Wish you could have compared a ‘99-‘01 generation as well! Glass headlight lenses, headlight wipers, umbrella holders in the B pillars, and I’m probably missing more things that GM slowly deleted. Thank you for summing up so well why I never liked the ‘06+ model years!
Definitely biased. The exterior chrome on the pre-06 is the same type of plastic. There is no difference in quality The interior comparison makes no sense. The door material on the 06- 9-5 is not plastic. That is a type of vinyl, if you push it you will see it's not 'hard' but actually soft-ish. Not the same as the earlier, but definitely not "cheap plastic". The same goes for the dashboard cover above. The steering wheel material on the 9-5 on neither is "real leather" and there is no difference in the quality whatsoever. The drivers cluster is not prone to failing on the never 9-5s. This is practically unheard of .. The centre console radio/AC controls work as good as the old ones, they are a gm product but absolutely not any less in quality than previous 9-5s! The dials are not a "cheaper" design, it is a much more modern and simplified design. The older design looked like out of the early 1990s dude. The overall plastic in the centre/lower console doesn't differ AT ALL in quality. I am really sorry but most of this is bullshit. I lived in Sweden 14 years and have drieven hundreds of 9-5s, seen over a 1000 in junkyard and owned multiple. It simply isn't true. The whole "saab good GM bad" shit is cringe
Also, the fuel door (or whatever you prefer to call it) is no more button operated on the 06-09 version. A small detail, but it still shows the whole cheap out policy of GM. There seems to be an explanation actually. I read somewhere that Saab were to release a completely new 9-5 which was to share a platform with the Alfa Romeo 159 (with certain differences, of course), but GM shut down the project (probably because our guys were losing a lot of money already) and only gave them peanuts to make yet another facelift which turned out to be the 06-09 we see here. As for the platform, the Italians still used it and some people think that the fact that it's developed by Saab is the main reason the 159 is such a solid car in terms of safety.
I own an Alfa Romeo 159 ti Sportwagon (My car in the avatar photo). I can attest to the build quality - it is a heavy car, but is well put together and at 118,000 miles does not have any squeaks or rattles and is rust free. I have owned 2 og 9-5's and found them to be fantastic cars. I currently have my eye on a '97 Saab 9000 cde with +/- 270 bhp.
Hey Kyle. I had a 2005 9-5 Arc that flooded out in a vicious rain storm 2 years ago. Ended up buying a used Camry . Strongly considering selling the Camry locally and buying another used Saab, preferably 2005 or a few years older. Like my Saab mechanic said to me years ago…..Toyotas are reliable but they have no soul. If you have anything that matches please get in touch.
@@Kallemedkn1ven you saved my sanity im away from home about to service my 06 9-5 wagon and I can get to the fuel pump...I was wondering what that patch was lolol
Couldn’t agree more mate. Just bought a 2004 Aero estate in the UK for £1150. Think I got a bargain. It’s immaculate so this video is very reassuring. Thanks.
The Aero always have sport seats, in other models you normally had to add it, so probably the difference in seats you feel is caused by the fact you' re compare the comfort seats with the sport seats, I personally think the sport seats is better. As I also own those two generations (Aero '05 and Aero '07) I can agree on many things, even if I like the steering wheel in the old model better, also she meters. I also think the new rear light clusters are plain ugly, looks much better on the older model. In general I think the '05 Aero is the best version of 9-5 that was ever made. ..So why do I have a '07 too ? ..Well.. my '05 have a lot of miles on it and I found the '07 for a really good price.
Great vid, thanks! Just purchased an '04 Arc Wagon as my daughter's first car, and let's just say that dad needs to drive it for a few months before he hands over the keys. Love it!
I think the rear lights cluster on the 2006-on looks a lot sexier than the previous 95 which is just a horrid square. About the quality of the materials I have to agree, however, and owning a 9000 too, I find the 2004 version dated, so to me the face lift is kind of refreshing. An important point is emissions tho, and this is ultimately why I've kept the 2006 one in the end, although they have almost the same powertrain, the 2006 has a higher rated environmental sticker in many countries, meaning it pays less tax and is allowed in big cities where the 2004 isn't.
Even though this is two years old, it's still a great video! I always thought the NG was better looking and more desirable. You've changed my opinion! I have had some challenges to put it mildly with my 2002 95. Still, I can see now that it is the better car. The reduction in material quality is a common in GM cars. I worked a long time ago in the car business. The original version of a car would have better quality materials, but they would come with technical issues. A few years would go by, and the technical/mechanical issues would get corrected. Then they would do a facelift and use cheaper plastic parts just to squeeze an extra few cents from each unit sold! Those parts would not last as long or wear as well. Kyle, have you had an issue with your transmission banging into gear?
Agree 100% Have had both years. 2007 Aero Biggest design blunder, NO AUTOBOX DIPSTICK!!!!!🤦♂️ How the hell can you check level/condition of fluid Good luck when buying used🤞🙏 Now got 2005 2L. A cross between the two. Fake leather, no remote fuel cap release, but superior quality to the 2007 model.
I own a 2002 Aero with 313500km (around 190k miles) and I love it. It's not trouble free, but its also not a pain in the ass and I think its very reliable if you keep an eye on everything regularly. My friends were impressed by the level of equipment, engine and quality when I bought it 3 years ago
There's a 2004 9-5 Aero for sale near me with 86,000 miles for $5400.00. Would this be a reliable car for my teen daughter? I've never had a turbo before and wonder about the reliability of the turbo. Does it use engine oil or is it self contained in the turbo?
The OG's have a whole different feel to it compared to the Facelift. The plastics and Vinyl "leather" seats in the facelift can't compare.. And the Edna just doesnt appeal to me as much as the -05 Aero spec ones.. Both good cars though!
No OnStar & No SiriusXM pre-09. That's why I'll take the '09 even though it's very GM. And not to hate, I just got an '09 9-5 and yes, you can access the fuel pump while folding up the seats. The electronics in the '04 are just awful by comparison to the '09 and that's the way it is. I mean Harman Kardon stereo, SiriusXM, and OnStar all integrated into an '09 model? If there are problems with "Plastic Fantastic GM crap" but just buy some glue. It worked for me on the 9-3 and I've done it on 3 Saabs.
You definitely hate the 06-09 model, and just telling you, that is not a different generations, the 06-09 is a facelift of the 97-05 so, the same generation is from 97-09, the reverse light is just because of design
There’s no way to check/top off the tranny fluid on the newer style. We’ve had 5 of the older ones and were amazed GM made that senseless change in design. My 80yo father got rid of his for this reason. GM really ruined this brand. We’ve had a dozen SAABS since the early 80s and the newer one is a perfect example of terrible design
When I was searching for my first SAAB I decided I wanted only the 2006 and newer 9 5. It took several weeks until I found the one I did buy: 2006 9 5 2.3T from Hawaii with only 46,000 miles. I bought it for $650. Slight engine overheating so I had it repaired at a dedicated SAAB service center in Irvine, California. After two years, the oil cooler lines were leaking while I was driving home. You would think a newer engine replacement would include new cooler lines. The SAAB is still stored in my garage, so the plastic interior is not degrading at all. When is Kyle coming to SoCal for some repair assistance and a new video?
Ive owned a 99, 05 and now and 03. Loved my 4 Speed Auto 99(never had a sludge issue btw) glass headlights and very reliable sold with over 200K to a VW guy!. The 03 is faster w a 5spd and still a damn good car. The factory stereo still sounds great and works after 19 years.
Unbelievable car. The 9000 was superlative. They could not build it for GBP100K, such was quality. Fast, refined, safe and comfortable. 95 is a pale imitation of a SAAB. 9000 better than anything built today, quality throughout car. Went from a wobbly Japanese coupe and old Ford Escort to a CD 9000. No comparison.
Don't have to finish watching the video. I got these two, a '99 and a '06 9-5 combi, both crap, both with engine failures, both ready for the junk yard.
I don't disagree with anything you say. I have owned 5 Saabs. 81-01. I would say the front and rear cosmetics of the 08' are TITS! I have seen them blacked out and am in love. However, I would go a step further and say that my 01' 9-5 Estate is better than either of those showcased. In every way except cosmetic styling. The wagons look better than the 4 door sedans. Mine is always given what it needs, but is also completely abused in every way. It now has 207K miles and is as strong as it ever was. Sure. it leaks, it has a check engine light on, the dash rattles, the pixels are sometimes a puzzle, but I LOVE the car and won't sell it. Also, the 1st 2 minutes of your video are completely unnecessary. Lose the Intro and the long pontificating. Sorry not sorry.
I´m an owner of the 9-5 griffin vector 2.3t BP -09. My friend has a 01- saab 9-5 SE. I would break it down like this in terms of points. Features and quirks: 09 Comfort: tie Durability and build quality: 01 Looks: 09 Engine: 09 Reliability: 01 owner friendliness (in terms of performing own service etc): 01 Power output: 09 (obviously) Lifetime (of the car if used regurarely): 01 Results: 09; 5/9 01; 5/9 I love the older saabs and if I found a properly maintained saab 9-5 05 aero I would mby trade my 09 for it. I just prefer the older saabs more since you can really really feel the better material and build quality when driving it. It all feels sturdy. However in terms of general ownership the 09 saab is better. It´s cheaper to own, it requires less fuel, it´s cheaper to fix (spare parts), it´s got a better engine, euro5 environment class, more aftermarket stuff. It boils down to personal preference and what you want the car for. But unless your a proper enthusiast that enjoys working on your cars on a monthly basis, the 06 and up are for you. If you enjoy working on your cars the 05 and down is better. The 05 came with a really good manual as well which would explain step by step DIY repairs on your car which is kinda cool to see. The newest cars (not saab) aren´t even ment ot be tinkered with. You just let a mechanic do it.. which fking sucks tbh because the cars are not userfriendly in that regard.
The OG has better interior wearing materials and layout and the old style shark bumper is better looking. More expensive matierals used back then the NG S 95 GM clearly cut corners and cost. But I'd still buy a NG 95 if I could get a clean OG. 2012 last model made. Agree with this guy most uprated same models usually people pick the newer model.. Unreal he is going for the older aero model.
We have both those models and you forgot one MAJOR difference. The older one has a transmission dipstick and fill point, and the newer one doesn’t. In order to check/top off the tranny fluid you need to remove the battery, cut off a corner of the battery tray and use a Allen wrench and remove a plug and there’s NO WAY to check the level. My dad scrapped his and went with an Audi A6. Side note: I still LOVE my 2005 9-5 and it’s one of a dozen SAABS our family has owned since the early 1980’s, we are NOT SAAB haters. I blame the company’s demise on terrible GM management and marketing. The original 900’s and 99s (yes, I had a 1970s 99 that was awesome) are still my very favorite cars
Hi. Thank you for the video. I love both of them, especially the 04-05 areo bumper. They are so sexy imo. Although I have a 03 areo I'm not really liking the current 03 areo bumper with a missing lip.. it's pretty hard to find a 05 areo to convert bumper. I also love how the 06 front facial looks too. . From your experience with front end work, will the 06 front end bolt on to the older models? I usume Im I'll be needing Hood Fender Bumper + accessories head lights I found one pretty cheap and I'm also in south NJ. Thank you again for the cool comparison
Fair comparison to be honest. I love the more modern look of the Dame Edna, and I bought one because it suits my current needs a bit more. It's my only car so I need something a bit professional-looking for professional purposes. However, the quality of the pre-Dame models is much higher. Because my Dame Edna is my first car I've purchased with my own money, I'm probably going to keep it for a while - maybe forever - especially if I can afford a collection. But years from now when I'm no longer daily driving a Saab, I'd probably rather have a pre-Dame as a toy.
I can see that it is summer for you😎😎, because it is still cold for me🐧🐧. I have a 9-5 from 2006 and I don't have such plastics. I'm glad it looks pretty good and stands out from the crowd. The tail lights could be better. Despite some minor comments, I am very pleased👍👍
We have an '08 9-5 Aero with 99k mi which I throughly enjoy. (My bride of 34 years says it looks like a Buick; but does like the comfort and acceleration.) At the beginning I just knew you would pick the Edna. A little surprised for your pick but you are correct about the materials and servicing. (Also add the later years lack of auto trans dipstick & when you open the bonnet, to pull up on the lever instead of the chrome lest you pull the chrome piece off. ) Thanks to you I'll bet the price of the ones up to '05 just shot up! Keep the videos coming!!!
I'm in MN and may look at one of these thats for sale. What should I look out for? It has 86,000 miles. Do these have any particular area to wary of for rust on frame or suspension parts like some cars have? What type of leaks are common? Do they have head gasket issues or timing chain issues? Thanks
I owned a 98 SE model it had leather map pockets and rear reading lights I part exchange it after three years for a 2001 model same SE spec they had replaced the leather for vinyl and got rid of the reading lights must have saved a few Pounds at most 😢
06 model had also cheaper 'steel'.Thinner,more prone to rust. I had 2000y model Aero 4d for over 9 years and about 180.000 miles done by myself , and now I bought my05 Aero Wagon . And I think this Barracuda will stay with me...😏
The single reverse light is a huge wtf. GM's crackdown on SAAB happened around the time that newer 9-5 was being designed, clearly. Before that, SAAB was forced to use the rebadge chassis, but GM did not stay on top of how much SAAB would use direct from the GM Bin. SAAB spent a lot of GM-money reengineering SAAB versions of the components, until GM took away the SAAB Engineer's credit cards. XD Nonetheless, I will take an 09 in a heartbeat.
Throw a good LED bulb in that single reverse light. It makes a huge difference, as long as it is a not a autoparts bulb, but a good one with top and side led's on it.
And if you compare a 02-05 to 98-01, there is also a gap in quality. Have seen older 9-5 leather seats, that look brand new with 400k kilometres, and the newer 9-5 leather streches out and looks hideous.
I get the complaints on quality of the 06-09 models for sure, the parchment leather seats on my 06 at 170,000 look terrible and are being replaced soon. However the exterior styling looks much sleeker and more svelte than the earlier models.
Would still take any of these over any modern car. My 09 griffin is more feature complete than most cars my friends have that are sometimes 10 years newer, and so much more fun.
Good review..... I have got the older generation saab 95.... and it a pleased to own one.... especially with the shark front bumper.... I am glad you have shown the saab community... the difference In these models... and a good video guideline... for the growing saab fan base...
At 6.24 "This leather. Its a little more plastic....." Just one example of how your statements make no sense whatsoever. I understand what meaning you wish to communicate. But, this isn't the way to do it. Also, at the start. You waffled and repeated for 90 seconds, which was a complete waste of everybody's time. Then you wasted another 20+ secs with your signature tune. So, right off the bat. Almost two minutes, after which I wanted to tear my hair out. Do you script what you're going to say? Even in rough? Or, do you just go free flow with your consciousness? I couldn't take anymore by around five minutes and surprisingly, will not be "smashing" the subscribe button!
I think the 9000 from the late 90s is a brilliant car and very underrated. Easy to tweak and surprisingly quick and of course, Saab comfort and safety. As Jeremy Clarkson once said "You wonder why new Saabs are so expensive, until you have a crash in one". A RU-vidr here in the UK has a late 9000 CDE that he is raffling for £10 a ticket - I've bought a few tickets, so wish me luck!
Starting 2006 they also replaced the transmission dip stick with a very shallow Torx bolt that strips out very easily on a car with a turbo that needs transmission fluid changes. Another WTF moment in GMs ruination of Saab.
@@MsOligui There is T55 torx bolt on top of the transmission that you can visually see if you look way down on the right side of the engine. There is also a 8mm bolt under the battery that might be easier to access and less likely to strip. EIther way you must get one of these two bolts off before draining. Also order the T55 bolt and a replacement washer for the 24mm drain bolt beforehand. It should drain about 4 qts and each drain and fill. Search the forum for the exat fill measurements but offhand i believe low-high was 39-60 below the lip of the torx bolt hole. Good luck. I stripped out the T55 bolt and will attempt to drill and easyout it and/or gain access from the 8mm hex bolt. Definitely a PITA. I am not a mechanic and newer to Saabs but learning a lot and this has been a challenge for me. Good Luck
I love my 9-5 vector from 2002 altho it needs new camchains and due to previous owners lack of maintenance needs alot of work its my absolut best car so far
GM ruined the build quality of Saab, my previous 2002 Viggen 9-3 Cabrio was so much better built than the 2004-2006 Aero' cars having owned both the 2.0 and 2.8 liter V6 versions. But the 2004-2005 9-5 Aero which has more hp than the standard car also has different seats. My 2005 9-5 Aero wagon has both heated and cooled seats, touch screen navigation, and makes my 4WD 2011 Toyota Sienna Limited feel cheap and nasty and I only manage 18mpg!. The Saab gets 30mpg doesn't squeak or rattle and drives like a new car and is more reliable than any BMW 530it, Audi A6 wagon, or Mercedes E 500 4-Matic wagon I have previously owned!
4 Saabs. A 9000 CS, a 9⁵ NG and two 9⁵ OGs like yours (one phase 2 and one phase 3). I just followed you on Insta, so you will be able to find me too. I think exactly the same as you do and so did my late dad, who owned 3 of my 4 current Saabs.
So I have an 2007 9-5 2.3t with the white interior. However, it has the seats with the little to no bolstering. Will older generation front seats fit my 07? My other concern is that the white interior might only be available on the 06-09 generation. Appreciate the help.
TONS, and I mean tons of Euro spec cars have the one reverse light, one fog light. I like the asymmetrical look of it. Most other Americans don't dig asymmetrical stuff though. That said, the Dame Era Sportcombi has two reverse lights still. My fog is a small square under the turn/reverse layer. I don't know why the wagon had such a departure from the saloon, but it did. Personally, while I agree the older pre-facelift had better materials; the Dame is so much sleeker and more refined looking. But, that's just my opinion, and I know it isn't shared by a lot of Saab lovers. (Although I see some Dame love in the comments here!)
Direct ignition cassettes are still annoying regardless. I’ve had both, it’s like picking your favorite kid. can’t do it. Each one has qualities I preferred
I agree the materials are not as good on the 06-09. I have an 08 9-5 aero and love it,. On the topic of power, much better than models before, but one thing that I don't like, there is no fuel filter. This never made sense to me one bit.
Kyle I have 2005 03 linear and I love it more the my 03 95. I changed oil 4vtimes so far since sept.. I heard the journal squeak in turbo so I ordered new balanced cartridge. Then it went away. I use engine flush and let run on idle then flush the add ow 40 mobile 1. The turbo has the.bolts not the clamp. What would you do. Compression perfect and building smoke machime.. and input helps thx
I’ve been without motor transport for about 3 years now, I borrow the wife’s Qashqai when I need to which hasn’t been a lot this past two years but I’m curiously drawn to the Saab 9-5…I am looking at a few wagons as that’s what I like to use to haul my crap about.. I suppose your critiques would be the same for those taken from your reviews of the saloons?
Hello mate! A very nice video indeed. I just bouhgt a '05 9-5 yesterday! 😊 I also preffer the looks of a firts series. I found one from a senior man who can't drive anymore, first owner with genuine 83 tkm (51tmi), always in garage, never driven in winter. But also like the newer cluster more ..are these interchangeable? And the steering wheel also? Thank you!
I´ve got leather door pulls in all doors in my 03 that are the same leather and exact stitching than the Saab charcoal leather seats and look 100% stock. Custom made of course. Just find a 2nd pair of front seats. Walnut door sills too (there´s a plastic trim sill just under there -00 earlier ones had some nice saab lettering). You can also upgrade the cheap plastic by the A pillar where you control the exterior side mirrors with some nice leather stitching (you see that all the time). You may want to have the 05 stock sat nav, just for the upscale look. I also had the center console upgraded (in saab leather), with some nice stitching too around where you turn the key. Or the cheap plastics behind the steering wheel. These little details and some sound deadening inside the doors which is a very cheap DIY will go a very long way to make your car feel totally upscale.
100% True ,the olders models are built with better quality (if I show you the picture of my 9-3 SE 2002 you will not belive it in what condition is she , original paint..(with extra double 3'' exhaust costum made..) but the car never runs winter :)) picture sent..
Went to go buy a 08 9-5 having driven an 05, and I was so disappointed I felt almost sick. The only thing that felt the same was the engine and transmission. Even the gagues were gross
To clarify everything was cheap and weak, knocking on the metal even felt thin. The guy wanted like 10k for what looked and felt like a piece of garbage. Amazing how bad GM forced them to make it.
Last of the OG S 95 best to go for. As rust is a big issue least we have the NG S 95 till 2012 I'd really stuck. A long run this model had and shows you how good a car chassis the S 95 were and are still sought after badly. And can be picked up for peanuts.
