The 2008 Saab 9-5 Base is a Front-wheel drive Sedan. It can accommodate up to 5 passengers. It has 4 Doors and is powered by a 2.3L L4 Turbo DOHC 16-valve engine which outputs 260 hp @ 5300 rpm and is paired with 5-speed automatic transmission gearbox. The 2008 Saab 9-5 Base has cargo capacity of 450 Liters and the vehicle weighs 1574 kg. In terms of ride assists, the 2008 Saab 9-5 Base has stability control and traction control in addition to anti-lock brake system (ABS). The vehicle has an optional engine as well It offers Rear parking assist and. Safety features also include Driver side front airbag and Passenger side front airbag. The front suspension is Front independent suspension while the rear suspension is Rear independent suspension. The car also features a Yes It has 17'' alloy wheels as standard. Electronic features include Cruise Control. For convenience, the car has Power windows and Power door locks. There is also a remote keyless entry feature. Moreover, the car has. The steering wheel has audio control buttons. In terms of performance, the car has 284 N.m of torque and a top speed of 234 km/h. The 2008 Saab 9-5 Base accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 7 seconds and hits quarter mile at 14.8 seconds. Fuel consumption is L/100km in the city and L/100km in the highway. The car price starts at $ 43,900
| Name | Base | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $ 43,900 | |
| Body | Sedan | |
| Doors | 4 Doors | |
| Engine | 2.3L L4 Turbo DOHC 16-valve | |
| Power | 260 hp @ 5300 rpm | |
| Number of Seats | 5 Seats | |
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic transmission | |
| Cargo Space | 450.0 L | |
| Maximum Cargo Space | 450.0 L | |
| Wheel Type | 17'' alloy wheels | |
| Series | ||
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive | |
| Horsepower | 260 HP | |
| Torque | 284 N.m | |
| Top Speed | 234 km/h | |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h (0-60 mph) | 7.0 s | |
| Fuel Type | ||
| Fuel Consumption (City) | L/100km | |
| Fuel Consumption (Highway) | L/100km | |
| Gear Type | auto | |
| Weight | 1,574 KG | |
| Brand | Saab | |
| Model | 9-5 | |
| 0-400m (Quarter Mile) | 14.8 s | |
| 0-400m (Quarter Mile) - Speed | 156.0 km/h | |
| 0-800m (Half Mile) | 24.5 s | |
| 0-800m (Half Mile) - Speed | 175.5 km/h | |
| Modifications (MODS) | ||
| Modifications Cost | $ 0 |
| Used Condition | Trade In Price | Private Party Price | Dealer Retail Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outstanding | $ 2,456 | $ 3,668 | $ 4,330 |
| Clean | $ 2,223 | $ 3,321 | $ 3,920 |
| Average | $ 1,757 | $ 2,628 | $ 3,098 |
| Rough | $ 1,291 | $ 1,935 | $ 2,276 |
The 2008 Saab 9-5 sedan and wagon will please buyers wanting the style and personality of a classic Saab. In terms of performance, luxury and overall refinement, however, the 9-5 is outclassed by newer competitors.

In 1999, the human population topped 6 billion, Wayne Gretzky retired, people freaked out about the Y2K bug and a 17-year-old Prince song became relevant again. The Saab 9-5 was also introduced for that year, which makes it one of the oldest cars on the market. In the intervening years, the 9-5's engine and trim lineup have been simplified, the driving dynamics improved and the exterior styling tweaked. But for the most part, the 2008 9-5 belongs to the same generation as the car that dawned in that final year of the 20th century. As such, the 9-5 remains the comfortable car it has always been with an impressive number of features, but it pales in comparison against much newer competitors.

The 2008 Saab 9-5 is available as a midsize sedan and a wagon known as the SportCombi. That latter name comes from a German term for wagon, or since Saabs are "Born from Jets," combi can also refer to a commercial aircraft usable for either cargo or passenger duties. The 9-5 fulfils that description as well, as its spacious interior offers plenty of passenger room and a maximum cargo capacity of 73 cubic feet.

Two years ago, the 9-5 underwent a significant freshening that included an exterior face-lift, a retuned suspension and new GM-sourced switchgear, which combined to make the 9-5 a more attractive player in the midsize luxury segment. That segment, however, is one of the toughest out there, occupied by sedans like the Acura TL, Lexus ES 350 and Infiniti G35 and wagons or small crossovers such as the Acura RDX and Volkswagen Passat. With lots of standard features, the 2008 Saab 9-5 provides compelling value, but so do its competitors, and we expect most shoppers are going to expect more refinement than this Saab provides. For the Saab 9-5, there's just no escaping the fact that it's still partying, er, driving like it's 1999.

The 2008 Saab 9-5 is available as a midsize sedan or a wagon known as the SportCombi. Each is available in two trim levels: 2.3T or Aero. The 2.3T features standard 17-inch wheels, a sunroof, leather upholstery, eight-way front sport seats, a tilt-telescoping steering wheel, heated front and rear seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a cooled glovebox, rain-sensing windshield wipers and a nine-speaker Harman Kardon sound system with in-dash six-CD changer, satellite radio and auxiliary audio jack. The largely similar Aero adds a sport-tuned suspension, different 17-inch wheels, special interior trim and two-tone leather seats.

Major options include the Visibility Package, which adds xenon headlights, rear parking assist, and power-folding, auto-dimming outside mirrors. Stand-alone options include cooled front seats and a touchscreen navigation system. The standard in-dash CD changer is unavailable with the navigation system -- buyers must choose whether to keep satellite radio or instead opt for a trunk-mounted CD changer at no cost.

All 9-5 sedans and SportCombi wagons are front-wheel drive and powered by a turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-4 that makes 260 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual is standard, while a five-speed automatic is optional. Many vehicles in this class offer six-speed versions of both types of transmission. Fuel economy is still respectable, however; an automatic-equipped 2008 9-5 sedan has an EPA estimate of 17 mpg city/27 mpg highway.
Standard safety equipment on the 2008 Saab 9-5 includes antilock disc brakes, stability control, traction control, active head restraints and front-seat side airbags that provide head and torso protection. Side curtain airbags that protect rear occupants are not available. The OnStar communications system is standard. In government crash tests, the 9-5 earned a perfect five stars for driver and front-passenger protection in frontal impacts. In the side-impact test, the 9-5 received five stars for front passenger protection and four stars for rear protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the 9-5 the best possible rating of "Good" in front-offset crash testing, and a second-best "Acceptable" for side-impact protection.
Once its turbo spools up, the 2.3-liter delivers plenty of power for this class, though not in as refined a manner as we'd like. Unlike most sport sedans and wagons, the 2008 Saab 9-5 is preferable with the automatic transmission, as its shorter gearing is better suited to the turbo engine's unusual power band. The 9-5's relatively low curb weight gives it a nimble feel through the corners. Many competitors have sharper reflexes and a better ride quality, however, and torque steer remains an issue under hard acceleration.
The 9-5's overall design hasn't changed much since the car was first introduced, but the once convoluted, button-happy radio and climate controls have since been replaced by straightforward GM-sourced units. While this improved ergonomics, some Saab fans might be disappointed that the interior no longer has much of the Swedish brand's traditional distinctiveness. Materials quality could also be improved.
Otherwise, the 9-5 is a comfortable place to spend time, with ample passenger room and exceptionally comfortable seats -- especially when equipped with the ventilation feature. For those who need extra cargo capacity, the SportCombi wagon is a good alternative to an SUV, as it supplies 37 cubic feet of luggage capacity with the rear seats in use and 73 cubes with them folded. Both of those capacities are greater than luxury compact SUVs like the Acura RDX and BMW X3.
Around town, the Saab 9-5 is responsive, nimble and downright quick, benefiting from a turbocharger that delivers its influence politely but firmly. Predictably, the suspension hasn't been tuned so tightly that highway ride is anything less than pleasant. Only when you get that rare opportunity to really push the 9-5 through a few good twists and turns does the nose-heavy, front-wheel-drive 9-5 reveal its limitations. Still, even the sportiest sport sedans rarely get taken to task in such a manner, and so the 9-5 is sure to prove plenty entertaining for most.
Heated/Ventilated SeatsCool-climate drivers and passengers will appreciate that front and rear heated seats are included as standard equipment. Those further south might be more interested in the optional ventilated front seats.Dynamic Workload ManagerIn driving situations that might demand heightened concentration, the 9-5 will delay dashboard warning messages and intercept incoming telephone calls to prevent distraction.
A black-themed interior matches your choice of Black or Parchment leather seating with black carpet, black door panels and a black instrument panel. Though the 9-5's interior continues to see improvements, traditionalists can rest easy knowing the center console-mounted ignition key tumbler and three-dimensional grid air vents remain. Dark walnut trim gives way to metallic highlights in the Sport Package. A cooled glove box lets you pack lunch and a drink for the road. The 9-5 Sedan features a conspicuously generous trunk, while the SportCombi's cargo floor includes twin recessed aluminum rails that make it easy to secure loads. Most importantly, front and rear passengers are likely to find both the 9-5 Sedan and the SportCombi plenty roomy and comfortable.
Newly redesigned in 2006, the 9-5 continues for 2008 relatively unchanged. Gone, for the most part, is the automaker's familiar three-port grille in favor of a face that's more aggressive, yet less distinctive. The design changes up front included a new hood, fenders and a lower fascia. Every 9-5 rides on split-spoke 17-inch wheels.
In addition to a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission, a base Saab 9-5 features leather seating, power moonroof, 200-watt AM/FM audio system with XM Satellite Radio and a six-disc CD changer, automatic dual-zone climate control, tire pressure monitoring system, rain-sensing wipers, OnStar, eight-way power front seats with driver's side-memory, power windows/locks/mirrors, high-pressure headlamp washers, heated front and rear seats and a cooled glove box. Standard safety equipment includes front airbags, head and thorax side-impact airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS) and electronic stability and traction controls.
The Aero Trim includes a more aggressive suspension, sportier seats and metallic interior trim in place of wood. The Visibility Package includes xenon headlamps, auto-dimming power-folding outside mirrors and rear park assist. Additional stand-alone options include a five-speed automatic transmission, ventilated front seats and a DVD-based navigation system that bumps the six-disc CD changer to the trunk.
The 9-5 is powered by a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine of 250 horsepower. Five-speed manual models benefit from a handy turbocharger overboost function that increases torque output to 273 pounds-feet in bursts of up to 20 seconds, and helps accelerate the 9-5 from zero to 60 miles per hour in just 6.9 seconds, according to Saab. With the automatic transmission - which features Normal and Sport modes - the same run takes 7.3 seconds.2.3-liter in-line 4 Turbocharged260 horsepower @ 5300 rpm258 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1900-4000 rpmEPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/28 (manual), 17/27 (automatic)
The 2008 Saab 9-5 2.3T Sedan's Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starts around $ 37,000, while the SportCombi wagon stickers near $ 38,500. The Aero trim adds about another $ 1,100 to the bottom line. A look at the Fair Purchase Price shows the typical transaction price paid for the 9-5 in your area, so be sure to check it out before you begin negotiations. As for resale value, we expect the 9-5's performance to rank in the bottom half of the category, well below the marks set by the Infiniti G35 and the Lexus IS 350.
| Engine | Standard in Trim | Power | Torque | Fuel Consumption - City | Fuel Consumption - Highway | 0-100 km/h | Quarter Mile | Half Mile |
|---|
| AM/FM stereo radio | Yes |
|---|---|
| Air Conditionning | Dual-zone auto climate control |
| Antenna | Glass-printed antenna |
| Communication System | OnStar communications system, with 1 year subscription |
| Communication System (Option) | OnStar delete |
| Cruise Control | Yes |
| Driver Vanity Mirror | Illuminated front vanity mirrors |
| Engine Block Heater | Yes |
| Front Wipers | Rain-sensing variable intermittent windshield wipers |
| Garage Door Opener | Garage door opener |
| Illuminated Entry | Illuminated entry with fade delay |
| Interior Air Filter | Yes |
| Multi-CD Changer | In-dash 6-CD changer |
| Navigation System (Option) | Navigation system (deletes the standard XM satellite radio) |
| Power Door Locks | Yes |
| Power Windows | Yes |
| Premium Sound System | Harman Kardon audio system |
| Reading Light | Front and rear reading lamps |
| Rear View Mirror | Auto-dimming rear-view mirror with digital compass |
| Remote Audio Controls | Commandes audio au volant |
| Remote Keyless Entry | Yes |
| Smoking Convenience (Option) | Lighter and ashtray |
| Special Feature | XM Satellite Radio with 3-month trial |
| Steering Wheel Adjustment | Tilt and telescopic steering wheel |
| Trunk Light | Yes |
| Cargo Capacity | 450 L |
|---|---|
| Curb Weight | 1574 kg |
| Front Headroom | 982 mm |
| Front Legroom | 1078 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L |
| Height | 1454 mm |
| Length | 4836 mm |
| Max Trailer Weight | 450 kg |
| Rear Headroom | 954 mm |
| Rear Legroom | 930 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2703 mm |
| Width | 1792 mm |
| Bumper Colour | Body-color bumpers |
|---|---|
| Door Handles | Body-colour door handles |
| Exterior Folding Mirrors (Option) | Power-folding outside mirrors |
| Front Fog Lights | Yes |
| Headlight Type | Halogen headlamps |
| Headlight Type (Option) | Xenon headlights |
| Headlights Headlight Washers | High pressure headlight washers |
| Heated Exterior Mirrors | Yes |
| Power Exterior Mirrors | Yes |
| Rear Window Defroster | Yes |
| Sunroof | Power glass sunroof |
| Floor Console | Floor console with armrest and storage |
|---|---|
| Floor Mats | Front and rear floor mats |
| Front Center Armrest | Yes |
| Front Seats Active Headrests | Active front headrests |
| Front Seats Driver Lombar | Power lumbar support on driver's seat |
| Front Seats Driver Power Seats | Power driver seat |
| Front Seats Driver Seat Memory | Position memory for driver seat and exteriors mirrors |
| Front Seats Front Seat Back Storage | Front seat back map pockets |
| Front Seats Front Seat Type | Front bucket seats |
| Front Seats Heated | Heated front and rear seats |
| Hand Brake Leather Trim | Leather-trimmed handbrake gaiter |
| Luxury Dashboard Trim | Dark walnut wood interior trim |
| Luxury Dashboard Trim (Option) | Chrome interior trim |
| Number of Cup Holders | 3-cupholders |
| Outside Temperature Gauge | Exterior temperature display |
| Rear Center Armrest | Rear folding armrest with trunk pass through |
| Rear Seat Type | 60/40 split folfing rear bench seat |
| Seat Trim | Sport eather seats |
| Seat Trim (Option) | Two-tone sport leather seats |
| Shifter Knob Trim | Leather-wrapped shift knob |
| Steering Wheel Trim | Leather-wrapped steering wheel |
| Trip Computer | Yes |
| Drive Train | Front-wheel drive |
|---|---|
| Engine Name | 2.3L L4 Turbo DOHC 16-valve |
| Stability Control | Yes |
| Traction Control | Yes |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual transmission |
| Transmission (Option) | 5-speed automatic transmission |
| Body | Sedan |
|---|---|
| Doors | 4 |
| Engine | 2.3L L4 Turbo DOHC 16-valve |
| Fuel Consumption | |
| Power | 260 hp @ 5300 rpm |
| Seats | 5 |
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic transmission |
| Warranties | Bumper-to-Bumper80000/km, 48/Months Emissions130000/km, 108/Months Powertrain160000/km, 60/Months Roadside Assistance160000/km, 60/Months Rust-through120000/km, 48/Months |
| Anti-Lock Brakes | Std |
|---|---|
| Brake Type | 4-wheel disc |
| Child Seat Anchor | LATCH child seat anchors |
| Driver Airbag | Driver side front airbag |
| Electronic brake force distribution | Electronic brake force distribution |
| Ignition Disable | Theft deterrent system |
| Parking Distance Sensor | Rear parking assist |
| Passenger Airbag | Passenger side front airbag |
| Side Airbag | Front side airbags |
| Front Suspension | Front independent suspension |
|---|---|
| Front Tires | P235/45R17 |
| Power Steering | Power assisted rack and pinion steering |
| Rear Suspension | Rear independent suspension |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | Yes |
| Wheel Type | 17'' alloy wheels |
| Wheel Type (Option) | Unique 17'' alloy wheels |
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