Old Top Gear, Series 39, Episode 5, (Saab 95 Test etc) Late 1997. 1/2

Jeremy Clarkson tests the 'new' Saab 95 & Quentin Wilson has a feature on where people & dealers buy cars when they are in short supply so as to make a large profit. Steve Berry tests the Ducati ST2 Sport Turismo.

[@vavo4902]

I miss the 9-5s. Very underrated cars.

[@mariojorgeoliveira7775]

VA VO ,...Yes in did .

[@maxnovakovics2568]

My 9-5 aero blew a headgasket and I've been driving mom's car. Good God how comfortable those seats are I miss them so much already

[@M3ULTRA]

I have a 9-3 daily driver its snaab life

[@pipeqez911]

And I miss Saab

[@Hiheyhoha]

I own one right now, and I'm a proud owner!

[@jh1328]

I would choose the Saab over the other options any day. I did, in fact. And it’s still running with no issues.

[@joemurdock6032]

I'm still driving my 2002 Saab 9-5 with 285k miles and still drives flawlessly.

[@crossexamination2878]

The Audi is the better option regardless of Saab being very reliable

[@TermlessHGW]

The Saab 95 was an incredible car. One of my clients (oddly an engineer) had one just like that in blue. In his older days he got sick with Parkinson's so I was driving him a lot in it. Don't have to tell you guys that the best time was when I dropped him of at a doctor's or dentist and had some time to kill. Very responsive, smooth ride and the turbo! Really quick and refined car

[@johncalberg1573]

I even had 2 of these. The last one unfortunately, series ii, disintegrating because it had become more like an Opel/Vauxhall. And then it was it withs SAAB. I actually had 4 in a row

[@christianlenik5307]

I feel so sorry 😂

[@galvanius6977]

There are many sensible reasons to choose a Saab over those three main car giants. They're safer, just as quick, they're unique and come with a few features to make being inside the car quite an enjoyable experience. Also my old Saab is surprisngly realiable for a 20 yearold.

[@Redbulldozer13]

Those 90s special effects.

[@vibingwithvinyl]

Jeremy just didn't get it back then. I think he did later on though, it's fairly clear when you watch the Top Gear tribute to Saab.

[@97I30T]

Mawerick77 Yeah, he reviewed the 2004 9-5 Aero very favorably.

[@jakobholgersson4400]

I personally think that some of his critique was well founded. I can't for the life of me figure out why GM wanted Saab to downsize the 9-5 to make it even more similar to Saabs only other model, the 9-3. And while a lot of people like the design, I think it was already dated when it came out. Put a second generation 9000 with clear indicators next to a first gen 9-5 and ask the casual observer when they think the two cars were made. I'm quite sure that the majority would guess that the 9-5 was an 80's car while the 9000 was from the turn of the millenium.

[@adorabasilwinterpock6035]

@@jakobholgersson4400 Yes I dont like the styling either. But it was styled by a norwegian so I blame them

[@apurugganan]

@@adorabasilwinterpock6035 LOL well put

[@ErgonBill]

It's clearly obvious that SAAB never sponsored Top Gear. Well played SAAB.

[@MrBruinman86]

Honestly, who doesn't push the clutch pedal and brake when starting a standard shift car?

[@MrBruinman86]

They just don't learn.....

[@MrBruinman86]

I always did. My first 3 cars were Saabs with manual transmissions. Before starting, I always had one foot on the clutch and the other on the brake.

[@autofreak7]

+Holdadolla People do leave their cars in gear sometimes, but it would be 1st gear, not reverse. Also you should always depress your clutch pedal during starting since it reduces stress on the engine and starter engine.

[@jeananderson5491]

The 2002 9-5 Aero will not attempt to turn over without pushing the clutch down to the floor, even if you put the shifter into neutral (verified by moving it around). So much for the emergency electronic starter motor propulsion, but I guess that saves me from investing in a heavy duty starter.

[@2Str0k3]

Hm i always hit clutch and brake, then swipe to neutral, apply handbrake (unless on level ground) without foot brake and start. Then smoke a cigarette to warm the engine up before driving. I never leave any manual parked with the hand brake. Unnecessary use unless left idling. Just strains the wires. And when in 1st gear the engine compresssion is enough to hold it on smaller hills even.

[@Alert64]

The Saab 9-5 was far safer than any of the competition and far better than jezza makes out.

[@matonmongo]

Especially used, these days they're one of the best values out there. I have an old turbo convertible pushing 200k, and still can't detect any kinda oil consumption.

[@mozafferabbasi1254]

still is.

[@erikg2909]

Yeah wtf was he talking about, and the way it sits on the road is amazing

[@mariojorgeoliveira7775]

I own a SAAB 95 Estate diesel with 194 .000+ miles on the clock ,and i would NOT swap it for any other car, be it a BMW 5 series( witch i have had ) be it a Audi 100 LS ( Witch i have had )or even a Toyota Celica 1.6 ST coupe ( witch i also have had ) . All great cars , but the SAAB for me was ,and is the best one by far. I have owned it for 5 years and it has passed the dreadful MOT 5 times in a row, bearing in mind that the car is now 15 years old and with a very high mileage (2004 ) is doing very, very well.

[@callum4035]

There piles of crap, there based on the Vauxhall vectra not a proper Saab

[@herrgolf]

I always found the 9-5 to be very attractive.

[@niclas5192]

The reverse thing is a protection against theft - IF you are able to climb into the car when the double lock on the doors is locked, and IF you are able to start the car without a key - you can only drive it in reverse. Salute to Saab and fuck General Motors

[@DoubleDeckerAnton]

I like the old 900 and 9000 Saabs...!!! Classic turbo's...!!!

[@gsprings43]

Yeah buddy,I owned a 90,900s,and a 88,9000 turbo,really enjoyed those cars

[@WinterFEgon]

Saab 9000 is a best Saab all.

[@spensersun]

❤ "2000 SAAB 9-5's dashboard really drew me to, it feel like you are in a spaceship or a plane. "

[@ecpnothnagel9121]

I had BMWs, they were nice to have but infuriating in many ways, I had Mercs, which I loved but knew that they were not actually as perfect as they should have been, I even had an Audi that I hated so much I traded it in for an X Type after only 8 months, which wasn't the nicest Jaguar I've owned but far more likable than the Audi. I also had a SAAB 95, which was better than all if them. More comfortable, more relaxing, better engineered with fantastic little details and above all it had so much character that I regret ever selling it and even to this day I scan the classifieds for good pre facelift examples just in case. It's a subjective thing I realise but can anyone think of a current car that fills the void left by SAAB's demise?

[@Share_li]

I often think about the thing you said and thought that the type of people that bought saabs are now buying teslas. even if they are not really comparable, but they are both quirky at the their time.

[@mcglovera]

Volvo

[@ErikSWE]

The E-class and A6-cars from this era have all rusted to pieces by now, the 5-series have all broken down and all three of them looks ancient. The 9-5 however, still goes, still holds up with regards to wear and tear and still looks great. I wonder why anyone chose that car..

[@egykilenckilenchet]

That's really not true lol, i get that you like saabs but far more A6s and E klasses can be seen on the road today than 9-5s, partly because they sold more to begin with. Do you honestly think more 95s are still on the road than A6s and 5ers? Don't make me laugh

[@drhanifp]

Because japanese cars are even more reliable?

[@cristianseibriger799]

Audi a6/from.that era are a mess. Owned two 5 series a 3.0d. A 3.0 petrol, a E class 320, a v6 Audi A6. All of them good cars, but boring ass fuck and to German to be anything special to them. Each one of them owned from a year, and driven about 50000 km/ year. Owned a Saab 9-5 Aero and it was the only car that had something special in it. And that midrange torque is just insane. Bmw, Audi and the Merc I owned has no match on midrange acceleration to Saab. Plus the seats are more comfortable that all three toegheter. Bmw was sold and is dead, so does the merc and is dead, and the Audi still alive .....sort off. Saab is running like new after 12 years and almost 400000 km. That's why i drive Swedish things. My trucks are Scania, and my cars are Saab's, and a Volvo which is Chinese now, but still far better than any peace of crap German car. And I know this cause I work with car parts. So Saab way better than any German car of that era and that class.

[@cristianseibriger799]

And I don't really think.you owned all for cars to be able to have a real perspective on them . I did, so here a the facts , not just an opinion like.most of you have. Most people owned two or three cars in theyr entire life, most likely a peace of trash VW, or Opel or ford or Skoda and they pretend to.know.shit about cars. Magazines and reviews are different things. Reality is something elese. Ownership and prooven reliability and running costs make the facts. So BMW, Audi and Mercedes=way under Saab.German cars are ugly, stupid , borring and to blend , just like Germany and Germans are. Real cars are Japanese, Italian , Swedish, Coreean, Indian(Jaguar). But no German. German cars are common, many, popular, but not good. Today the worst. Back.in the days was different. But today are just trash.

[@bghoody5665]

Audi, BMW and Merc all make horrible cars and saab makes the only good one out of the 4. Strange then, that out of the 4, Audi, BMW and Merc are the ones still making cars. Clarkson's review was pretty much spot on, the saab 9-5 was an okay car but couldn't hold a candle to the other 3. The truth can cause butthurt, just grin and bear it all you saab fanboys.

[@soundseeker63]

Wow, a 3 year wait for a CLK 320.... And what crappy rot boxes they turned out to be! Rather have a 95 Aero!

[@FAT8893]

People will still buy the Merc.

[@michaelstar4227]

I will still have the Benz or the Porsche

[@xdafactor7684]

People bought SAAB for its Uniqueness and its Potential.

[@66inca]

i,ve had lots of saabs,never once tried to start them in reverse gear.

[@saab9980]

66inca 😂😂

[@detskalldaltas133]

So dummy Simcadriver he is.

[@JerKKeR]

I love how everyone attacks Jeremy for talking trash of the Saabs but here's the deal. He said all of this when these cars were brand new back in 1997. Back then Saab still had to prove a point with this car. You all think differently about this car because it has aged well. Something Jeremy couldn't have known back then. It's like either getting a Kia Stinger GT or a BMW/Audi/Merc for the same price today. Yes the SGT is a superior car but the common people will still resort to the Germans because they just do. And back in 1997 I would have gotten one of the Germans too, especially that E-Class

[@anandnagra9699]

Back in the days when Top Gear was about cars, not setting fire to things.

[@alangreig4261]

And shouting

[@christopherbrown7230]

Yeah and that’s why it sucks... there’s a reason why the “new” top gear (2002-2015) was literally the most watched show on earth.... you can see Clarkson trying to be more “Clarkson”... but this segment is about as entertaining as watching jay Leno’s garage

[@notnotadev]

@@christopherbrown7230 i thought it was entertaining

[@lightworkeight4136]

Loved Clarkson's review but I'm afraid all he did was sell me that car. I drove a green 96, bright yellow 99, and a beige brown 900GLI for many, many years, and I always say that the 99 taught me how to drive and kept me safe on many a night run from Slough to Hull. Never got as far as the 9-3, or 9-5 but just know I missed out big time. Clarkson just likes raw power and cannot see exceptional engineering and refinement. Incidentally I was a chemical engineer. I don't know the story of why SAAB failed but if ever there was a car manufacturer with a loyal following, this was it. Who could forget travelling through Europe waving to all the other Saab owners as they passed. Oh, and my car never once went backwards on startup.

[@mrquordlepleen]

One of the main reasons for buying a SAAB was surely - even though you could afford a BMW, Audi or Merc - because it WASN'T a BMW, Audi or Merc. Quick check: self confidence...good - ability to think for oneself - good - -personal 'appendage' size - good - ego - no need for self perceived massaging - a sheep? Nope. Buying what you really like, not what some people think should be bought? Yes. That's why. Jeremy proves the point yet again.

[@Briggie]

Those 95s are timeless cars.

[@jonathanbywater2063]

Of course the German competition is good but if you really want to know why people bought Saabs, best to ask those who were on their second or third one (if you can find one). They are built like tanks, don't rust and can do 300k+ miles without any trouble. Very good seats too.

[@jeananderson5491]

I've had way more than 3, my 1st 9000 ('89) had over 300k when I purchased it for $500 on eBay in the mid-90's, was a reliable daily driver for 4 years; warning: all early 9-5's, using the 2.3L engine, up to and including 2003 - there was a recall on the crankcase ventilation [PBC] kit, without the fix kit or at least proper oil changes never late, I've read of engines blowing at 45k + 65k. I drive a 2002 9-5 Aero, a prior lease vehicle, it through a Rod out the block at 130k, after Full Synthetic oil changes every 3000 miles for 3 years. (**those engines, because most oil in the US doesn't meet the high standards easily available in Europe, and the harsh heat from cooling the turbo, a document from Saab to dealers said only to use Saab's brand (imported) Full Synthetic 0w30 or Mobile One 5w-40. Since I expect Saab Branded oil to disappear I am curious about Mobil's new European Car Oil, it's supposed to be much more heat resistant. I still need to compare the full specs first...

[@bimsingh7553]

Saab 93 convertible in silver, head and shoulders above rivals CLK, A4, 3 series,all look like sm1 cut the roof off, Saab 93 a design marvel. Getting one end of year, can't wait!!!

[@Tylerpierre99]

Have to admit I used to see the Audi here as the most physically desirable and the E class as an old man's car. But 20 years on and I still don't know where the Saab 95 fitted in. I found it interesting, competent and we'll made. Now I think I'd prefer to own that Saab 95 all because it's aged nice, is more reliable than it's peers shown here and was less popular, therefore less mainstream. Maybe it's the early 30s (like me now) aged people it was aimed at haha.

[@sutherlandA1]

Saabs in general were seen as the intellects car, Architects especially

[@w.m.aslam-author]

I love these old Saab cars.

[@trolladin]

Heh. You can tell this is before Saab came out with their 2.3 turbocharged in the aero. The 2.0 doesn't do saab justice at all.

[@charliejohnson4037]

I've owned various Saabs. The B205E in Sport mode isn't that bad. It isn't the fast thing, but fine for day to day. Still remappable to over 200bhp.

[@jaga4083]

Old Top Gear, my first introduction that there was more than what was sold in America in the world. Set a life long passion of cars that are rare in 'Mercia.

[@oopsydaisy4637]

Why didn't he also drive the Aero version? What is with all that German car brand pushing? Current Fifth gear series is doing the same thing! German cars are so common, anything different to them is very refreshing these days. Saab 9-3/9-5 Aero is a good option indeed.

[@ollialbone3019]

aero wasn't out when this was filmed, 2.0 low pressure turbo was the best of the lot at launch...

[@notroll1279]

It lost most comparos against the usual suspects from BMW, Audi and Merc back then but it held up much better since them. If you look after them and use the right oil (0W40, no less) and allow the turbo to heat up before and to cool down after use, it ages graciously and rust free. That's a lot more than what you could say about the W210 E-class. And yes, they looked pricey in comparison - but they weren't, really. SAAB sold the 9-5 with a high base price and then was pretty reasonable with the prices for optional packages. That encouraged most buyers to take the better specs - so you'll find very many of them with leather seats, sliding roof, wooden dash which was a lot less common with its German competitors.

[@breimayster315]

I love this old Top Gear episodes!

[@TJSaw]

Such a pity what happened to Saab. Hope the company makes a comeback.

[@klnine]

I had a potential white out saved by my 93 , All my Saab s were superb, and held there own against Mercs and Beemers , the you get to speed ... glued to the road and feels part of it. Miss SAAB

[@FirstnameLastname-tv9vo]

Thank you for showing old top gear.

[@hoppysport2872]

Granted that my 2008 9-5 was at the end of its first gen run, but after 10+ years and 96,000 miles on the road, it has needed just $3,000 in wear, labor and preventative maintenance. That's fine with me...but certainly not Lexus or Toyota built. That's included struts, shocks, bushings, exhaust, pads/rotors, fluid changes, oil changes, flushes, one Direct Ignition Cassette, a washer nozzle kit, heater bypass valve, and a throttle body. Almost all of the included labor has been performed by a SAAB-only specialist. The 9-5 has never left me stranded, always going from point A to point B without incident. My 2008 is a lot more GM than the one shown, but that's been a good thing. The HVAC system has been perfect. Mine does not have the incredible seats of Jeremy's however, although very nice. What it does have is the 235r engine with 260 HP and 258 pounds of torque...and the Mitsubishi TD04 high-pressure turbocharger that lasts well over 200,000 miles. If I had bought a BMW 5-Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class or Audi A6, they would be a faint memory by now... except for the $5,000+ per year that it cost to maintain them, and the lasting relationships with tow truck drivers.

[@hitsov]

I have a SAAB and I've never started it backwards. Why on earth people try to make up problems with these cars?

[@DeadBaron]

So weird how similar yet different this series was to modern Top Gear then Grand Tour. Clarkson was born for that career.

[@King0ne]

Thanks for this. I saw this mentioned on the BBC America broadcast tonight and had to check this out.

[@fastmclaren71]

The Top gear saab tribute was the same. Clarkson mentioned bmw at the end of that episode as well. He must watch old top gear for idea's.

[@jimtaylor294]

Not really. BMW were a rival in both periods, ond SAAB was hampered in their competition with, due to an incompetant owning firm.

[@craigashfield3589]

Iv just purchased a 2005 saab 93 18 t payed 950 pound for it its abousltly mint best car iv ever had

[@discostu2246]

Just bought the 2004 of the same for 650.. great fun 👍

[@nowandafter3258]

I love 💕 Saab

[@paulmcmanus407]

Jezza, watching this in 2023 I've fitted LED bulbs to my 1992 MX-5, I too cast shadows on the moon 🤣🤣

[@MichaelParktheFirst]

GO SAABS!!!

[@parkylol]

I agree with you here. Both my parents have had 5 saabs between them and even as a pre-licenced teen moving them around a private car park, I remembered how they started. Also, I always leave my car in gear when i leave it anyway !

[@Tiberiotertio]

That having to put the gear in reverse to remove the key was also a good theft protection someone did not think about (poor joy riders), as hot wired it stayed in reverse. I didn´t have the 95, but loved my 900i very much, the best car I have had so far.

[@paddy1437]

clarkson probz helped put a nail in saabs coffin. they sold well over here and it was a twattish review. love my saab. 2004 95 estate immaculate and still going strong

[@jakobholgersson4400]

Not really. Problem is that GM refused to properly invest into Saab. Keeping the 9-5 in production for a decade, refusing to give it 4WD, forcing Saab to make it of a size extremely similar to the 900/9-3 etc. Something I wish that Top Gear would've done back in the day would've been to review the Turbo X. Perhaps have a challenge where the three drove an Impreza, an Evo and a Turbo X.

[@jimtaylor294]

@@jakobholgersson4400 Yup. GM screwed up Bedford Trucks even worse, and dumped them even harder once bored. Vauxhall didn't fare that well either, becoming a vassal of Opel by the point of this TG episode. Small wonder the US Government had to bail GM out after the credit crunch, given their vast list of bad decisions.

[@georgeelmerdenbrough6906]

No , becoming a Vauxhall did them in . They were not the value their competitors were . He was right .

[@jimtaylor294]

@@georgeelmerdenbrough6906 Basically. As in most things GM have owned, they were cronically ill treated, and then cast aside when no longer a cash cow.

[@malachihornbaker5869]

No one knows why Saab’s are so expensive.. until they crash one

[@zolbad]

Had my Aero estate 6 years..perhaps first couple of days forgot it was in reverse..but since then no problem...he's also driving the base model..

[@bghoody5665]

The XJ220s have gone back up in price. Like, a lot.

[@dlpgamer]

2:35 that's a nice SEC!

[@adalgisounoqualunque9033]

Nice catch !

[@5ivesjaybk789]

Wheres James May when ya need him?

[@KanishQQuotes]

Working at auto car

[@richardmerrifield7581]

You are supposed to leave any car when parked in reverse. Automatics when you put them in park engage reverse. If the handbrake should fail it is a safety feature.

[@ionneifion2012]

Richard Merrifield Thank You, thank you, thank you!

[@Wendigo1974]

The logic is to put the car in gear against the incline. putting the car in reverse when parked on a hill will not really serve a benefit when the handbrake fails and it gleefully rolls backwards. 1st as the strongest gear should be used and your car should be pointed in the direction of the incline to get the full benefit of engine braking. This does mean pointing your car in a different direction than you intended to if you wish to dot the I's and cross the T's Automatics and manuals do not operate in the same way at a mechanical level, if autos should be put in reverse than that is one thing but it certainly isn't true for manuals.

[@hoppysport2872]

The 2008 9-5 is my daily driver. Extremely reliable. $3,100 total spent on parts, labor and fluids since new. Those BMWs and Mercedes-Benz cars over 12 years probably cost $15,000+ in repairs. I bet much more.

[@ch-jc1mp]

Jesus I don’t know why people think bmws are unreliable. I see old ones on the street all the time in great shape. I’ve had a 428i gran coupe for 5 years and put 60,000 miles on it and haven’t had to do a thing except take it in for normal service. My dad has a 2003 540i M-Sport and it’s still running strong at 220k. Yet again, nothing more than belts and services. Also, I’ve seen comments from people who think it costs 5k a year to maintain a bmw or merc. What have you been looking at? Granted, German cars are not cheap but 5,000 is wayyyy off. Do your homework everyone.

[@zxy1987106]

This is an non-objective review. the test car should be AERO with 2.3 turbo, B235R engine but not B235e engine.Similar biased review done by fifth gear of 2011 NG 9-5 using 1.9TiD engine model was pissed off many people who love their saab. When they test BMW's or Merc's do come with AMG and M badge, but they don't know NG 9-5 does have XWD with eLSD, V6-turbo and adjustable suspension etc... As many other guys said before, i have got 2006 Aero 9-5, with SAS anti-roll bar, Belstein B8, Powerflex bushes, oh yea, it is Bollox.

[@klein2042]

Never driven a 9-5 but the 9-3 with 2.0 turbo is actually a quick little car and is very comfortable

[@xanpagebrown]

I love the number plate on the 95, ITS GOT MY NAME! 😃😃

[@novodkagohome9508]

This SAAB’s still one of the safest cars in The World.

[@ooft9273]

I'd rather be in danger than be seen in such an ugly car.

[@patrikrade147]

@@ooft9273 i had a car crash few days ago and thank god i was in saab...i might not be alive today if that was any other car so shut your uneducated mouth the fuck up

[@pizzabagerenmujaffa8123]

its safe to crash a volvo, when you are sitting in a saab .:-)

[@oyetos]

@@ooft9273 Fuck you!!

[@martynm.449]

That man likes his bikes.

[@Oblio1942]

sweet, the pet shop boys

[@tomasnilsson7818]

Do you start any car in gear or without put down the clutch?

[@thekangaroo1880]

My dad owns a '96 9000 CD Got some issues that will eventually be fixed

[@cimolusni6256]

This madam sounds just like Jeremy Clarskon

[@hitsov]

Yes, I have an old one, and I also have something called clutch ;)

[@TheLighters100]

thanks for uploading this! i love old and new top gear, but what i really want to see is when jeremy clarkson review a saab prometheus! it is so unique cuz saab prometheus doesnt have steering wheel, could you please upload it, its an old top gear too. anyway thanks for this! im subscribed

[@tim1polman]

I actually like the system. Reverse is the shortest gear, so if you dont put it on the handbrake its harder to push away than if it would be in 1st gear. (I rarely use my handbrake btw. :) )

[@sahhull]

A guy I know has a 1970's Ducati 350 desmo.. He's had it from new. (Yes. He still has it and rides it in 2018) When warm it goes well and sounds great, when cold it sounds like a toolbox has been thrown down the stairs

[@yorrickwi]

the castle in the background in the firs tshot is the same as the one in the mercedes e class review in new top gear

[@FAT8893]

Even nearing the end of 2019, the premium game is still going. The Porsche 991.1 GT3 RS is a prime example, RRP brand new at around £120k but someone did sold one as used car for more than double the price.

[@pictlandpickers1171]

How 2019 treating you?

[@rickardwaara2130]

Damn that is a modern looking Saab 95! I though they mainly used the V4´s......

[@asssiesgaming453]

The V4 was only used in one model that stopped in 1984..

[@rickardwaara2130]

@@asssiesgaming453 Yes, I know. But they wrote "95" not 9-5 or anyhing like that.

[@asssiesgaming453]

@@rickardwaara2130 ahh you are right! I misread your comment, sorry 🤣

[@rickardwaara2130]

@@asssiesgaming453 It is totally fine ;)

[@victorymansions]

I really like the Saab, it's like a CID mobile.

[@patrick9761]

Ballet shoe love this guy.. however I only have a heart for the 1980s and lower dated saabs..Art to me

[@Foxbat1155]

Its great to go back and watch Quentin and Tiff get bumped down to lesser and lesser roles.

[@fastasfox]

Owned...still own Saab's since the 90's and not once.....not even did i ever get even close to starting it in reverse. I also own a BMW 520 tourer and there is no doubt it is a well screwed together bit of kit....but i don't love it....and I never will. The Run flats ruin the ride I stall it all the time thanks to the E brake, the transmission tunnel digs into your left knee and the door pocket into your right knee and the seats whilst most would class as comfortable, they aint Saab comfortable (Only Saab owners know what I mean) and the cup holders are crap....I did a Grand tour around Europe with my Son in my 9-5 estate in a heatwave... 2600 miles in 8 day's including a lap around the Nurburgring and a top speed run on a German Autobahn, The car didn't miss a beat and we even slept in the back of it...oh and the car is 2004 and had 250,000 miles on the clock (270,000 now) and when we got out on our return to the UK we were as fresh as when we set off 8 days earlier....that's why some people picked the Saab over the German marks. Still own my 9-5 estate....i can't let him go, he is part of our family and we have lots of fantastic memories invested in him and in our family he is just known as RJ and we love ❤ him dearly.

[@cackyraphael8981]

My 9-5 estate is the bollox!, tuned to stage 3, very comfortable and safe and with my mrs and 3 daughters in the car can still Caine any Chav mobile.

[@apurugganan]

wanna put that on my license frame LOL chav mobile (but not a thing here in US)

[@daddy281202]

@ahmednoe Why the question mark?

[@sammyt3514]

I actually preferred the looks of that Saab to its competition at the time. Having said that, if I were in the market for a car in that segment then, it would've had to be the BMW 5-series, which was, by far, the most complete car of the lot imo.

[@richardprice7763]

He's right, the old high pressure turbos were great fun...

[@clar9425]

great special effects haha

[@muppetrowlf1473]

Saab past it's sell by date. Hand the keys to your company over to GM and this is what you get.

[@markjames6330]

Got a van now but the three cars i did own was a 9000, 900 and a 95. If i got another car it would be a 9000 aero.

[@richsackett3423]

Bryan adams did music for Top Gear in the 90s? I had no idea.

[@southendparaquest]

The only other car as satisfying as my 95 Est, was my old Volvo 740 est. Something about Swedish cars, that makes them infinitely preferable to German motors.

[@PhongTrinhWatercolors]

because this is TOP GEAR

[@reserva120]

Saab's are great..own six, but they have their troubles ,but offer great all a round aspects..

[@crustynuts]

i have a 9-3 arero 2001 and i can take the key out with the gear lever in neutural but on my other one a 2002 model i have to lock it in reverse

[@oldtopgearsaab1]

does anybody know the song at 0:58 ???? its sounds like Tears for Fears but it isn't?

[@S500-]

Jeremy Looks Good young , He Just 37 year old in this but Still Looks 50 Anyway i Love The 95 Styling Looks So Pretty at Front and side fender.

[@26Vincent26]

Seat ventilation even!

[@ODSTOninersIxTwO]

THANK GOD THEY GOT RID OF THE MOTORCYCLE STUFF

[@wubbybutt]

on older models, u have to put the gear into reverse in order to remove the key and lock it

[@TheKrillmeisterswe]

Jeremy Clarkson has proven time and time again that he knows almost nothing about cars. The Saab 9-5 is an amazing car and fun to drive, like most Saab's

[@jakobholgersson4400]

The 9-5 was a huge screw up that diluted the Saab identity quite significantly. Saab were a company with a rally heritage, GM should've greenlit the planned 4WD version of the 9000 and eventually gone all out Subaru and made 4WD standard on all Saabs. They should have kept the exterior dimensions of the 9000 for the 9-5, because that was a USP Saab could've owned. And of course, all Saabs should've been offered as a hatchback or better yet a coupé. I would bet significant money that had it been made, people nowadays would pay a lot for a 4WD Saab 9-5 Coupé with a 2.3 engine.

[@blackpancake6354]

then why saab broke?

[@dogsnoses]

My Saab 95 aero is the bollox too.

[@007Spadge]

I love the internet. Just get to watch segments from 20 years ago which would require to access the physical BBC archive otherwise.

[@TomasOBrien]

I’ve been trying to find the song that starts in at 0:58

[@poulipoulx455]

Bryan Adams Can t stop this thing wd started

[@markus95aero43]

Got myself a SAAB 95 Aero

[@mohamedabadila]

R.I.P SAAB 2011 :'(

[@doedsstierna]

Back when Saab 95 was a large car. I drive a 93 and I'm the smallest car on the road.

[@Beechgoose1]

A young Clarkson, Oasis, before Liams voice went. I'm nearly 50. I need a drink.

[@rajgill7576]

Those jags have come back up in price

[@kernals12]

does yours have an automatic