It was time to dust off the Saab 9-5 Aero and get it out of the garage. After a couple of days anticipating the drive, the moment finally arrived. Swapping my usual ride for the 9-5 Aero felt like stepping back in time, yet also forward into a unique driving experience. The weather, however, had other plans, as thunderstorms and heavy rain rolled across the region just as I set off.
Initial Impressions: Modern or Disappointing?
It had been quite a while since I last drove a first-generation Saab 9-5 Aero. In the interim, so many other cars, especially Saabs, had passed through my hands that the memory of the 9-5 Aero had faded. This wasn’t necessarily a positive sign. My first few miles in this “new,” yet classic, Saab were thus filled with a mix of curiosity and perhaps slightly lowered expectations. The immediate sensation? It drives… well, like a modern car. Was this… disappointing?
To understand this initial reaction, we need to delve into the history of the first Saab 9-5 series. Across its production run, Saab subtly refined the chassis tuning, sometimes even between major variants. The 9-5 marked Saab’s first foray into a split rear axle design, and the chassis was widely praised, particularly in Sweden, with automotive magazines even hailing it as a “miracle running gear.”
The initial iteration of the 9-5 chassis prioritized comfort and safety, perfectly embodying what Saab engineers in Trollhättan envisioned for this model. It was a setup that truly complemented the 9-5’s character. However, the 2001 facelift brought a sportier edge, and subsequent revisions further sharpened the driving dynamics. But those are stories for another time.
A 20-Year-Old Car Driving Like New
Despite its age, this 2000 Saab 9-5 Aero genuinely feels like a much newer vehicle from behind the wheel. The cabin is remarkably quiet and well-insulated from road noise. The controls are light and intuitive, and the cockpit layout is classic Saab – logical and driver-focused. The 17-inch wheels fitted to this Aero appear to be the perfect size, negating any desire for larger, potentially less comfortable rims. The chassis setup is truly impressive; my much younger company car requires electronic trickery to achieve a similar level of composure and ride quality.
Navigating through thunderstorms and heavy rain on the highway, I encountered typical rush-hour conditions and limited visibility. Squeezing the 9-5 Aero into a gap between heavy trucks amidst the spray, a fleeting thought crossed my mind: this car lacks modern electronic stability programs (ESP) and driver aids. Yet, it simply doesn’t need them.
Built to Last: Quality and Comfort Endure
Just as the initial drive suggested, the Saab 9-5 Aero continued to impress. From summer heat to frustrating motorway traffic jams, the car handled everything with unflappable composure. The Aero is undeniably quick, feels agile, and provides a high level of comfort, even at higher speeds. The build quality is genuinely surprising for a car of this age. There are absolutely no rattles or squeaks anywhere in the cabin, even after two decades on the road. The thought of needing something newer or more modern simply never arises while driving this Saab.
A Visit to the Saab Specialist
To get a professional opinion, I took the 9-5 Aero to Saab Service Frankfurt. Gerard Ratzmann, a Saab specialist there, kindly took the time for an extensive test drive. His verdict? The car felt remarkably new, or very close to it. On the workshop lift, the 9-5 Aero revealed its solid underpinnings. A couple of minor maintenance items were identified, to be addressed when time allows, but overall, the car was deemed to be in excellent condition, both mechanically and cosmetically.
The paintwork, partially redone in Barcelona, was also praised as being of exceptional quality. Any initial concerns I had about the repaint proved unfounded. It took considerable scrutiny to even detect any evidence of the work, testament to the meticulousness of the craftsmanship at berma in Spain.
So, is everything positive? In many ways, yes. The Saab 9-5 Aero lives up to its reputation and delivers on its promises. But the lingering question remains: has it truly captured my heart? A deeper comparison between the Saab 9-5 Aero and the Saab 9000 is definitely warranted to fully answer that question.
