2004 Saab 9-5 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$33,220 to $41,265

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.5

avg user rating

(11 reviews)
2004 Saab 9-5 Preview summaryImage

There are a couple of notable additions and subtractions for the 9-5 lineup in 2004. The Linear sedan has been dropped, reducing the total number of 9-5 variants to five. The Linear Wagon is still available. The Arc's unique 3.0 liter V-6 has been discontinued, in favor of another turbocharged inline four. The Arc is also available with a five-speed manual for the first time. This mid-level 9-5 trim loses its standard ventilated seats, but gains a more aggressive exterior trim and a new sport package option. In an attempt to further differentiate the sporty Aero from the new-look Arc, Saab has redesigned the Aero's lower body cladding for a more athletic look.

The 9-5 continues with three engine options, determined by trim level, but all models are now powered by turbocharged 2.3 liter four cylinder engines. The Linear Wagon houses a lightly turbocharged variation, which generates 185 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. The Arc's power plant delivers 220 horsepower and 228 pound-feet of torque. The top-of-the-line Aero is supplied with 250 horses and 258 pound-feet of torque. All engines are available with a standard five-speed manual or an optional five-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is estimated at 21/29 mpg with the manual and 19/28 mpg with the automatic.

The trim levels are unchanged for 2004, although the base Linear is only available with the wagon. Along with the previously mentioned equipment changes, bi-xenon headlights are added to the options list for the Arc and Aero.

Reviewers agree that the 9-5 is a driver's car, with strong acceleration in all models, solid and stable handling, and powerful brakes. The mid-size sedan's cabin is well-protected from engine and wind noise, but road vibration can become a bit intrusive. Drivers will also have to tolerate a slight turbo lag during initial acceleration, which impedes on the 0-60 mph time.

There are frequent complaints about the 9-5's ergonomics, which often distract from the stylish interior design. The automatic transmission's steering wheel-mounted shift paddles are awkwardly placed and the flimsy dash-mounted cup holders may lead to some nervous moments. Poorly positioned and difficult-to-use climate controls may also draw a driver's eyes away from the road.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2004 Saab 9-5

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User rating:
by Daniel K
Oct 13, 2023
Its quiet, there are double seals on the door. The handling is great, as long as you replace the shocks after many miles it is so smooth. It has a refrigerated glove box, unheard of!! It has a feature where you can set it to turn off your headlights after you have time to walk to the door, most people dont know this one. If you change the oil every 5000 miles, these things will go for an extremely long time.Oct 13, 2023
by Amr M
Jun 25, 2013
good performance jst when the turbo knock in with chip performance give 215 horse power ... brightfull coulour gd console and the steering wheel gear shifters ,big cargo big space ...feels safe with alot of airbags and saftey measures great carJun 25, 2013
by Robert L
Feb 22, 2012
Its quick holds a lot of cargo and carries 4 in great comfort or 5 with a squeeze. Its no stoplight racer but has enough power to enjoy and passing power is superb. Upgrades are easy as with most modern turbo cars and the biggest mods being needed are better downpipe and intercooler and 3 in exhaust and then a simple ecu tune and 300+ hp wagon is a reality. Gas mileage on highway is great avg 34+ mpgFeb 22, 2012

2004 Saab 9-5 Pricing

Original MSRP
$33,220 to $41,265
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
N/A
YoY price change
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Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Roof

Moonroof: power

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Lights

Headlights: Xenon

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Roof

Moonroof: power

Safety

Parking sensors: rear

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather · Ventilated: front

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Lights

Headlights: Xenon

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Roof

Moonroof: power

Safety

Parking sensors: rear

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather · Ventilated: front

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Lights

Headlights: Xenon

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Roof

Moonroof: power

Safety

Parking sensors: rear

Seats

Front seat type: sport bucket · Upholstery: leather · Ventilated: front

Telematics

Satellite communications: OnStar

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Lights

Headlights: Xenon

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Roof

Moonroof: power

Safety

Parking sensors: rear

Seats

Front seat type: sport bucket · Upholstery: leather · Ventilated: front

Telematics

Satellite communications: OnStar

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing

See all trims (5)