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I have an '01 9-5, 4cyl, and I love it. 75k, or so, it's getting slightly on the edge of ragged, but it's still cool. I was thinking about an '06, and as I tried to make my decision (ultimately pushed off for a few months) sometimes I was thinking the current model is just tooo old-ish. Not enough innovation.. though that's part of what still attracts me too. Total gemini here, I guess.
Then I rented a brand new, 2007 Ford Explorer. Two weeks of all American steel and plastic. Wow, if you think the Saab feels old (some do, some don't) you will feel as if you're in a time warp back to 1983 when you hop into the 'all new' Explorer. I was a little surprised at how un-current this car is. The only really modern amenity it had is Sirus and a flat tire warning system. Otherwise, the plastics on the dash were so cheeeesy they were worse than a 99¢ dustpan. The key was antique looking, with that loose, dangly clicker piece from the 80s. The V6 was glacial at best, when accelerating. The door has a grab handle about 5 inches lower than you naturally reach for, mileage on the freeway was between 13.5 and 15.7 (frigging appalling).. really lacking storage, with no place to stash a cell phone - to the point I was really appreciating that little spot in the 9-5 to the right of the cig- lighter.
In fact, I got out of this rig, thinking, man, GM is totally missing out promoting the 9-5 as the ultimate SUV competition. Tons of space, tremendous MPG, dynamic power, lux seating, interior lighting, cool dual visors.. all the stuff we love about the 9-5 is truly current and noteworthy. In some ways, what it lacks against the 530it and Audi A6 makes it more appealing to me. It's narrower, so easier to park, the new hvac controls are mega-simple, price, naturally is way cheaper, free 3 years of service, mirrors fold simply, and it gets you there, just like the others, in style and safety.
Naturally, the Explorer isn't a direct competitor for the Saab, but to me it does virtually the same job (minus awd and 7 pass. seating) for only 4-5 grand less, and yet it's SO behind the Swedish competition despite its new engineering. Just a little perspective.
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