Saab has upgraded its 9-5 series of sedans and wagons. The 2002 Saab
SportWagon greatly benefits from the changes and is a vehicle that should be
considered by both potential buyers of European wagons and SUVs.
The new Saab 9-5 wagon receives a number of mechanical, safety and luxury
enhancements that make it worthy of consideration with the best European
offerings. 

The consumer interest in European luxury wagons is a relatively small, but
important trend in today's auto market. This new breed of wagon, however,
has little in common with mom's eight-passenger Ford Country Squire. And
while the big, bulky wagon that transported the kids to soccer practice has
disappeared, new-style wagons from Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Saab and
Volvo seem more at home at swank tail gate parties than packed with
runny-nosed kids. 

What I like about these wagons is that they are practical, versatile, pack
as much performance as you want to buy ‹and are safe. And while many
consumers are finally waking up to an issue that has long puzzled auto
experts and journalists, SUV safety, these wagons are a safer, saner
alternative. There's no reason to believe that a European wagon is any less
safe than its sedan counterpart, and I believe that European
manufacturers, Saab included are the leaders in auto safety technology.

Here¹s our take on the Saab as luxury utility transport.

Engine & Transmission: Saab offers three engines. In terms of power, the
200-horsepower V-6 is in the middle of the group and is distinguished by its
smooth performance. The engine seems entirely adequate to propel the wagon
under any load conditions with complete competence. There is an even more
powerful turbocharged inline four, but I think most everyone will be
satisfied with the V-6.

The new five-speed automatic transmission does the job without calling
attention to its action. My only complaint is the operation of the shift
level. Driving in the mountains, I like to manually shift to utilize
engine-braking force during long descents. To downshift, you must pull the
shift level through a straight channel. The problem is that it is difficult
to precisely measure the force needed to engage fourth gear and not slip
past it and hit third. Lexus, for example, solves this problem by requiring
the shift lever to pass through a channel that is notched, thereby
preventing the situation described.

Ride and handling: With the redesign, the Saab SportWagon has become
a very competent vehicle. The handling, while not world class, inspires 
confidence. The ride is well damped. Saab has developed an overall structure
that feels very solid. There is no sense that the wagon body is squirming and
jiggling, even over very rough sections of road.

Safety: Saab sets a high standard for safety, just like that other Swedish
manufacturers. In addition to creating a crashworthy body, safety advances
include dual-stage side-impact air bags with integral head protection. Saab
hopes to virtually eliminate whiplash injuries with the development of an
ingenious seat that projects the head restraints forward and upward for the
driver and front passenger in the event of an impact to the vehicle¹s rear
end. 

Last but not least, there's the matter of the inherent safety of a passenger
car body. Cars and the station wagons derived from them just don't normally
flip over when a tire blows or looses pressure at speed. The fact that the
body sits lower to the ground does make a more stable platform, the laws of
physics do apply to motor vehicles.

Versatility: With a cargo area that measures 68 inches in length with the
seats folded down, the Saab offers respectable interior space. I¹d say that
the Saab is roughly in the middle of the current range of Euro wagons in
terms of cargo room. It feels roomy and offers good personal space for
driver and passengers.

Design: The Saab 9-5 wagon certainly isn¹t cutting edge on any design
parameter. The wagon¹s profile and the grille and front-end treatment are
distinctively Saab and will not be confused with any other wagon in the
market. The interior is reasonably functional. Saab features a center
console that is canted toward the drive to enhance accessibility. The
controls are reasonably well laid out as well.
 

Vehicle: Saab 9-5 SportWagon
Estimated Price: $41,100
Engine:
    Type: Turbocharged 3-liter V-6
    Horsepower: 200 @ 5,000 rpm
    Torque: 229-ft. lbs. @ 3,500 rpm
Fuel economy, automatic transmission
    City - 18 mpg
    Highway - 26 mpg
Curb Weight: not available