If you are car shopping and perhaps not a SAAB nut like some of us here, and you were to do a test-drive comparison between the 9-5 and 9-3SS, the 9-3SS is just a better car because of ReAxs and other updates they did with the Epsilon platform. I understand the attraction of the 9-5 being the closest living relative to the 9000, particularly the 9-5 Aero, but again we're not talking about "us" but John and Jane car driver. Unless the larger seats is important, the 9-3SS is newer and offers some things the 9-5 doesn't. Opinions about the lack of a true hatchback version aside, the 9-3SS is a very good looking car.

My 9-3SS was in the shop for almost a week getting a faulty seat sensor replaced (back order) and fixing a faulty driver window. After the 2005 Grand Am rental they gave me for 3 days (geez, I think, no wonder GM is floundering after experiencing that heap) they gave me a 9-5 2.3T loaner. It's a nice car, more roomy, but just doesn't feel as tight as the 9-3 and with what feels like a huge weight disadvantage, much slower than the 2.0T in the 9-3SS. I was a much happier camper when I got my car back, and not just because I was glad to get it back - it's more fun to drive for me. Would my tune be different if I'd had a 9-5 Aero? Who knows?

I think SAAB is competing with itself on these two models at this point, particularly when the SportCombi is released with the 250HP V6 turbo. It also sounds like we're STILL 2-3 years away from a complete 9-5 redesign. That's WAY too long. I know they're doing some cosmetic revamping soon, but not the bottom up transformation that the 9-5 needs to step up and be (IMHO) a better car than the 9-3SS which being the flagship for SAAB, it should be.

Your mileage may vary, and I'm not bashing the 9-5, just relating my opinions from a recent experience where I could compare the two cars side by side.

John
Atlanta
'04 9-3SS Aero

posted by 63.67.218...

• Anyone see the GM article in USAToday, today?, Chris R., Thu, 28 Apr 2005 11:54:18
  • Re: Anyone see the GM article in USAToday, today?, Steve P, Fri, 29 Apr 2005 11:39:33
  • I can't understand why 9-5 is out of favor, J, Fri, 29 Apr 2005 07:26:16
    • This is just the right time to get one, JohnA , Sat, 30 Apr 2005 07:37:34
  • It's not just days supply to worry about..., Noel, Fri, 29 Apr 2005 06:15:53
  • 9-5 inventory supply must be all automatics, John in Bismarck, Fri, 29 Apr 2005 05:54:23
  • Re: Anyone see the GM article in USAToday, today?, Erik W, Thu, 28 Apr 2005 17:17:58
  • My thoughts . . ., jc, Thu, 28 Apr 2005 13:32:47 <-- Viewing This Message
  • link to the chart, Chris R., Thu, 28 Apr 2005 11:55:57

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