The car "Saab 9-5": technical characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, reviews

Cars, as a rule, undergo alteration every 5-6 years. Sometimes the company waits another year, but a longer period is an anomaly. This model car "Saab" (photo is given further in the article) lasted 11 years, which, by human standards, is equivalent to reaching 178 years of age.

Long-awaited update

If in the beginning the car was respected, then it became only an object for jokes. As the years went by, the Saab 9-5 fell to the bottom of the luxury sedans rating of medium size and eventually almost disappeared from the field of view of motorists. In the end, the manufacturer turned the page and released a new version. It was designed at a time when the brand belonged to General Motors and was based on the same platform as Buick Regal, so, of course, it did not possess the technical scope of its German competitors. Nevertheless, it was cheaper, fun to ride and had its own unique style inside and out. The model in no way could be called the leading in its class, but it definitely became a worthy alternative to any medium-sized luxury sedan.

Overview of the 2011 version of the year

"Saab 9-5" was produced in the complete sets of Turbo4, Turbo4 Premium, Turbo6 XWD and Aero. The Turbo4 models were equipped with a two-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine with a capacity of 220 liters. from. And 350 Nm of torque. The standard front-wheel drive was paired with a six-speed manual transmission. An optional 6-step automatic was installed. This, of course, is modest for a mid-range luxury engine, but at least its strength is its economy, especially in the manual-shift version.

However, there was another turbocharged engine, a 2.8-liter V6 that produced 300 liters. from. And 400 Nm of torque to all four wheels through a standard six-speed automatic transmission. This ensured the solid performance of the all-wheel drive sedan, which was achieved due to fuel economy. The Aero trim, sports suspension, responsive steering wheel, self-locking differential and improved all-wheel drive together have made up one of those cars that bring the driver maximum internal satisfaction, even more than the BMW 5 Series models.

Interior trim

The basic configuration of the model was the same as that of the competitors' sedans only for an additional payment. For example, the car had a seat with driver memorization function, leather upholstery and iPod interface. Improved options allowed to have items such as panoramic sunroof, tracking system for road marking, three-zone climate control, navigation and multimedia system for the rear seats.

All this was equipped with a salon in which it was easy to learn a Swedish car. The dashboard literally surrounds the driver, making all controls within easy reach. Other distinctive features of the car are characteristic grilles of ventilation, the switch of the night panel, in one contact muffling illumination of devices, and the ignition lock, the truth now in the form of a button. However, many climate and electronic interfaces were adopted from "General Motors". Only the layout and green lighting, unique to the Saab, have survived. All these elements are pretty good, but, like the whole interior, did not hold out to the standards of "Audi" or "Mercedes".

Previous models

The modified car "Saab" (the photo is given in the article) appeared in 2010, but then the cars were sold little, and it was offered only in the most loaded version of "Aero". The other complete sets became possible in 2011th.

The original "Saab 9-5" was produced from 1999 to 2009 and during its existence several times was subjected to changes, which mainly concerned the engines. The model retained the distinctive features of its predecessor Saab 9000, but the five-door hatchback design was replaced by a more traditional four-door sedan. The station wagon appeared a year later.

Since Saab 9-5 has lasted incredibly long, the assessment of its competitiveness depends on how far to return to the past. Such things as the level of equipment, the quality of the interior and the technical sophistication, will seem relatively stronger when comparing old cars with their corresponding BMW or Lexus age. Nevertheless, regardless of the year of production, most drivers will find the Swedish car exceptionally convenient, especially when the additional equipment of the Saab 9-5 sedan is installed - the stove and ventilation. The space for the passenger is simply excellent. The folding rear seat and 450 liters of luggage space open an additional level of practicality. A station wagon SportCombi offered more than 2 thousand liters of cargo space to those who have something to transport.

Initial Configuration

At the very beginning, the Saab 9-5 lineup consisted of a base model, a SE version and a packaged with all amenities and a high-performance Aero modification. The standard 2.3-liter turbo with four cylinders produced 185 liters. from. (170 hp in 1999) and worked in tandem with a five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic transmission. Modifications "Aero" had 230 liters. S., 2.3-liter four-cylinder turbo with a manual transmission. Initially, there was a choice between a 2.3-liter engine with a capacity of 170 liters. from. Or a 3.0-liter 200-horsepower turbodiesel V6, but since 2000, all SEs have been equipped with a V6 with four-stage automata.

Changes in 2002

Although the Swedish car of 2002 is very similar to the previous modifications, it has undergone a major alteration. Three different models (Linear, Arc and Aero) now had their own style and specifications. The basic version of the previous year turned into Linear and offered 185 hp. from. 4-cylinder turbo, while SE became Arc and with the turbo V6 moved to the luxury class. In addition, the entire line received a new five-speed automatic, and the "Saab 9-5 Aero" got a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a capacity of 250 liters. from. Changes in steering and suspension helped optimize dynamic performance, and electronic stability control and adaptive front airbags improved the reliability of the car. If someone has an intention to buy a second-hand "Saab 9-5", user feedback is recommended to choose the models of 2002 and newer.

Modifications of 2004

Until 2004, changes occurred only in details. And then the set of functionality was radically shuffled. The Linear model became an all-rounder, and the Saab 9-5 Ark lost its 200-horsepower V6 in favor of a turbo-4 with a capacity of 220 liters. from. A year later in the list of options appeared DVD-navigation. By 2006, Saab 9-5 received an updated exterior design, a revised suspension and a high-performance 2.3-liter turbo-4, which became standard, along with an increase in engine power up to 260 horsepower. In addition, the station wagon was renamed SportCombi, and similar trim Aero, Arc and Linear were unified. "Aero" and its sport-oriented style technically for two years became a package, and then revived in the form of a full-fledged finish together with the newly made basic model 2.3T.

Problems of Saab 9-5

Below are the most typical cases, when the owners had to do repairs.

• "Saab 9-5" suddenly stops during the ride or refuses to start. The cause may be a malfunction of the direct ignition system. Other external manifestations of failure are uneven idling and engine start. Diagnostics provides trouble codes for accidental misfires.
• The headlights and headlights are damaged. "Saab 9-5" is prone to fluid leaks on HID-modules. The valve passes the windscreen washer and it drips onto the equipment installed under the headlights.
• Oil leakage from under the timing cover, valves or the rear main seal may be caused by excess crankcase pressure. To eliminate this malfunction, an updated PCV crankcase was specially released.
• Breakage of the throttle valve with the electric drive causes activation of the control signal of the engine. Other symptoms are loss of acceleration, high idling speed and difficult start-up.
• The failure of the bellows leads to increased noise in the front and center of the car. The bellows is a flexible branch pipe in the exhaust system and is necessary for engine operation.
• The cylinder head gasket can give an oil leak.