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Photo of a Saab 9-5

Saab 9-5

Only 3,419 second-generation 9-5s for the US—including 3 Oak-painted 2011 Turbo4 manuals.1

Researched October 25, 2026 from 34 sources

Also called

  • Dame EdnaThe 2006 facelift's headlights reminded people of the fictional TV personality's glasses.2
  • HOT AeroAn early Aero nickname meaning High Output Turbo.3

At a glance

0200400
118–306 hpPower
07.515
6–11 s0–100 km/h
0125250
215.7–250 km/hTop speed
0250500
240–420 N·mTorque
01,0002,000
1,560–1,922 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.39101112

Engine
Turbo I4/V6; gas/E85/diesel; Gen I: 1.9–3.0 L; Gen II: 1.6–2.8 L3
Layout
Gen I: transverse FWD; Gen II: transverse FWD or AWD3
Gearbox
Gen I: 5-speed manual, 4/5-speed auto; Gen II: 6-speed manual/auto3
Built at
Trollhättan Assembly, Sweden3
Units built
Gen I: 483,593 (US 120,454); Gen II: 11,280 (US 3,419)135

The story

Built to replace the 9000, the first 9-5 introduced active head restraints and used Night Panel to darken nonessential instruments. Its GM-developed successor launched under Spyker.3

1997: The 9000's replacement arrives19971998: US debut for model year 199919981999: A wagon with a sliding load floor19992000: Aero brings 230 hp to the US20002002: Facelift and a five-speed automatic20022005: New face, E85 boost for model year 200620052009: Second generation debuts in Frankfurt20092010: Victor Muller's Spyker rescue20102011: March shutdown, December bankruptcy2011 Saab 9000: 1984–1998Saab 9000Saab 9-5 (first generation) (YS3E): 1997–2010YS3E 198519901995200020052010201520202025
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones319
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1984–1998Saab 9000
1997–2010Saab 9-5 (first generation) (YS3E)
1997The 9000's replacement arrives
1998US debut for model year 1999
1999A wagon with a sliding load floor
2000Aero brings 230 hp to the US
2002Facelift and a five-speed automatic
2005New face, E85 boost for model year 2006
2009Second generation debuts in Frankfurt
2010Victor Muller's Spyker rescue
2011March shutdown, December bankruptcy
  1. 1997

    The 9000's replacement arrives

    The first 9-5 debuted for model year 1998, bringing active head restraints that moved up and forward to counter whiplash.3

  2. 1998

    US debut for model year 1999

    US sales began in spring. The first-generation sedan offered a 170-hp 2.3-liter turbo four or a 200-hp turbo V6.34

  3. 1999

    A wagon with a sliding load floor

    The first-generation wagon added cargo-securing floor tracks and a sliding load floor to ease loading.3

  4. 2000

    Aero brings 230 hp to the US

    The new US Aero sedan paired a 230-hp turbo four with an upgraded chassis and lower-body skirts.45

  5. 2002

    Facelift and a five-speed automatic

    The US range adopted Linear and Arc names, revised styling and a five-speed automatic; the Aero remained the flagship.45

  6. 2005

    New face, E85 boost for model year 2006

    The model-year 2006 facelift debuted in Frankfurt; its 2.0t BioPower made 178 hp on E85, while the revised Aero reached 256 hp.36

  7. 2009

    Second generation debuts in Frankfurt

    Unveiled on September 15, the replacement was developed almost entirely under GM, before its launch under Spyker.3

  8. 2010

    Victor Muller's Spyker rescue

    The new generation reached dealers in June after Spyker's rescue. The original wagon bowed out on February 1.37

  9. 2011

    March shutdown, December bankruptcy

    Second-generation production stopped in March at 11,280 cars. December bankruptcy ended plans for a series-built SportCombi; only 37 were made.38

Every generation

  • Saab 9000
    Saab 90001984–1998
  • Saab 9-5 (first generation)
    YS3E1997–2010

Power over the years

From 148 hp to 306 hp in 8 years.

0100200300400 19982000200220042006200820102012 hp 1998 · 148 hp · Gen I 2.0t1999 · 170 hp · US 2.3-liter turbo2000 · 230 hp · US Aero2002 · 247 hp · Gen I Aero2002 · 301 hp · Saab Performance by Hirsch2006 · 178 hp · Gen I 2.0t BioPower, E852006 · 260 hp · US high-pressure turbo four2006 · 306 hp · Gen I Aero Hirsch2007 · 207 hp · Gen I 2.3t BioPower, E852011 · 300 hp · US Aero Turbo 6 XWD 306 hp Gen I Aero Hirsch 148 hp Gen I 2.0t
134591213
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
1998148Gen I 2.0t
1999170US 2.3-liter turbo
2000230US Aero
2002247Gen I Aero
2002301Saab Performance by Hirsch
2006178Gen I 2.0t BioPower, E85
2006260US high-pressure turbo four
2006306Gen I Aero Hirsch
2007207Gen I 2.3t BioPower, E85
2011300US Aero Turbo 6 XWD

Versions

9 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • S / SE / Linear / Arc / Vector (first generation)

    Standard

    S / SE / Linear / Arc / Vector (first generation)

  • 2.2TiD / 3.0 V6TiD / 1.9TiD (first generation)

    Standard

    2.2TiD / 3.0 V6TiD / 1.9TiD (first generation)

    2002–2009

  • Aero (first generation)

    Performance

    Aero (first generation)

    1999–2010

  • Performance

    Aero Turbo 6 XWD (US, second generation)

    2010–2011

    300 hp

  • Special

    60th Anniversary Edition

    2007

  • Special

    Griffin Edition

    2009

    260 hp

  • Special

    Gary Fisher (US wagon)

    2000

  • Performance

    Saab Performance by Hirsch

    2002

    301 hp
  • SportCombi prototypes (second generation)

    Special

    SportCombi prototypes (second generation)

    37 built

How to spot one

Look for

  • Second generation: windshield curves around toward the side glass.18
  • Second generation: raised hood pressing mimics a clamshell above the grille and headlights.18
  • Second generation: a light strip links the rear lamps across the trunk or tailgate.17

Year by year

  1. 2002

    The first facelift arrived; xenon headlights became optional.24

  2. 2007

    Aero gained a trunk badge; the Anniversary Special Edition introduced its own 17-inch wheels.34

  3. 2009

    Griffin Edition added matte-chrome grille and headlight trim, a rear spoiler and front-fender badges.16

  4. 2010

    The new-generation sedan introduced a wraparound windshield and raised hood pressing that imitates a clamshell.318

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Saab 9-5
    9-5
    Photo of a Saab 95
    Saab 95

    Saab 95

    Read 9-5 as 'nine five': this 1997–2012 sedan/wagon family is separate from the earlier Saab 95, built in 1959–1978.3

Against its rivals

  • 9-5 vs Volvo S70 GLT

    Quarter-mile lower is better

    9-515.7 s
    Volvo S70 GLT15.3 s
    20
  • Mercedes-Benz C280

    9-5 vs Mercedes-Benz C280

    Test finish lower is better

    9-54 place
    Mercedes-Benz C2805 place
    20
  • Lexus GS300

    9-5 vs Lexus GS300

    Test finish lower is better

    9-54 place
    Lexus GS3001 place
    20

Prices

Value today $1.6K–$16.5K34

Price when newAuction saleValue todayPrices on a log scale
$1K$10K$100K 200020052010201520202025 Value today: $1,600–$16,500 1999 · $30,545 · US base sedan1999 · $33,470 · US tested, leather/sunroof/heating2011 · $48,490 · US base, Aero Turbo 6 XWD2011 · $52,530 · US tested, Aero Turbo 6 XWD 1999 · $30,545 · US base price, 1999 model year 2024 · $9,300 · 2000 2.3T 5-speed wagon, 91k miles, BaT2024 · $13,583 · 2011 Turbo6 XWD, 18k miles, BaT2024 · $10,400 · 2009 2.3T, 64k miles, BaT2025 · $9,195 · 2005 Aero sedan 2.3T 5-speed, 129k miles, BaT2025 · $3,550 · 2004 Arc 2.3T sedan, 54k miles, BaT2026 · $5,600 · 2011 Aero XWD, 137k miles, BaT2026 · $9,000 · 2011 Turbo4 Premium 6-speed, 111k miles, BaT $13.6K BaT, 2024
111228293031323334
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
1999Launch price$30,545US base price, 1999 model year
1999Price when new$30,545US base sedan
1999Price when new$33,470US tested, leather/sunroof/heating
2011Price when new$48,490US base, Aero Turbo 6 XWD
2011Price when new$52,530US tested, Aero Turbo 6 XWD
2024Auction sale$9,3002000 2.3T 5-speed wagon, 91k miles, BaT
2024Auction sale$13,5832011 Turbo6 XWD, 18k miles, BaT
2024Auction sale$10,4002009 2.3T, 64k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$9,1952005 Aero sedan 2.3T 5-speed, 129k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$3,5502004 Arc 2.3T sedan, 54k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$5,6002011 Aero XWD, 137k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$9,0002011 Turbo4 Premium 6-speed, 111k miles, BaT
2026Value today$1,600–$16,500

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 9 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 14 stories from its legend
    • “A double Cannonball in 65 hours 28 minutes”
    • “73 laps for a 9-5 Kombi”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 2 generations

  • Market

    • 1 thing to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 34 sources
  1. Saab 9-5 (650) - US Production 2010 to 2011 | eSaabParts.com esaabparts.com
  2. Saab OG9-5 stcn.no
  3. Saab 9-5 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  4. 1999-09 Saab 9-5 | Consumer Guide Auto consumerguide.com
  5. Saab 9-5 (9600) - US Production 1999 to 2009 | eSaabParts.com esaabparts.com
  6. Saab 9-5 jetzt mit progressivem Styling - Speed Heads speedheads.de
  7. Saab 9-5 2.8T XWD Aero review | evo evo.co.uk
  8. Car Profiles | Saab 9-5NG SportCombi saab9-5sportcombi.com
  9. Schule: Saab Performance by Hirsch tagesspiegel.de
  10. 2011 Saab 9-5 2.0T Premium Road Test - Review - Car and Driver caranddriver.com
  11. Tested: 1999 Saab 9-5 Sticks to the Formula caranddriver.com
  12. 2011 Saab 9-5 Aero Turbo 6 XWD First Test - Motor Trend motortrend.com
  13. 210 hk på Biopower bilpriser.dk
  14. Saab 9-5 får ”lilla dieseln” automotorsport.se
  15. Saab 9-5 Aero Wagon caranddriver.com
  16. Detroit Auto Show: Saab 9-5 Griffin Edition launched autoweek.com
  17. Nya Saab 9-5 SportCombi får världspremiär i Genève - Saab Automobile news.cision.com
  18. Saab sets sights on Germans - carsales.com.au carsales.com.au
  19. Saab 9000 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  20. 1998 Luxury Sedans Comparison Test caranddriver.com
  21. Trimmad Saab 9-5 Aero slog Cannonball-rekord med 8,5 timmar automotorsport.se
  22. Ergebnis – ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring 24h-rennen.de
  23. Will Christopher Nolan's 'Tenet' Serve up the Car Chase We've Been Waiting For? autoweek.com
  24. SAAB 9-5 2,3T Aero SportCombi — 2004 på Bilweb Auctions bilwebauctions.se
  25. Unika Saabar spreds över Europa - KVD news.cision.com
  26. 475 000 för Saab 9-5 SportCombi | Vi Bilägare vibilagare.se
  27. (210-2554 ed.3) Noise from the timing chain and oil sludge in the engine 9-5 (9600) 2000 | SAAB Workshop Information System Online saabwisonline.com
  28. No Reserve: 2011 Saab 9-5 Aero XWD for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $5,600 on July 2, 2026 (Lot #250,528) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  29. No Reserve: 2011 Saab 9-5 Turbo4 Premium 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $9,000 on January 23, 2026 (Lot #227,542) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  30. No Reserve: Original-Owner 2005 Saab 9-5 Aero Sedan 2.3T 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $9,195 on July 25, 2025 (Lot #201,973) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  31. No Reserve: 2004 Saab 9-5 Arc Sedan 2.3T for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $3,550 on April 9, 2025 (Lot #186,920) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  32. No Reserve: 2000 Saab 9-5 Wagon 2.3T 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $9,300 on August 13, 2024 (Lot #158,357) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  33. No Reserve: 18k-Mile 2011 Saab 9-5 Turbo6 XWD for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $13,583 on July 30, 2024 (Lot #156,399) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  34. 2009 Saab 9-5 2.3T for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $10,400 on April 18, 2024 (Lot #143,672) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • esaabparts.com
  • stcn.no
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • consumerguide.com
  • speedheads.de
  • evo.co.uk
  • saab9-5sportcombi.com
  • tagesspiegel.de
  • caranddriver.com
  • motortrend.com
  • bilpriser.dk
  • automotorsport.se
  • autoweek.com
  • news.cision.com

Photo credits

Other car files