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The cheapening of the 9-5

12 messages,  Last post on Feb 12, 2009 at 10:02 AM

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What is this discussion about? Saab 9-5, Car Comparisons, Sedan, Wagon

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#1 of 12 The cheapening of the 9-5 by dohrmc Nov 16, 2007 (1:47 pm)
My 1999 9-5 has been one of the best cars I have ever owned. It has been troublefree, very comfortable, and gets great mileage out on the road. [always 30+ mpg going pretty fast] I had it in the shop for a check and the dealer gave me a 2007 to drive. What a disappointment! It seemed like the car had been seriously decontented. Cheap feeling plastic, flimsy feeling to switches etc. It was quite fast and handled better than my '99, but I don't think I want another SAAB if the new ones are going to have an interior like this. I am very fond of my 9-5, it has hauled us all over the country with no trouble. [only 61000 miles however]. One of the nice things about my Saab was that it felt as nice as the German cars and Volvo and was less money to buy. The one I drove just felt like a cheap car. Is there any word on when the new model 9-5 will be coming out? If it has the same cheapo interior, I won't buy another. Replies to this message: ilrndude (Nov 19, 2007 8:33 pm) jlamson (Nov 20, 2007 5:34 am) saablcp (Nov 27, 2007 9:04 am) ilrndude (Nov 27, 2007 7:14 pm) and 1 more...
#2 of 12 Re: The cheapening of the 9-5 [dohrmc] by ilrndude Nov 19, 2007 (8:33 pm)
Replying to: dohrmc (Nov 16, 2007 1:47 pm) I have a 2001 9-5 SE. Despite some pricey repairs we love the car. Fun to drive, great handling, comfortable on long trips, and a sense of safety few cars can offer. BUT I agree the current crop of 9-5s are a step backward. Surprising since there hasn't been a genuine redesign since 99. My wife and I are stunned that there's currently no 6-cylinder available for the 9-5. (Our 2001 is a 6 cylinder.) We've been in the market for a new car but passed on the current 9-5. The test drive was depressing. Though we're keeping our 2001 9-5 we're getting a new Audi. We got tired of waiting for the redesign of the 9-5. Current word is that the redesign will be with the 2009 models and should be out in 2008. But who knows. Replies to this message: jlamson (Nov 20, 2007 5:34 am) saablcp (Nov 27, 2007 9:04 am) ilrndude (Nov 27, 2007 7:14 pm) thetedla (Dec 16, 2007 8:05 am)
#3 of 12 Re: The cheapening of the 9-5 [ilrndude] by jlamson Nov 20, 2007 (5:34 am)
Replying to: ilrndude (Nov 19, 2007 8:33 pm) I have a 2004 9-5 Aero with the 2.3 turbo. Honestly it doesn' t need a 6 cylinder engine. She hauls a$$ in sport mode, and is an absolute blast to drive. I don't push it often, but when I've needed the burst, I've been impressed every time. I've only had it for a few months - knock on wood - so far no problems - waiting to see how she handles in the snow during a Maine winter though.   I almost think I'd rather leave it in the garage and take my 4x4 truck, but I do have to see what her limits are, and I have to try out the W - winter mode.   --Jim   Life is good!
#4 of 12 Re: The cheapening of the 9-5 [ilrndude] by saablcp Nov 27, 2007 (9:04 am)
Replying to: ilrndude (Nov 19, 2007 8:33 pm) Let me make sure I understand this.......you are dissappointed that Saab no longer offers you the 200 H.P. V-6 and has replaced it with a turbo 4 that develops 260 H.P.,255 ft/lbs.of torque?With more standard features than the V-6 offered and is doing so at a lower M.S.R.P.? Yes the car needs a complete make over....that being said,in terms of value for the dollar it is one of the best buys on the market. Replies to this message: ilrndude (Nov 27, 2007 7:14 pm) thetedla (Dec 16, 2007 8:05 am)
#5 of 12 Re: The cheapening of the 9-5 [saablcp] by ilrndude Nov 27, 2007 (7:14 pm)
Replying to: saablcp (Nov 27, 2007 9:04 am) Nope. I'm dissapointed that Saab ONLY offers a 4 cylinder. All other cars in this class offer a 6. Some are only available with a 6. Our v6 is a turbo. I've test driven the 4 cylinder and though it has more horses it lacks the smoothness of a v6. Our SE is loaded and we love it, but I don't see what the current 9-5 offers we don't already have. After 6 years, going on 7, we'd like a new car. Our first choice would be a Saab, but we'd basically get what we got with a different engine. Boring. So we're keeping the Saab and getting something else. Saab loses since, if they'd redesigned and if we'd liked the redesign, then we'd be getting an additional Saab instead of an Audi. Replies to this message: thetedla (Dec 16, 2007 8:05 am)
#6 of 12 2.3T by ensconced Nov 30, 2007 (9:05 am)
The main reason I purchased an 07 9-5 was because of the engine. It provided great power combined with good fuel economy. 4000 miles later and it is the sweetest engine I have ever owned. A test drive doesn't do it justice.
#7 of 12 cheapening of the 9-5 by dohrmc Nov 30, 2007 (10:17 am)
You are right, I loved the engine and the available power. I liked the handling too. My wife got in the car and put her thumb down right away. If they made the interior of the same quality as the original 1999 9-5, they would hear no complaints.
#8 of 12 2.3 4 vs. 3.0 V-6 by pearson244 Dec 03, 2007 (9:25 am)
I am on my 3rd 9.5.   First two (2000 and 2002) we're V-6 powered, my 2007 is, of course a 2.3 260 HP turbo, Aero in this case.   I used to be annoyed when folks picked on the V-6, I loved the power and smoothness of that engine, although that asymetrical turbo seemed to cause a weird "elastic" throttle response. Anyway, between the two V-6's, I put on combined 50,000 + miles and never had a single problem with either.   But, after driving 7K in the Aero, I have come to love that engine. It is a sweetheart, always ready to play. To really appreciate this vehicle and engine/automotic transmission, you need to take a nice 300-500 mile road trip.   The turbo lag that you experiece around town, and there is some, turns into smooth waves of power, you don't have to dip far into the throttle to overtake that porky Audi A-6. Yes, a little too much road noise, but the cornering, stability and response make this my favorite hwy crusier, and I have owed a Q-45 and two A-6's before the 9.5's, for comparison.   For the cost of around $37K, it is a ton of vehicle (In my case wagon) for the money, and it is free maintanence up to 30,000 and 100,000 mile drivetrain warrenty.   I worry that the much awaited 2009 9.5 will lack personality and/or will be $40K plus, like the German cars we cannot afford. Or, a CTS reskinned as a Saab.
#9 of 12 Re: The cheapening of the 9-5 [ilrndude] by thetedla Dec 16, 2007 (8:05 am)
Replying to: ilrndude (Nov 27, 2007 7:14 pm) I own a 2005 9-5 sedan that I picked up used with very low miles this summer (13K). I had a 91 900T for about 12 years, and a great Saab mechanic. I was looking for a nice replacement vehicle and he warned me to absolutely stay away from the v-6 Opel derived turbo, he said it was an ancient design and incredibly hard to work on and significantly less reliable than the 4 cylinder turbos that are real Saab engines. Many of the 9-5's I looked at or saw advertised in the paper were the V 6's, but even the local dealer admitted that the V6 is always a drawback for resale value.
#10 of 12 Yes, thats a Malibu or Impala dash controls in your Saab by smu1976 Dec 18, 2007 (9:18 pm)
1986 900 SPG  1992 9000 Griffen   1999 Saab 9-5 V6 (no need, 4 is just as good)    2002 Saab 9-5 Aero Wagon   Thought I was sort of loyal to Saab, but the hell with them. Wanted to book a trip for Euro delivery, website says check back for 2009 models. Email, get a nasty response that GM's board says that this issue will not be answered again in an email (mind you, I am trying to buy my 5th Saab). Call 800 customer service, no answers. Dealer, no answer Today, two hours, Detroit, GM headquarters, give president of N. Amer name after operator treats me like I am Michael Moore for 15 minutes. No answers, will have to call back. Ya, the controls and radio are right out of the Chevy dashes. Think it's time to move on to another brand, not based on the car so much, but when you have owned four and want to buy a fifth and you get treated like crap, I don't need it. Why should I have to work the phone for three hours trying to get a response? I am leaning to many post I have seen here over the years and did not believe, this car company doesn't have any direction and probably is not going to make it. I have even endured through the worst resale value's of any car four times? Time for a 3 series, Acura, and some respect. Finally, GM, quit putting over inflated stickers on Saabs and then taking 6K off for the educated buyer in December and January of last years left overs. Look at EBAY for Saab, look at the movement, bids, there is none, RIP to a once cool and different car.

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