GO
GoAutoLogo
MENU

Make / Model Search

Saab - 9-5

Latest articles for Saab 9-5

Saab 9-5

9-5

Make: Saab

Model: 9-5

Released: Jan 1970

Discontinued: Oct 2001

Saab logo1 Nov 1997

By BYRON MATHIOUDAKIS

The Type-Four based Saab 9000 was replaced by the 9-5, which not only introduced the Swedish company’s current naming policy but also followed the smaller 900 MK2 in being based on General Motors’ mid-sized front-wheel drive J-car (Holden JR/S Vectra) platform, albeit significantly altered for this application.

Sitting on a 2703mm wheelbase (31mm up on the 9000), the 9-5 was bigger, stronger, safer and more refined than its aged predecessor.

Saab said that the cavernous 9-5 Estate (wagon) was developed in tandem with the sedan.

Initially two models were released in S and SE guises powered by a 125kW/280Nm 2.3-litre DOHC 16V low-blow turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

When the wagon came on stream during May ’99 Saab introduced a new base model known as the 9-5 2.0 for its new 110kW/240Nm 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine.

There were also minor suspension and specification updates.

In early 2000 the 9-5 Aero sedan and wagon appeared in 169kW/330Nm 2.3-litre high-pressure turbo four-cylinder engine mode, boasting plenty of extras and a sporty body kit.

The only 9-5 V6 was the range-topping 147kW/310Nm 3.0-litre DOHC 24V Griffin sedan from March ’99 to October ’01.

In early ’01 the 9-5 S and SE models gained a 136kW/280Nm 2.3 low-blow turbo motor. All motors bar the auto-only Griffin offered a four-speed auto or five-speed manual gearbox.

Reviews

Latest reviews

Motor industry news

GoAutoNews is Australia’s number one automotive industry journal covering the latest news, future and new model releases, market trends, industry personnel movements, and international events.

Catch up on all of the latest industry news with this week's edition of GoAutoNews
Click here