2011 Saab 9-5

Saab is a now-defunct Swedish automotive manufacturer that became known in the 1980s for safety and small turbocharged engines. General Motors acquired the brand in 2000 and turned it into another GM division. Although all models shared some designs, parts, and technology with other GM products, some Saabs were “Saabier” than others. The 9-7X, for example, was essentially a rebadged Chevrolet TrailBlazer with its ignition moved to the center console. GM sold Saab during its late-2000s bankruptcy. Later, it was briefly owned by Spyker Automobiles and then National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS). Saab’s last vehicles were the 2011 9-5 sedan, which had a lot in common with the Buick Lacrosse, and the 2011 9-4X, which shared its underlying design with the Cadillac SRX. As with many defunct brands, owners have reported difficulties obtaining replacement parts for these models, which were only built in small numbers.

Saab's 9-5 is a competent car with capable and secure handling. A major 2010 redesign produced a car that wasn't as well rounded as previous 9-5s. It handles fairly nimbly and has great fit and finish, but the 220-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine is noisy and a little weak for the class. A stiff ride and the cramped cockpit didn't help either. Sales were meager. The brand was discontinued after 2011.