1998 Saab 9-5: Saab has a better way

by Ryan Scott, MBA2

So I have fallen for a Swede. Not just any Swede, though. The new Saab 9-5 is the best car Saab has ever built. Two great engines, a strong chassis, world-class safety innovations, and those handsome lines that could only be penned by the happy people in Trolhatten, Sweden.

Saab has delivered a great car at a great price. The as tested price of our red 9-5 was $29,995. That was handsomely outfitted with all the comforts I could have asked for. Real wood trim, sunroof, CD, trip computer, and a great power driver's seat are just some of the comforts that appeal to the driver of this car. There are also lots of fun Saab trademarks that have managed to survive the often sluggish oversight of Saab's big brother owner, General Motors.

Saab enthusiasts, like my part-Swedish wife, screamed bloody murder when GM acquired Saab in the early Nineties, but this car clearly demonstrates that not only is the Saab character alive and well, but the vehicles have been greatly improved.

The 9-5 is a strong, slab sided wedge shape that screams Saab. Far-afield from the super-oval look of so many cars, the Saab sticks out in Detroit traffic. The front-end has a distinct face, evolved from the old 900 and the 9000, the car the 9-5 replaces. Nice 15 inch alloys carry 205/50 series rubber that looks just right on a sporty machine such as this. The 9-5 boasts a monster-size trunk, but alas, cannot be found in the truly cavernous hatchback model Saab used to bring to the US.

Under the hood of the 9-5, we find the familiar 2.3 liter light-pressure turbo. Light-pressure? This is Saab's answer to those who dislike the tidal-wave effect brought on by large turbos and their inherent delay (or lag) when the driver hits the loud pedal. By using a smaller turbo that spools up more quickly, Saab is able to reinforce the bottom-end power delivered by the small four cylinder. It works, while the motor churns out 170 hp, it pounds out an astonishing 203 lb ft of torque available across seemingly the entire rev range. Stepping on the gas from idle, not much happens, but as soon as the tach hits 2500 rpm, up comes the pint-sized turbo and away the car will fly.

Our test car was equipped with the fine shifting 4 speed automatic delivering power to the front wheels. The transmission proved a fine partner, providing Sport and Winter modes, and downshifting with pleasure at the slightest provocation. The engine in the 9-5 rarely need to wind to redline with the auto. On the highway, the car downshifts into the fattest part of the torque curve and car just charges forward, delivering the required motivation long before the redline is breached.

The engine is remarkably smooth and quiet for a four. The turbo muffles engine noise and keeps the cabin quiet. Speaking of the cabin, the Saab 9-5 represents an extremely effective ergonomic design to which GM would do well to pay attention. Fine leather seats, great, well-grained plastics, and quirky switches that move with precision and effectiveness are just part of the package that makes a bold statement.

The trip computer and stereo are nicely integrated into one display that is right up on top of the dash. It is a bit daunting, but the more you use it, the more you unlearn old habits bad (mostly American) designs have taught us, and the more you appreciate the thought that went into the effective design.

Of course the ignition switch is on the center console between the seats, where it belongs. This long-standing Saab tradition continues, despite the purists concerns that GM would move it. The interior also features an absolutely enormous glove box that is larger than most trunks, OK not quite. One could easily fit the contents of a briefcase inside, though, and since it is air conditioned, you can stop worrying about whatever it is we would put in our glove box that would melt. Anybody have any suggestions as to what exactly that would be? Speaking of keeping things cool, the 9-5 optionally includes fans in the b

ottoms of the front seats to keep driver and passenger cool.

On the road, the Saab handles in predictable Saab fashion: lots of grip followed by strong understeer. Maximum grip is .82 g. Torque steer is evident, but it is more in the form of lots of torque tugging at the steering wheel rather than the car running to the ditch like most front-drivers like to do. Steering is spot-on, providing the right amount of assist. The suspension does a remarkable job filtering out large bumps while still allowing the subtle sensations of the road below to come through the steering wheel.

The car is quick at speed, though the 0-60 time of 8.1 seconds with the automatic does not belie its performance. Brakes are excellent, the ABS-equipped 4 wheel disks bring the big Swede to a stop from 60 in 119 ft.

The 9-5 is available with an excellent 3.0 liter V6 that makes an even 200 horsepower. True Saab fans would argue that no real Saab has a V6, but the mass market likes the sound and power of a good six cylinder. The only downside is the lack of a manual transmission with the V6.

Saab-o-philes might be happier with the assymetrical turbo V6 added for 1999, which boasts even more fat torque.

You have to give Saab credit for holding true to its heritage. At no point during the week with the car did it fail to play the part of the perfect Saab companion. While it is all-new, it still feels like home to any Saab-o-phile. This is a wonderful thing for this niche player. Saab drivers appreciate Saabs for what they are, the at-times quirky details and all. The 9-5 is the best car yet from the elves in Trollhatten and we all hope that GM continues to let them work merrily along, building unfettered machines for years to come.

The 9-5 2.3 is so cool that even the glove box is air-conditioned. You owe it to yourself to try a Saab. Join the cool club and hug a Swede today.

The 9-5 features a handsome interior replete with quirky Saab ergonomics that actually make a lot of sense.

Executive Summary

1999 Saab 9-5 2.3

http://www.saabusa.com

Sticker (as tested): $30,545

Under the Hood:

Configuration Turbo 4

FWD

Horsepower 170 hp

Torque 207 lb ft

The Numbers:

0-60 8.1 sec

60-0 135 ft

Skidpad .79g

Mileage 21/28

Competition:

Audi A4 2.8

BMW 328i

Lexus ES 300

Infiniti I30t

Mercedes C230

Buy Recommendation:

OVERALL (out of 5) JJJJJ

Features Excellent

Quality Excellent

Value Good

Performance Good

Comfort Excellent

FUN Good