There is a newer version of this car Read the latest Saab 9-5 Saloon (10-11) review here

Saab 9-5 Saloon (1997-2005) running costs and reliability

Looking for a different model? (change model)

Running costs rating: 2 out of 52.0

Written by Parkers Published: 6 June 2019

Miles per pound (mpp)

Reliable fuel consumption data for comparison purposes is not available for this model.

What is miles per pound?

Fuel economy

A more stringent standard for fuel economy (WLTP) was introduced from September 2017, and this model was not required to undergo that test. Its fuel economy measured under the previous test system was 24 - 42 mpg. However these figures are less likely to be achievable in real world driving and so should never be compared to another car's mpg which was measured under the newer, more realistic WLTP system.

View mpg & specs for any version

Saabs suffer considerable depreciation which will be the biggest expense in running one. Diesel units offer the best residuals and economy. Being different has its price.

9-5 performs fairly badly on the eco front. With an average of 216 g/km CO2 across the model line-up, its emissions are a touch high for an executive saloon. The range is not very frugal, averaging 32 mpg.

For an entirely turbo-charged engine range it is perhaps surprising that reliability is as good as it is. Very few problems are reported from Saab owners.