I have a v6, you may not, but here are come impressions and comparisons to other cars I have owned:

Engine noise - yes, I hear it, even at idle. V6 tend to sound deeper & more muscular than the 4cyl, those are somewhat higher pitched when accelarating. The 9-5 sounds like a car. As you indicated, it isn't annoying, it's just not as dampened as some other cars. My Buick Regal and my Camry were quieter.

Cabin noise - Agree with other's comments about the michelin tires. Those are decidedly noisey and I was happy when they finally were replaced. I agree the Saab has more road-noise than some US & foriegn cars, but it isn't pronounced - it's just there. Also, just an observation - it's road noise, not wind noise.

Shifting - I assume you have an automatic. In my V6 I don't feel ANY shifting under normal driving conditions - you might in the 4cyl, I can't remember. On the other hand, upon fast accelaration, or in Sport mode, i definitely feel the shifting, and it feels great!

Final thoughts - the Saab is a drivers car that lets you feel the road and the engine, I think, by design. Many US sedans are quieter or softer or just float-ier, but Saab's feel very tight & controlled. An example would be that GM makes its Pontiac models with a tighter feel than it's sister Chevy models. My wife's Pontiac mini-van felt sportier than my old Buick Regal - it's a specific design issue. I would say my 9-5 feels closest to BMW today, or to my old Mazda (but more refined than Mazda - but I did love that car), but my old Mazda was way different than a toyota Camry (hated that car), although they were in the same class.

I am a commuter and I drive rentals every weekend. I always marvel at how solid, stable and controlled my 9-5 is when I come back to it. It's a great "driver's" car.

posted by 155.201.3...

• What should a Saab feel like?, jen z, Mon, 13 Dec 2004 11:50:03
  • Re: What should a Saab feel like?, MJ, Tue, 14 Dec 2004 09:27:08 <-- Viewing This Message
  • Re: What should a Saab feel like?, Greg Abbott , Tue, 14 Dec 2004 08:33:12
  • I disagree with the other's comments, Vince, Tue, 14 Dec 2004 06:18:03
  • Re: What should a Saab feel like?, LesH, Mon, 13 Dec 2004 17:10:58
  • Consider the possibility, texsaab, Mon, 13 Dec 2004 16:30:45
  • Apples and Oranges, Gordon , Mon, 13 Dec 2004 14:21:02
  • Sounds about right, Mike D, Mon, 13 Dec 2004 13:26:23

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