DecodedCarsSaab 9-5
8 model years from 2005 to 2012, compared on size, efficiency, safety and reliability.
- Model years
- 2005–2012
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Latest engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 2.8L 6-cyl turbo
- Best MPG
- 20–24 combined, by year
- Latest rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaigns, all years
- Most complaints
- 2008 (16)
The 2012 9-5 in brief
The 2012 Saab 9-5 is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 2.8L 6-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (20 city / 32 highway), 0% better than the 2012 midsize car average of 23.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,800 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
The Saab 9-5 has 8 model years in our data, from 2005 to 2012.
Its most efficient year was 2012 at 24 MPG combined; across all years the best version ranged from 20 to 24 MPG.
Owners most often report problems with the air bags (45), exterior lighting (6), service brakes (2).
2009 has the most recalls (1); all years together count 1 campaigns and 55 owner complaints.
How the 2005 9-5 compares
The 2005 Saab 9-5 is a midsize car offered with a 2.3L 4-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 189 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,855 lb (4dr Sedan FWD /Arc/Aero).
2012 9-5 pros & cons
Full 2012 details →What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- Few owner complaints0 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 345 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
9-5 changes by model year
- 2011
- New body dimensions: 6.6 in longer, wheelbase +5.5 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
- Engine added: 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Best combined MPG up from 20 to 24
- 2010
- Engine added: 2.8L 6-cyl turbo
- Engine dropped: 2.3L 4-cyl turbo
- All-wheel or four-wheel drive now available
- 2008
- Lightest version 615 lb lighter
- 2007
- Lightest version 615 lb heavier
Years without a measurable change are left out.
Show all 8 model years side by side
| Year | Latest engines | Best MPG / range | Length | Weight | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 2.8L 6-cyl turbo | 24 MPG | – | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2011 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 2.8L 6-cyl turbo | 24 MPG | 197.2 in | 4,420 lb | Not rated | 0 | 8 |
| 2010 | 2.8L 6-cyl turbo | 20 MPG | 190.6 in | 2,855 lb | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2009 | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | 21 MPG | 190.6 in | 2,855 lb | Not rated | 1 | 2 |
| 2008 | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | 21 MPG | 190.6 in | 2,855 lb | Not rated | 1 | 16 |
| 2007 | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | 21 MPG | 190.6 in | 3,470 lb | Not rated | 1 | 12 |
| 2006 | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | 22 MPG | 190.6 in | 2,855 lb | Not rated | 1 | 16 |
| 2005 | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | 21 MPG | 189.4 in | 2,855 lb | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Alternatives to the 2012 9-5
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Toyota Camry | 40 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2012 Toyota Prius | 50 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2012 Dodge Challenger | 21 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2012 Hyundai Elantra | 32 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2012 Chevrolet Malibu | 26 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2012 Volkswagen Passat | 34 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
Most common owner-reported problems
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Saab. How we calculate this →