thoughts on the SAAB 9-5 and 9-3? (and just got back from cleveland auto show)

[MikeMike]

just got back from the autoshow in cleveland. the new C6 wasnt even their!!! but on tuesday the convertible will be introduced in the U.S. for the first time.

we were looking at cars, and well GM happens to be where we look alot due to GMS discount. and the SAAB 9-5 and 9-3's caught our attention. there is SO much trunk space. enough room inside the car, and its a nice looking car. does anyone here drive one, have ridden in one??

o yea, the solstice and saturn version are DROOOOL, i won a free pen for knowing that it is based on the kappa platform
i have pics, but no where to host.

o yea, this summer, should i go out to california and pick up my uncles saab 900 turbo for free? it is like a 92.

MIKE

 

[CFster]

The new 9-3's have fiber optic wiring harnesses.

 

[GasX]

Originally posted by: CFster
The new 9-3's have fiber optic wiring harnesses.

is that bad? good? weird?

 

[Emrys]

We have a 02 9-5 wagon at home, and everybody in the family likes it, haven't had any problems with it.

 

[abracadabra1]

93s here. Love it dearly. Smooth ride, real nice to drive in the city. The handling is okay, much better than the volvo s40 (if you've driven the s40), and the acceleration is pretty decent considering the engine. My only qualm is that there seems to be a delay between when you press on the accelerator and when it actuates. It is a minimal delay, but enough to be noticeable and at times annoying.

I don't know if the delay is a problem specific to the 93s or if it's just an individual fluke.

 

[BigSmooth]

Originally posted by: abracadabra1
93s here. Love it dearly. Smooth ride, real nice to drive in the city. The handling is okay, much better than the volvo s40 (if you've driven the s40), and the acceleration is pretty decent considering the engine. My only qualm is that there seems to be a delay between when you press on the accelerator and when it actuates. It is a minimal delay, but enough to be noticeable and at times annoying.

I don't know if the delay is a problem specific to the 93s or if it's just an individual fluke.

Probably just turbo lag. It's normal, especially at low speeds.

 

[BDawg]

I have a frost grey '00 9-5. I love absolutely everything about it, but some days I wish it were RWD. It has great interior room, great trunk space, it's quick enough, and it handles well. I just wish it had the aeriated seats.

 

[FrustratedUser]

I've been driving the 9-5 on autobahn a number of times. Driving at 120mph feels great. It handles well, have good brakes, roomy interior and it looks good too.

 

[Actaeon]

Originally posted by: nourdmrolNMT1

o yea, the solstice and saturn version are DROOOOL, i won a free pen for knowing that it is based on the kappa platform

I :heart: the Saturn Curve concept. I really hope they put something similar like that into production. The Solstice is nice, but I think the Curve is nicer.

 

[AEnigmaWI]

I have a bad taste in my mouth from my '95 Saab.. yes, it was pre 9-3, but after GM took them over.. that car was good, but it just started systematically falling apart at 60k miles.. and those bosch parts aren't cheap.

 

[halik]

9-3s are nice, except the interior is very ugly and boring

 

[thomsbrain]

my aunt and uncle have a pretty new 9-5 wagon with the 250 HP turbo 4. my uncle drives a classic V8 mustang but he says the Saab is the fastest car he's ever driven. and it's really nice inside, with tons of features. great ride despite the low profile tires, and quiet. i'd check them out if i was in the market (but i'd also take a nice long look at the S4 Avant).

 

[CFster]

Originally posted by: Mwilding

Originally posted by: CFster
The new 9-3's have fiber optic wiring harnesses.

is that bad? good? weird?

Depends on how you look at it.

They saved over 150lbs of weight in the car, but now there are over 40 microprocessors to control the damned thing.

Good luck getting an electrical problem diagnosed. Back to the dealer you go as they will be the only ones with the proper diagnostic equipment.

Really though, it's the way everything is going - pretty soon all cars will be the same way.