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OK, so I traded in my 2000 9-5 base sedan with auto and Premium Pkg. last Saturday for a 2003 Linear Wagon with auto and Premium Pkg. Figured I'd post my observations. Got a killer deal on the wagon- it was their loaner and had 15,000 miles. First of all, my overall impression is "Wow!"
1. Engine: The overall refinement of the engine has really been taken up several notches. The 15 hp bump (185 from 170) seems to make a good difference in the overall driveability of the car.
2. Transmission: Same here. The 5-Speed automatic is FANTASTIC! It is beautifully mated to the engine...power is instantaneous, there is no lag, and in 5th gear, there is a ton of power. She seems to be able to just dig deep into the RPMs without downshifting. When it downshifts, well...there's even more power for you. The paddle shifters on the wheel are gimmicky but nice to have, as they allow you to downshift from 5th to 3rd on the highway when a fast pass is needed.
3. Suspension: Like night and day from 2000. It is my understanding that Saab made the old Aero suspension standard on all 9-5s in 2002. Well, the difference is incredible. Where my 2000 seemed to handle like a borderline Buick, especially in the corners, my 2003 just tracks beautifully. Certainly not a Porsche, but excellent handling and maneuverability for a wagon.
4. Wagon Comment: Man, this car shines as a wagon. There seems to be absolutely no compromise in handling between the wagon and the sedan, and the ease of driving this thing is excellent. The only way you can tell it is a wagon is by turning around and looking at the cavernous cargo area!
5. Disappointment: A bit of accessory cost cutting is evident, such as the deletion of cornering lights from 2000 to 2003.
6. Is it just me, or is Onstar the biggest "nothing" out there?
That's all. Just curious as to how others who have gone from a 1999/2000 to current 9-5 feel about their cars!
Brian
'03 9-5, 15K
'95 900S, 157K
posted by 216.231.195...
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