Vehicle: 2002 SAAB 9-5 Aero sedan with 5-speed auto tranny.

Performance: The Aero is powered by a 2.3L high-ouput turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that bumps out 250hp @ 5500 rpm and 258 lb/ft @ 2500 rpm. With impressive numbers like these, power is never an issue. The throttle tip-in is linear. Off-the-line response is brisk. Unlike previous high-pressure SAAB turbos, turbo lag is never an issue. There’s also an impressive feature called “instant-boost” standard on HOT engine series. When you are driving 120 km/h on a freeway ready to overtake a slow vehicle, the system will increase the torque by 12 lb/ft of torque in 20 seconds. Its completely seemless and works exceptionally well. 5-speed auto also works exceptionally well. Both up and downshifts are quick without sacificing the smooth transition. In fact, this is the tyranny that’s good enough to choose it over the rather notchy stick. SAAB should put this box into 9-5 from day 1. In short, 9-5 Aero’s performance is nothing short of amazing.

Handling: Without a doubt, the Aero feels every inch a SAAB. That means the driving experience is communicative and very enjoyable. SAAB has stiffened both the chassis and suspension up on all 9-5 in the revision process. The steering provides excellent road feel. Considered this is a high-powered front-driver, both understeer and torque steer are issues but remain very controllable. The suspension handles corners in a manner that’s more forgiving than previous 9-5s I have driven. However, body rolls remain an issue. For 2002, ESP has been added to the already safe package. The system feels more instrusive than I expected. I can forgive this design considered how much hp SAAB put the chassis through the front wheels. The ride is comfortable and firm.

Brakes: As with SAAB’s tradition, the pedal feel is excellent. Its an almost flawless system.

Interior: The aeroplane-inspired concept is just a joy to sit inside. The fit-and-finish is top-notch. Every panels are covered in plastic that has an expensive feel. Both the radio and climate control placed in a location that falls right into the driver’s hand. Instrumentation gauges are clear and analog. The leather-covered seats are probably the most comfortable seats I have ever sat in. The back seats are spacious, the design makes it feel like a living room sofa. The ventliation seats feature is nifty. You feel like the leather is breathing on your body as you turned it on. The trunk is huge, it also gets the uninstrusive trunk hingles.

Conclusion: If the original 9-5 already the best SAAB ever, SAAB just makes the best even better. Great powerplant, great interior, very good handling judging on how much power put through the front wheels and added ESP. Best of all, it still feels and drives like anything but a SAAB. Its a mistake of not put a 9-5 in your shopping list if you are cross shopping A6 and 5-Series in the price range.

OVERALL RATINGS FOR 2002 SAAB 9-5 Aero
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Performance: 5/5
Handling/fun-to-drive: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/built quality: 5/5
Interior/spaciousness/user-friendliness: 5/5
Value-for-money: 3.75/5

Overall rating: 4.5/5