Citroen C5 review - CarBuyer 

I bought a secondhand 2007 model( 2litre diesel).Its so comfortable,over some undulations sometimes feels like a boat gently riding the wave.Engine is quiet, pulls well,and is economical.I just love it.

He got it right when he said it's 1 of the sharpest looking in its class. I think it's a beautiful looking saloon car.

I have had this car for 4 years now. I love it. I really dont want anything to be different. 2.0 Hdi engine is really smooth and refined, quick enough and economical. You travel in comfort no matter how long the distance is. Equipment level is phenomenal for the price. I would have had to invest 10 000€ more if I wanted similar german saloon. Car is a real looker too. If you are a bit unsure of yourself and want to go with the masses the C5 maybe is not the car for you. I however make my own decisions and have been very happy with this one. Talking about reliability: a pump that shoots washing liquid to the windshield was changed under warranty. So was the german-made Webasto heater. Otherwise than that I have changed a couple of bulbs, taken it to regular maintenance and filled up the tank, thats it.

I live in Melbourne Australia and bought my C5 Exclusive X7 2 litre diesel automatic new in January 2014. I still have it and it's the best car I've ever had. Done over 100,000 kilometres and never had a single problem with it. Lovely to drive, to ride in and it's as good as the day I bought it. French cars down here don't have much of a reputation for reliability so I was a bit apprehensive when I bought it but I liked it and wanted to have it anyway. Any fears have proved completely groundless as I've had plenty of cars over the years and this has been one of the most dependable and cheapest car to run that I've owned. Strongly built, frugal, powerful, rattle free, marvelous air suspension and terrific to drive on long trips it's been a pleasure to own. I usually change over cars after about 4 years but I have no plans to sell this one. We can't buy new big Citroen diesels in Australia anymore as only petrol ones are being brought into the country which is regrettable. Eventually I suppose I'll have to replace it which time I'll be very sorry to see it go.

Ten times more style and character than an avensis.

Bought a second hand 2007 C5 3mths ago and absolutely love driving it. Have had many cars over the past 43 years of driving and this is the best - safe ,economical, modern design and many safety features and 'gadgets'..A smooth, luxurious ride for a bargain price. Just takes awhile to get used to accelerator. Would love to get a 2014 model.

I have got a Citroen C5 and it’s 2009 and It’s million out of million reliable and i can fit everything in it and it’s a 2.0 Litre Diesel and an Automatic gearbox and mine is a saloon and it’s glamouras

dam I really like the design of this car :D

Awesome car that deserves a lot more appreciation. I own it and have driven it for over 180000km the last 5 years. I haven't had a single reliability issue and the engine feels as potent as it was the day I bought it. It's true that there isn't enough useable cubby space and the buttons aren't intuitive, a bit of a mess although you do get used to it eventually. The drive is great though, just what you need for long drives on the highway, very relaxed even at high speeds and almost no sound from outside creeps inside so you feel like you're in a tank (which of course... at 2 ton, you sorta are). CO2 emission is probably the biggest problem of my car as its engine emits 192 g/km co2 which isn't reasonable anymore these days. So hopefully they've changed engines by now.

Never been a fan of Citroen, but my friend own one and im jealous now

superb Citroen C5! really a nice car. The best suspension.

My C5 is 4 and a half years old now, bought one from new in May 2008, when this model was first released in Ireland. Now, I don't have a model with Hydractive as I simply couldn't afford to buy a high spec C5 but I can say this - I haven't had any glitches, faults of anything even threaten to go wrong with this car. I haven't, hand on heart, even had to change a bulb in it yet. Everything looks, feels and sounds like new, even now. It has been the most reliable car I have ever owned.

In summary, on the one hand it has a 'roly poly' ride where you waft along and on the other hand it's not sporty enough and does not drive like a Mondeo. The fact is not like a Mondeo is a plus point so give it a 4th star. Not everything in life is like a Mondeo and by making constant comparisons in your reviews you are sounding a bit like a 'Mondeo Man' rather than a journalist.

My 2012 3L twin turbo has traveled almost 300,000km and still going strong. I have no plans to change it. It’s still a fabulous car and in any case, there’s nothing on the market that interests me.

I don't understand why everything is compared with stiff german cars. When you want that, you buy it, but C5 is perfect for what it's intended to be. One of the most comfortable cars "average Joe" can afford. Even today, you can find a good used one for a bargain and drive long distances like a lord.

this is a fabulously beautiful car. i have always loved the C5

I love that steering wheel, especially how the center portion stays fixed.

I got myself a C5, and I like it more than a BMW 5 series that I had...

Come on! The centre console is very easy to understand and is much better than the Insignia's. That really is a silly design. Having driven a hired Insignia for two days, I was shouting at the counter-intuitive nature of the design.

Let's stop comparing it to "German quality". It's a quality vehicle that stands on its own. Enough said.

Those who are worshipping German cars, all I could say is that I was probably unfortunate to have headaches after headaches with them. My Merc ML broke down many times with replacement parts so expensive. My BMW 5 M-sports had a litany of failures (DPF, Clutch/DMF, Turbo, EGR, Fuel heater, Glow plugs/controller etc.). My Audi TT was not different at all and I was so annoyed I just sold it. Then I decided to try a citroen C5 (2007) and I was surprised by the quality, ride and comfort. My wife was asking if I spent another fortune for this premium car as the ride was so comfortable (air suspension). If she is impressed, then I will probably be buying a new Citroen C5. A well built German-free car:)

my father has a c5 3 years ago, recently he sold it and got an lacrosse, c5 in his opinion was really a comfortable car, but it might be too comfortable especially in the rear sit makes you feel like laying on a water bed, this might good for the passengers but not for the driver, soft suspension combined with the 2.0L 108kw engine, give the results of less accuracy during turning, low acceleracion. apart from those two, it is a good car with a reasonable price, for me, its butt and rear window really attract me :)

I own one and am very happy.

I wish they had them in the us

My dad has one of these. It`s an exclusive 2,0 HDI tourer with 163 bhp. And it`s a very, very good car! Looks beutiful, has excelent ride quality thanks to the hydractive III+, and the seats are great! The things I don`t like is: The sound of the 4sylinder diesel when you accelerate, and that the interior feels a little bit small (black interior) And i wish it was a petrol because I HATE DIESEL! Anyways, it is a very good car!

I have just purchased a 2006 C5 2litre diesel automatic transmission,it has covered 265,000 kilometres and feels like a new car to drive,I’m very happy with the car and wouldn’t hesitate to buy another Citroen.

An incredibly good car, took four years 88,000 km and enjoying it every day that passes.

I drive a 10yr old c5 and believe me it still drives like a dream much better than a mondo. Although it did come with hydrostatic suspension as standard which contributes to the comfy ride. The buttons are better than trying to navigate a menu whist driving, try it while driving on the motorway the idrive is murder to use whilst in motion.

That concave back window is wicked. French cars are so awkward but amazing at the same time.

What about Traction Avant? From Wikipedia: ”In 1954 Citroën's experiments with hydropneumatic technology produced its first result, the "15H" - a variant of the 6-cylinder model 15 with a self-leveling, height-adjustable rear suspension, a field trial for the revolutionary DS released the following year.”

Yeah, They always do things that are almost completely the opposite of what other companies do, even though they try to be like them. This is what makes them so outstanding and unique. They do things backwards just to show that they like to go against the flow. I think this is awesome!

bad handling. drive whit hydroactiva 3+,handling better then sports bmw

@VitAljannn But the thing about C5 is, the cabin is so cozy and comfortable, it makes you wanna cruise smoothly. When you drive a BMW, you feel like the car wants to be thrown around corners. But when you're done with the fun, you end up driving a hard uncomfortable car on broken roads. C5 is a car for normal roads, its a car that WORKS perfectly every day and suits todays needs. Its just so incredibly smooth and relaxing to drive, and it goes around corners much better than you'd expect.

My dad has 3.0 HDI Exclusive and i have 1.8 16v These C5 are very good cruiser its super smooth. My next car will be a C5 again

0:36 it has climbing control, very up market.

Id like to replace the 406 in a few years with one of these, though i think a 2.0 hdi would be more reliable its under less strain than the 1.6

Im another proud owner of the c5 , I bought the car , reason was my budget, I can honesty say id buy another just love the way it drives the comfort is amazing , just had all the belts changed on it, il get my monies worth out of it then buy another

Just booked my C5 HDI 160 Executive automatic gear, after 8 years of satisfaction with a C5 HDI 105CV SW, I simply couldn't give it up for a competitor.

Beautiful. Love you're reviewes!

As for it not going around corners, thats simply not true. A car papers in my country (a part of german auto bild) did a review recently where it compared Citroen C5 and Opel Insignia with optional sport suspension, and C5 actually did better than Insignia in all dynamic tests, braking, handling, elk test, slalom, while being about 5 times more comfortable and smooth. The thing about C5 is, its so comfortable, smooth and quiet that you dont feel like you're going fast.

I found out the climate is always rainy wet or foggy there, but I like it.

I think the review is really bad. If you really push a car with hydractive 3+ during cornering, you understand that you can place it like small hot hatch. I greatly doubt that you can do a better lap time with a mondeo with similar power/weight ratio (ok, if you compare mondeo v6 vs c5 1.8 with 120ps, the mondeo would be faster), as corner grip and break distance is superior by far. It becomes extremely stable as suspension stiffens up and goes in sport mode (deactivating 3 spheres). When you drive smoothly, it's comfortable with all the 7 spheres active, and on this video I can see a C5 been driven smoothly. The only real problem of this car is the big size (4.8 meter long is not ideal for city centres and for tight parking spaces) and the lack of cupholders.

Obviously carbuyer didn't test the Hydroactive version because it's not only the best riding in its class but also the best handling for a fwd saloon by far. Why Citroen took 50 years to get the Hydraulic suspension so reliable and then stopped making it standard on it's saloons is a big mystery.

The steering is meant to be loser at low speeds making parking and manoeuvring easier but the steering stiffens up at higher speeds automatically so you can feel the road. I wish they would get their technical specs right.

his reviews are always good!

Thats true and I think it is because many buyers are afraid of "weird" technology, now they also have a more familiar choice. I would never buy a C5 (never had a Citroen yet) without Hydractive because it is that what really makes this car special.

Matt likes ford mondeo, but it's simply strange when he compares this C5 with german cars and says: in fact a ford mondeo.....

No cup holders because it's not safe to drive and drink 🙀doohhhhh

Me neither. The steering is exact but the steering FEEL (I know many people have different opinions what feel is when talking about steering in a car) is not, and probably will not ever be, if we are talking about hydropneumatic suspension because one of the point of the suspension is to remove the feel of the road surface altogether. The computer adjust everything (always keep the car level etc.). That's why many hate it and others love it.

@dublinairportplanes Because the C5 simply is a better car than Passat. Those who think Passat is better probably never drove both cars, or are just being ignorant. C5 has a better made interior, its much more comfortable, quiet, smooth, refined, has more room inside, same equipment, its actually safer than Passat, and the new model of C5 is more reliable according to GERMAN ADAC. Passat doesn't do anything very well, its just a very very boring car. C5 has character.

This car is absolutely perfect.

Hey Mat you probably don't know by German car makers like VW (Audi included) are notorious for their poor long term reliability and ridiculous repairing bills in US and Canada

I go dogging in this car and it’s great and very versatile.

great review matt :)

It is quite bouncy because of hydraulic. But i love the car overall, it is really comfortable.

Love the C5. It's just stunning.

I think the one he drove has the standard suspension, which is a big difference to the Hydractive Ⅲ+ one (I have tried both).

Superb cars.......beats BMW hands down

The steering is actually very exact (of course depending on the tire choice as always) but lacks the "feel" you are used to because that is the whole idea with this kind of suspension! Just steer and it will exactly go that way you want. :) Reliability is among the best with this newest C5, also in the Nordic countries.

The controls are logically laid out but it is understandable that if you are used to other manufacturer, for example VW, cars that you can't manage at first but after that it is as easy as one could imagine. :) Radio is nowadays steered from the buttons on the steering wheel, you know? ;)

Just a beautiful car

Great review as always, and this is so much better than the stupid Prius! Also, a lot of videos, lately. Great! :D

@skillbill83 Citroen C5 Executive has optional leather trim inside, so EVERYTHING is covered in leather. Dashboard, doors, central console, everything, no plastic at all, and roof covered in alcantara. Add to that huge leather seats that are like sofa's, with heating/cooling/ventilating/massage, double side windows, hydropneumatic suspension, and you've got a car that can stand next to cars like Mercedes E class in terms of luxury and comfort. And still cost less than Passat highline.

It's Matt Watson from carwow!

This car is definitely better than Passat or other cars in class that are overrated. Just because its made for comfort instead of sporty driving doesn't mean its bad. It will "run rings around" any car in its class, and most cars in class above in terms of comfort, smoothness, refinement, noise. It has probably the best seats in class, build quality of interior and materials are far better than in some other cars, like Passat again. Its interior is designed a bit different than normal though.

Reviewer.... clear;y brought up with the ethos of German cars. Not at all the same as those who appreciate French cars.

You forgot to mention that the curved rear makes visibility a bit bad

Comparing a c5 with a toyota is really stupid you just drove a car centuries ahead but you still have your mind at funboy marketing

The cupholders in the front are an option, when i got my 2011 model from the dealer i had the choise between cupholders beneath the radio, or storage compartment, i went for the storage :) (i only use bottles in my car anyway.) And a small comment on the handling... hehe, handles like crap? yeah the standard spring version he's driving is crap, but who in their right mind get's an C5 without the hydropneumatic suspension!!!?! haha. (No sphere's in the rear is visible, and from what i can see above the wheel in the pictures) And i actually haven't seen one without p-sensors before like this one. Reliability? ive had no problems my last 50k km only done brakes and service so far. and soon the timing belt myself :) Cheap car, cheap parts, and a happy wife ;) Never actually had any problems so far, only 1 wheel bearing and both driveshafts. (those 3 cost me only like 450 euro) (115k km so far.) 2.0HDI 140. You get ALOT of car for your money. and a sharp looking ride :)

It's not "one of the best riding cars in its class", it is THE best riding car in its class

I am around 193-194 cm tall and headroom at backseats is terrible for people average size 180+ Overall headroom is much more decent in Audi a4 b7 and newer models

Thumbs up if you just saw Matt driving a Lamborghini! Just love that dude! Omg.

yes, true, but still confusing it. I will repeat that only highest trim level has hydro suspension in that c5. most of them are coil-sprung.

How many here believe that the closing statement comparing it to the unsophisticated bland and cheap Avensys was really a remark in bad taste?

I agree with Matt that interior looks like it wasn't well thought out at all. Looks like they just threw some stuff in there without thinking about ease of reach of the controls.

All the things you say are downsides are why we love citroens.

It's without doubt a nice car. But how could they have overlooked something so simple as cup holders? Even the most basic cars I drove had those.

What a gorgeous ride!! FML BRING IT TO THE USA ALREADY!!!!

Well, go to your nearest Citroën dealer and try one! :P I think the C5 Ⅲ inherited the suspension from the C6, I'm not 100% sure though.

the fact it is softly sprung doesn't justify the steering with bad feel. sporty drive is not the only point of well set-up steering.

That was nephew Mat ten years ago.

It would be great to see grandpa driving that car instead of a beige Camry but no french in Canada unfortunately.

Interor quality is upscale, comfort is still the best, and the price is really low.

Many Reviewers usually get petty when reviewing French Cars. No exception here.

Looks beautiful!

Forgot to mention my electric windows are broken again so this will be my fourth repair

the first c5 was the folow up of the xantia the hydractive suspension came from that the xantia got it from the bx and the bx from the gs and the gs got it from the id wich was a cheaper version of the ds which was first in the bloodline of hydractive suspension

@TheHornyHomunculus That was my point. Citroens are underrated, VW's are overrated. I've owned a Renault Laguna II from 2001 to 2009. Never a single problem, and when I sold it, interior was still like new. Nothing was creaking or squeaking. I've seen Passat from 2001-2002 that looked like they were 20 years old inside, with leather steering completely smooth, seats disfigured, plastics peeling off on door handles, etc. I'm not saying VW's are bad, but all except Golf are very overrated.

@dublinairportplanes True, it doesnt handle as good as Mondeo, but its much more comfortable, refined and smooth. Difference in handling is not as big as difference in comfort between C5 and Mondeo.

he's a ford fanboy... .

About the quality, depends mostly on the driver. If you respect the car it will respect you, if not, it will take you money.

can you please do a review of honda cr-z? please, I really want to watch you reviewing it before I buy it...

i like the steering wheel. you dont see that in USA.!!!

It aged so badly. I had one for 2 years and it lost 40% of value. They're so rare on roads now too.

Please do review of Renault Laguna.

@VitAljannn It is one of the cars that I would like to own and have test driven it 2 times (2.0 HDI with 163hp and 3.0 HDI with 240hp). Its by far the most comfortable, refined, smooth, relaxing and pleasant car to drive in segment. Yes, steering is a little vague and lacks feel when driving sporty, but come on, 99% of time on roads you dont drive like a lunatic around corners. Besides, if you decide to, C5 has LOADS of grip, steering is precise, seats have great side bolstering...

OK, whoever edits these videos, can you please de-interlace it? It looks really bad, especially in HD

Please do a review of the Mercedes R-class!!

3:24 hidractive suspension.

What’s Reliability like?