I took a new 9-5 2.0 for a short test drive, and I didn't fall in love. I drove OG 9-5s from 99-08, then switch to a 9-3 2.0 since 08. Don't get me wrong, it's a very nice car, and I'm still very much considering one. I'm not an aggressive driver, but the "punch" of the OG 9-5 (Aero) was not there (not that I really expected it with a 220Hp engine in such a large car) - but this is what I miss the most in my current 9-3.

Pluses:
The seats are very comfortable. I'm tall, and easily found a comfortable driving position. It did not handle like a large car - it felt quite nimble. No nonsense dash - at first I thought it was a bit drab, but after test driving some other cars with more "blingy" controls, I found I preferred the Saab understatement.

Minuses:
I was hoping for better pick-up... It is adequate, and probably more than adequate for 90% of urban/suburban/highway driving. I often question the wisdom of 300+HP cars stuck in stop-and-go traffic most of their lives, but I really miss the OG 9-5 Aero turbo blast. Maybe this is more like the lpt 9-5. Also, the outward visibility could be better, especially to the rear, and the door sills are higher than I like, especially in the back seat (although not as bad as its cousin the Buick LaCross).

Right now, I'm kind of stuck between this car and other, less refined autos with more power (Charger, used BMW 5-series, used A6), or smaller with similar power (used OG 9-5, A4, Regal).

I'd really like to see some real-world mileage figures. I know my OG 9-5s typically got much better mileage than the window sticker (my 9-3 about the same as the window sticker), but with the 2.0 only spec'd with 1 mpg better than the v6 XWD, I'm don't know what to think. I could easily live without the power if the gas mileage was better.

Stan

posted by 76.224.126...

• Seeking feedback new 9-5..currently Cadillac CTS owner, AlexH, Tue, 25 Jan 2011 16:09:20
  • Re: Seeking feedback new 9-5..currently Cadillac CTS owner, RAK, Wed, 26 Jan 2011 17:31:02
    • Re: Seeking feedback new 9-5..currently Cadillac CTS owner, JTMav, Thu, 27 Jan 2011 07:32:59
      • Re: Seeking feedback new 9-5..currently Cadillac CTS owner, AlexH, Thu, 27 Jan 2011 08:44:50
        • Where in Canada are you?, JTMav, Thu, 27 Jan 2011 10:14:35
          • Re: Where in Canada are you?, AlexH, Thu, 27 Jan 2011 12:41:54
            • A couple of dealers to check out, JTMav, Fri, 28 Jan 2011 03:48:23
              • Re: A couple of dealers to check out, AlexH, Fri, 28 Jan 2011 06:36:41
              • link enclosed, JTMav, Fri, 28 Jan 2011 03:53:28
  • new 9-5 fuel consumption, AlexH, Wed, 26 Jan 2011 12:37:49
    • looks high to me, john b, Wed, 26 Jan 2011 21:07:00
      • Agreed... n/m, Stan, Thu, 27 Jan 2011 09:00:42
  • Re: Seeking feedback new 9-5..currently Cadillac CTS owner, Dean, Wed, 26 Jan 2011 10:35:55
    • I'm not seeing anything helpful from that link... n/m, Stan, Wed, 26 Jan 2011 13:41:37
  • Re: Seeking feedback new 9-5..currently Cadillac CTS owner, Stephen Goldberger, Wed, 26 Jan 2011 08:32:38
  • Re: Seeking feedback new 9-5..currently Cadillac CTS owner, Stan, Wed, 26 Jan 2011 07:05:54 <-- Viewing This Message
    • 260 HP with Hirsch upgrade..., Mark from Toronto, Thu, 27 Jan 2011 23:45:37
    • Re: Seeking feedback new 9-5..currently Cadillac CTS owner, AlexH, Wed, 26 Jan 2011 08:03:53
  • Re: Seeking feedback new 9-5..currently Cadillac CTS owner, DE , Wed, 26 Jan 2011 04:54:26

No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.

• Prev by Date: Probably left over 2010 models, Stan, Wed, 26 Jan 2011 06:34:22
• Next by Date: Re: Cap/Resistor fix for P0240 CEL (long), Janik, Wed, 26 Jan 2011 07:18:35
• Main 9⁵ Bulletin Board

StateOfNine.com

SaabClub.com

Jak Stoll Performance

M Car Covers

Ad Available

The content on this site may not be republished without permission. Copyright © 1988-2024 - The Saab Network - saabnet.com.
For usage guidelines, see the Mission & Privacy Notice.
[Contact | Site Map | Saabnet.com on Facebook | Saabnet.com on Twitter | Shop Amazon via TSN | Site Donations]

Random Saabnet.com Member Gallery Photos (Click Image)