2004 Saab 9-5 Sedan New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2004 Saab 9-5?
Minor changes mark the new year for the 2004 Saab 9-5. The entry-level Linear trim level is only available on the wagon. For the midlevel Arc model, the V6 powerplant is replaced by a turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine that makes 220 horsepower. Both the Arc and performance-tuned Aero get a body kit to make them look more athletic.

Advantages of the 2004 Saab 9-5:

• Stands out in a crowd, especially brightly painted Aero model
• Available in sedan or wagon body styles
• Extensive list of standard goodies, even on base Linear wagons
• Wide array of safety features
• Great crash test scores
• Extremely comfortable front seats
• Supple ride quality

Objections to the 2004 Saab 9-5:

• Low refinement levels and sketchy build quality don’t justify sticker price
• Turbo engine lacks grunt at lower rpms
• Lazy automatic transmission; rubbery manual shifter
• Mushy handling in corners
• Sparse storage area for front occupants
• Plenty of noise makes its way into the cabin

Editor's Advice:
The 2004 Saab 9-5 is a comfortable, fun-to-drive sedan or wagon, both possessing more than a dash of vogue and a sense of style. Now into its sixth year of production, the Saab 9-5 still turns heads with its unorthodox shape and crisp lines, and manages to enthrall a cult-like fan base. Like most Swedish cars, the Saab 9-5 includes a host of safety features, enjoys top-notch crash test scores and coddles occupants in exceptionally comfortable front seats. But given the list of excellent cars in the midsize luxury car segment, the 9-5 is lacking in overall polish and sporting intentions. If Saab simply dropped prices 20 percent, the 9-5 would likely sell in greater numbers, because then its perceived value proposition would match its sticker price. Still, it’s an interesting option for those who wish to drive something other than the run-of-the-mill BMW, Lexus or Mercedes. Sometimes individualism has its price.