Is The Best Saab EVER Good Enough To Take Down The Big Three?

After diving into a ton of press write ups on the 2010 and 2011 Saab 9-5, it seems pretty clear. It's the best Saab, ever.

But the problem is, is the BEST Saab ever good enough to run with the big dogs today?

Taking its price point into consideration, the car is plopped right in the middle of some seriously hot competition. Opting for the 2.0T motor slots the car right against smaller sedans like the Audi A4, BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. But the uprated six-cylinder nears that $50,000 mark. That's entry-level A6, 5-Series and E-Class now.

It's a tough fight but someone's gotta do it. What say you, Spies?


This is hands-down the best Saab I've ever driven. For more than 25 years I've been a fan of Saabs, especially the wagon variants. I love the way they heat up, how quickly the seat heaters work on a frigid morning, and how well they plow through the snow. I liked the turbo motors, hated the gawd-awful torque steer, and yes, I even liked the ignition switch on the console...

[Source: AutoWeek]


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motor1 - 12/3/2010 1:16:13 AM

+1 Boost

'Take down', no. This segment is already too well established with its 3 main competitors. But on its own, will the 9-5 be successful? Definitely. I think there's always a spot for a lesser known brand in the 3-C-A4 segment, primarily because you always find those people who prefer to have the car that every man and his dog DOESN'T have.

synx - 12/3/2010 1:59:54 AM

+1 Boost

The best SAAB ever. Really?

Stevez - 12/3/2010 7:37:56 AM

+1 Boost

No it will not take down this segment but there's always people that want something different than the ordinary. Also I suggest that if Saab is aiming to beat a company to start with Volvo because Volvo seems to not know what there aiming for ;).

Agent00R - 12/3/2010 9:17:48 AM

+1 Boost

@Stevez

Agreed, it's a niche vehicle.

PUGPROUD - 12/3/2010 8:43:02 AM

+2 Boost

Nice looking car...too bad performance/handling not up to class standards.

91z4me - 12/3/2010 9:00:00 AM

+1 Boost

So when exactly did you drive it to compare to the competition?

abqhudson - 12/3/2010 9:48:22 AM

+3 Boost

Too expensive.

ctsang - 12/3/2010 10:20:01 AM

+1 Boost

who owns Saab now and how long will it be in business?

MercedesSL - 12/3/2010 10:38:00 AM

+4 Boost

It should be able to take down the A6 at the very least. Since they both look like dull robots. Saab does have some character though so I would rank them Mercedes,BMW,Saab,Audi.

mini22 - 12/3/2010 12:41:59 PM

+1 Boost

With the servotronic steering the BMW 5 series is compromised in my view.I see it as a viable alternative to to the big Euro three. The new A6 styling is dissapointing. I like the styling of the 9-5 better.BMW today turn me off. The last good looking bimmer was the 80's 635 CSI and the early 90's 3 series.I do like Mercedes styling because it has gotten sharper edged and less bloated. But I would probably give the Saab a try because I do not one to be one of the "Jones'es" choosing the standard bearer all the time.

CarCrazy24 - 12/5/2010 3:40:07 AM

+2 Boost

I had the opportunity to test drive this car when it first came out, and I think I took the dealership by surprise...it was very quiet and they were stunned that I knew anything about their car. I was actually quite surprised with the style and quality of interior...unfortunately it drove like a heavy weight (rolled in turns, not very fast even with the larger engine). Very unique choice in this particular segment, but unfortunately most people will not even remember to put this car on their list...the price will scare the rest away.