What is it?
2002 Saab 9-5
What's special about it?
New styling enhancements give Saab's top-of-the-line sedan and wagon a more refined look, while additional work has been done underneath the skin to improve the car's overall driving dynamics further.
A quick glance reveals only minor styling changes. A new grille, integrated bumpers and restyled headlights, taillights and wheels are the most noticeable highlights. Inside, there are four different trim levels, or "forms" as Saab calls them, now designated by the names "Linear," "Arc," "Vector" and "Aero."
Under the hood, the 2.3-liter turbo engine in the Aero is now rated at 250 horsepower, while all models now offer a new five-speed automatic transmission. Of all the new enhancements, drivers will most likely notice the significantly revised suspension. Stiffer springs, retuned shocks and thicker antiroll bars have been installed to reduce body roll and improve responsiveness.
On the safety side, adaptive front airbags now deploy according the severity of the crash, while more improved seatbelt pre-tensioners help further reduce injuries. Bi-xenon headlamps provide a stronger, whiter light in both low- and high-beam modes.
Why should you care?
Although Saab has traditionally been more of a niche manufacturer, a vehicle like the new and improved 9-5 shows that Saab is increasingly interested in becoming a mainstream competitor in the premium performance sedan market. With the power of parent company General Motors behind it and several new models scheduled to arrive in the next few years, Saab is aggressively pushing toward vastly increased sales numbers that could make it a major player in the highly competitive luxury car market. — Ed Hellwig
2002 Saab 9-5
What's special about it?
New styling enhancements give Saab's top-of-the-line sedan and wagon a more refined look, while additional work has been done underneath the skin to improve the car's overall driving dynamics further.
A quick glance reveals only minor styling changes. A new grille, integrated bumpers and restyled headlights, taillights and wheels are the most noticeable highlights. Inside, there are four different trim levels, or "forms" as Saab calls them, now designated by the names "Linear," "Arc," "Vector" and "Aero."
Under the hood, the 2.3-liter turbo engine in the Aero is now rated at 250 horsepower, while all models now offer a new five-speed automatic transmission. Of all the new enhancements, drivers will most likely notice the significantly revised suspension. Stiffer springs, retuned shocks and thicker antiroll bars have been installed to reduce body roll and improve responsiveness.
On the safety side, adaptive front airbags now deploy according the severity of the crash, while more improved seatbelt pre-tensioners help further reduce injuries. Bi-xenon headlamps provide a stronger, whiter light in both low- and high-beam modes.
Why should you care?
Although Saab has traditionally been more of a niche manufacturer, a vehicle like the new and improved 9-5 shows that Saab is increasingly interested in becoming a mainstream competitor in the premium performance sedan market. With the power of parent company General Motors behind it and several new models scheduled to arrive in the next few years, Saab is aggressively pushing toward vastly increased sales numbers that could make it a major player in the highly competitive luxury car market. — Ed Hellwig
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