2001Saab9-5Saab 9-52001 Saab 9-5 Aero WagonWagonWagonFWDEntry-level models get more horsepower from the turbo four-cylinder while all models get the OnStar telematics system, turbo gauges, and two new colors.Satisfying performance, impressive luxury, reasonable price, wagon availability.Quirky Saab design attributes and ergonomics, uninspired exterior styling.Saab's premium 9-5 Sedan is designed to compete with everything from near-luxury models, such as the Lexus ES 300 and Cadillac Catera, to full-blown sport sedans, such as the Mercedes-Benz E430 and BMW 540i. But because the 9-5 is a Saab, this car looks and feels a bit different. The sedan lineup consists of a fully equipped base 9-5 model, an SE version packed with amenities, and a performance-oriented Aero model. The standard 2.3-liter turbo four-cylinder in the 9-5 base models now produces 185 horsepower, a 15-horsepower increase over last year, and is mated to a five-speed manual or optional four-speed auto gearbox. The 9-5 Aero versions feature a 230-horse, 2.3-liter turbo four, making 258 foot-pounds of torque from 1,900 to 3,000 rpm with the manual transmission. All SEs are powered by a 3.0-liter turbo V6 that requires a driver-selectable four-speed automatic. The V6 makes 200 ponies and 229 foot-pounds of torque from 2,500 rpm through the 4,000-rpm mark. The 9-5's standard equipment list is long, offering antilock brakes, automatic climate controls, premium stereo, side-impact airbags, an active head-restraint system, traction control and a sunroof. Heated front and rear seats are optional, but Saab's cool ventilated front seats and a 200-watt stereo/CD/cassette come standard on the SE. If you want some of the SE's luxury but can't bear doing without a stick shift, Saab makes the base 9-5 available with a premium package that adds leather, upgraded seats and an audio system. Saab purists who bemoan the fact that the 9-5 is not available as a hatchback need only to drive the wagon. Offered in turbo four, V6 and Aero versions, the 9-5 Wagon boasts almost 73 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seat folded. What's more, the same kind of fresh thinking that went into the 9-5's safety technology is evident in the convenience features found in the wagon. Unique ideas such as a refrigerated glove box, an aircraft-inspired "CargoTracks" load-securing system, a removable rigid cargo shelf, and even a sliding load floor to ease loading and unloading, all help to make the 9-5 Wagon handle just about any hauling task with ease. The 9-5 Wagon Gary Fisher Edition features a roof rack system (Saab Limited Edition Gary Fisher mountain bike included), and various cargo area accoutrements, including heavy-duty cargo nets and a 12-volt power outlet. The modified exterior features side skirts, a front-lip spoiler, body-painted rear bumper valence, white side-indicator lamps, and 17-inch Quad design wheels. Perhaps the nicest thing about the big Saab is its sporting character, with precise steering and powerful brakes that enhance the driving experience. Even in base form, the 9-5's high level of standard equipment and low-30s sticker price make it a bargain for most people shopping the near-luxury class. The Aero models, on the other hand, will run you closer to $40K. Audi A6BMW 5-SeriesMercedes-Benz E-ClassVolvo V70450,000450,000450,0006UnlimitedNANANA42.3 litersInline230 hp @ 5500 rpm258 ft-lbs. @ 1900 rpm189.3 in.70.6 in.61.1 in.3640 lbs.106.4 in.38.7 in.37.6 in.56.9 in.56.5 in.NANA42.4 in.36.6 in.37 cu.ft.StandardStandardStandardStandardNot AvailableStandardNot AvailableRating = Not TestedRating = Not TestedNot TestedNot TestedNot TestedNot Tested19.8 gal.21 mpg / 28 mpg19 mpg / 26 mpg416 mi. / 554 mi.376 mi. / 515 mi.Insurance costs can vary greatly for this vehicle, depending on such factors as driver age, driver gender, teenage drivers in the household, driving records, theft loss data for your particular geographic region, miles driven per year, and other widely variable factors. Additionally, some companies charge a premium for certain makes and models, while others do not.$37,809$40,8757.35%$575N/A2.2% of the Base MSRP2.3T SEDAN (5M): 2.3L I4 DOHC MPI 16-valve intercooled turbo engine; 5-speed OD manual transmission; battery with rundown protection; 130 amp alternator; front-wheel drive, traction control, 4.05 axle ratio; stainless steel exhaust; front independent strut suspension with anti-roll bar, front coil springs, gas-pressurized front shocks, rear independent multi-link suspension with anti-roll bar, rear coil springs, gas-pressurized rear shocks; rack-and-pinion power steering; 4-wheel antilock disc brakes; 18.5 gal. capacity fuel tank; front license plate bracket, side impact bars; front power sliding and tilting glass sunroof with sunshade; front and rear body-colored bumpers with black rub strip; black bodyside molding; clearcoat monotone paint; aero-composite halogen auto-off headlamps with washer and wiper, daytime running lights, delay-off feature; additional exterior lights include cornering lights, front fog/driving lights; driver's and passenger's power remote body-colored heatedfolding outside mirrors; 16" x 6.5" silver alloy wheels; P215/55VR16 BSW A/S tires; compact steel spare wheel; dual-zone front air conditioning with climate control, air filter, rear heat ducts; premium AM/FM stereo radio, seek-scan, cassette player, single CD player, 7 performance speakers, amplifier, theft deterrent, window grid diversity antenna, radio steering wheel controls; cruise control; power door locks with 2-stage unlock, remote keyless entry, child-safety rear door locks, power remote trunk release, power remote fuel door release; cell phone pre-wiring, 2 power accessory outlets, driver's foot rest, emergency S.O.S. (OnStar); instrumentation display includes tachometer, water temperature gauge, in-dash clock, exterior temp, systems monitor, trip computer, trip odometer; warning indicators include oil pressure, battery, low oil level, low coolant, lights on, key in ignition, low fuel, low washer fluid, bulb failure, door ajar, trunk ajar, brake fluid; driver's andpassenger's front airbags, driver's and front passenger's seat-mounted side airbags; ignition disable, panic alarm, tracker system, security system; tinted windows, power front and rear windows with driver's and passenger's 1-touch down function; variable-speed intermittent front windshield wipers, sun visor strip, rear window defroster; seating capacity of 5, front bucket seats with adjustable headrests, center armrest with storage, driver's and front passenger's seats include 8-way power adjustment, lumbar support; 60/40 folding rear bench seat with adjustable headrests, center pass-thru armrest with skibag with storage; height-adjustable front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners; premium cloth seats, cloth door trim insert, full cloth headliner, full carpet floor covering with carpeted floor mats, genuine wood dashboard insert, leather-wrapped gearshift knob, genuine wood console insert; interior lights include dome light with fade, front and rear reading lights, door curblights, illuminated entry; leather-wrapped steering wheel with tilt and telescopic adjustment; dual illuminated vanity mirrors, dual auxiliary visors; day/night rearview mirror; full floor console, mini overhead console locking glove box with light, front and rear cupholders, 2 seatback storage pockets, driver's and passenger's door bins; carpeted cargo floor, cargo net, cargo tie downs, cargo light; chrome grille, black side window moldings, black front windshield molding, black rear window molding and black door handles.
SE V6T SEDAN (4A) (in addition to or instead of 2.3T SEDAN (5M) equipment): 3L V6 DOHC MPI 24-valve intercooled turbo engine; 4-speed driver's selectable multi-mode electronic OD automatic transmission with lock-up torque converter; 2.56 axle ratio; stainless steel exhaust with tailpipe finisher; black bodyside molding rocker panel extensions; 9 premium speakers, premium amplifier; leather seats, leather door trim insert; driver's seat memory includes setting for exterior mirrors; auto-dimming day/night rearview mirror.
AERO SEDAN (5M) (in addition to or instead of SE V6T SEDAN (4A) equipment): 2.3L I4 DOHC MPI 16-valve intercooled turbo engine; 4.05 axle ratio; sport ride suspension and 17" x 6.5" silver alloy wheels; P225/45YR17 BSW A/S.
WAGON (5M) (in addition to or instead of SEDAN (5M) equipment): Roof rack; 19.8 gal. capacity fuel tank; fixed 1/4 vent windows; rear window wiper and center armrest with storage.