 Series is too small for me and it feels uncomfortable and unsafe. You can find a good one 5 series with 30,000 miles on it and 3 years old for the same money as mine. I like BMW , had one for 3,5 years (528) but preferred not to buy it this time.

Audi 3 – to small, Audi 6 is a very nice car, but my wife did not like the new one.

Looks, motor and space

Where should I begin? This car has left me stranded twice. The door locks short out and the electrical system malfunctions. Like the other reviewer, my steering wheel vibrates and there seems to be a lot of oversteer. The components (plastics) remind me of an American car, nothing like the BMW I used to own. Dealership in Durham, NC is not very thorough...there always seems to be a problem, though they sold the car far below sticker when new. I WILL NEVER BUY A SAAB AGAIN.

Nice looking car, rides ok but nothing like my previous european cars, steering feels a little cheap for a car in this class. Motor is strong (4 cylinder) and automatic is smooth shifting though only a 4-speed.

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BMW, Ford...both better vehicles