Online Test Drive

The 2000 Saab 9-5 Wagon
Base Retail Price: $33,120 - $40,175


Four Stars

Station wagons don't have to be frumpy family vehicles. They can actuallybe fun. The Saab 9-5 Wagon is a great example.

The 9-5 is stylish and fast. The station wagon version is for people who need a little more storage room, but aren't quite ready for a minivan. It fills the bill nicely.

The 9-5 is pure luxury vehicle, from the wood grain, to the rich leather seats. However, it's also purely Saab. And that Saab quirkiness is one of those things that you're going to love or hate.

One example of that quirkiness, the ignition switch is on the center column. It takes some getting used to. But, Saab's engineers say this also locks the transmission, and helps keep the vehicle from being stolen.

The climate controls are also a little difficult to operate, and take more of your attention from the road than they should.

These, however, are very minor points on an otherwise wonderful vehicle. There are lots of positive innovations, like some changes that make the storage area more user friendly, and headrests that automatically give you protection in crashes.

Safety sells, and is a great selling feature for the Saab 9-5. In addition to the head rests, you also have side impact air bags, anti lock brakes and a cabin designed to protect you in a collision.

The 9-5 is the replacement for the Saab 9000. It debuted as a 1999 model, so there are few changes for 2000, but there are some more choices. You can now get a special Gary Fisher edition, which comes complete with mountain bike. There's also the high performance Aero. In addition, Onstar is available on the wagon model. Remember, Saab is now 100 per cent owned by General Motors.

Inside the Saab 9-5 is quiet, classy and roomy. The front seats move so far back that you feel like you're in a different time zone. That can make the back somewhat tight, but it's more than adequate for two adults.

The 9-5 wagon has a big cargo area...37 cubic feet with the back seat up, 73 cubic feet with it down. You can get an optional floor tray that slides out twenty inches, and makes it easier to load bulky objects.

Saab is also going "pet friendly" offering three body harnesses, to help you transport your dog. The "Versa-Leash" restraining hooks onto the wagon's rear cargo track bolts.

Where the Saab 9-5 excels is in the driving experience. There's virtually no "turbo lag" in the turbocharged four cylinder engine. You can step up to a V-6. The vehicle is smooth enough to give you comfort, but it's certainly no "sensory depravation" chamber. It's very responsive.

Styling is best described as "Saab unique." It's an understated elegance that won't necessarily get you noticed on the road, but is certainly very stylish.

While minivans and sport utilities get the attention, upscale European station wagons like the Saab 9-5 are seeing a lot of growth. Saab is hoping the 9-5 will increase its share of the luxury-wagon market from 7 and a half to ten per cent.

Expect to see a lot of growth at Saab, now that it's entirely owned by General Motors. Saab sales were up thirty per cent last year. The GM connection should improve advertising. Getting people into the showroom is important for Saab, which claims that sixty per cent of the people who test drove a Saab, made a purchase.

The Saab 9-5 is a stylish, sexy alternative to minivans. Let's give it four stars on our one to five scale.