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Picked up my cosmic blue 2002 Aero a little over a month ago. I've got about 1200 miles on it so far (the result of me looking for every minor excuse to drive it!) and I figured I'd weigh in with a review.
Likes:
- Exterior styling. The only car that matches it in looks (in my opinion) is a 3-series. Love the cosmic blue color too--I'll post some pictures at some point. I really like the styling changes made for '02.
- Interior. Great seats, although I'd prefer harder, more-Viggen-like seats with added thigh bolstering. I even really like the dash, although it crackles a bit over the bumps. I've decided I even like the cassette player in-dash, as I've rediscovered a bunch of old tapes I had from the '80s that haven't been played in years. The trunk is a cavern, although I miss the huge cargo area of my old 9-3.
- Performance. Amazing feel throughout the power band. The car is outstanding in just about any environment, but on the highway it really shines. Makes the 330 I came close to buying feel like a Camry. Whoooosh! Great stopping power as well. You really feel like you're in complete control in this car! This feeling is actually a little bit dangerous, because at 85 MPH you're just starting to get into the fun zone for 5th gear RPMs.
- Handling. Great for a car this size. I would prefer a slightly smaller, more tossable car (I loved the addictive, engaging feel of my 9-3SE, and I'm looking forward to the Viggen version of the NG9-3), but the Aero is keeping me happy. The car feels smaller/lighter as the speed increases. It corners much tighter and flatter than my old 1999 9-3SE HOT. The suspension is quite stiff, but that's the way I like it. Interestingly enough, I find it to have better feel and at the same time is a bit more compliant than the old pre-'02 Aeros. The steering is unfortunately overboosted, but I guess I have to live with it.
- Xenons. Love 'em. Highly recommended.
- Girlfriend loves the dual-zone climate control.
- Great sales experience and service at Charles River Saab.
Dislikes
- Rear parking assist. Well, I don't dislike it--I just don't find it very useful or trustworthy.
- Rattles. Dashboard and roof. Dealership solved the dash rattle but the roof remains an annoying stumper.
- Overboosted steering. Steering is also misaligned, something I just noticed and need the dealer to fix.
- No mute button on the stereo! I gladly would have sacrificed the weather band button for a mute button. Come on, SAAB--my 9-3 had a mute and it was an incredibly useful function.
- Have an issue with noise from my fuel pump, which the dealer has ordered and will replace.
Sieglo
2002 9-5 Aero
posted by 12.11.1...
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