Saab 9-5 Sport Combi (facelift 2001) 3.0 TiD (176 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.4 / 10
Safety 4.0 / 5
Engine 3.5 / 5
Value 3.8 / 5
Performance 4.0 / 5
Comfort 4.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Saab 9-5:

The Saab 9-5 is an executive car, manufactured and marketed by Saab from 1997 to 2012, across two generations.
The first generation 9-5 was introduced in 1997 for the 1998 model year, as the replacement of the Saab 9000. At the time, the car represented a significant development for the manufacturer. In the United States, the 9-5 was introduced in the spring of 1998, for the 1999 model year.
The second generation was presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show on September 15, 2009 and production began in March 2010. It was the first Saab automobile launched under Spyker Cars' ownership, though developed almost entirely under GM's ownership. Production ceased in 2012 amid Saab's liquidation....(Read more on Wikipedia)

Sport Combi (facelift 2001) Overview:

Saab 9-5 (Sport Combi (facelift 2001)). With 350 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~10 l/100km). With a weight of 1665 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 9.4 s). The top speed reaches 230 km/h. A car with an extended rear cargo area, combining passenger comfort with increased storage. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

3.0 TiD (176 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

Offers strong torque for effortless cruising and good pulling power, but is known for refinement issues and potential reliability concerns, particularly with the V6 diesel engine.

Fuel Economy

Likely offers good fuel economy for a 3.0L diesel, though specific data is not provided. Potential maintenance costs might offset fuel savings.

Best Use Case: Long-distance cruiser / Towing (with caution regarding reliability)

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Distinctive, timeless Swedish design
  • • Spacious and exceptionally comfortable interior
  • • Strong performance from turbocharged petrol engines
  • • Excellent highway cruiser with good stability
  • • Practical Sport Combi body style with ample cargo space
  • • High level of standard safety features for its era

Cons:

  • • Aging platform, less refined than newer rivals
  • • Some engines (e.g., 3.0 TiD) have known reliability issues
  • • Parts availability and specialist maintenance can be challenging
  • • Fuel economy can be high on performance petrol models
  • • Interior plastics and infotainment can feel dated
  • • Torque steer noticeable on higher-powered front-wheel-drive models

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(9-5: 1999 - 2001).

General:
Brand:Saab
Model:9-5
Generation:Sport Combi (facelift 2001)
Modification (Engine):3.0 TiD (176 Hp)
Start of production:2001
End of production:2005
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Station wagon (estate)
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:176 Hp @ 4400 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:59.5 Hp/l [3mm more]
Torque:350 Nm @ 1800 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:D308L More details about the engine D308L
Engine displacement:2959
Number of cylinders:6
Engine configuration:V-engine
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Diesel Commonrail
Engine aspiration:Turbocharger, Intercooler
Valvetrain:OHC
Engine oil capacity:7.3 l
Coolant:8.1 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:87.5 mm mm
Piston Stroke:82 mm mm
Compression ratio:18:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Diesel
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:10 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:8.1 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:9.4 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:9.4 sec
Maximum speed:230 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:9.5 kg/Hp, 105.7 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:4.8 kg/Nm, 210.2 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:8.9 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1665
Max. weight:2200
Max load:535
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1490 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:415 l
Fuel tank capacity:70 l
Size:
Length:4808 mm mm [3mm more]
Width:1792 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1497 mm mm [48mm more]
Wheelbase:2703 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1522 mm
Rear (Back) track:1522 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size215/55 R16
Wheel rims size16
Front suspensionSpring Strut
Rear suspensionSpring Strut

Fuel, speed, and comfort: How does the Saab 9-5 rank in your book?