Date: Sat, 13 Mar 1999 20:21:26 -0500 From: "Tom Steele" <tpsteelenopsamspring.com> Subject: 9-5 Wagon Test Drive
Just got back from the dealer, who had a demo model (4-cyl. turbo, 5-speed manual). I was VERY impressed with this car. It actually looks better as a wagon, in my opinion. The only clue that this is a wagon when driving it is when you look in the rear-view mirror and see all that space back there. There's no third seat option, as Saab apparently felt this was a little too dangerous for the occupants - lord knows there's enough room back there for a third seat, but they supposedly tested it and found that rear passengers wouldn't do too well in a collision. Other than that, it drives like a regular sports sedan, only this one has some serious cargo capability. The one I drove didn't have the rear sliding tray (TRACS system), but it did have some extremely serious looking tie-down hooks. The dealer said they can actually lift the car using the tie-down hooks, and I don't doubt it. There was no sticker on the one I drove, but the dealer said to expect about $33K for the 4-cyl turbo with a automatic, slightly less with the stick. Can't wait for April... Tom Steele