The new design incorporates 'Saabness' more effectively than the old 9000 did, especially in the look of the hood that mimics the reverse opening clamshell hoods found on the old 99 and 900 series cars. That said, Saab has done a good job of incorporating its traditional quirkiness on the inside as well, while delivering the majority of features the North American market has come to expect - including woodgrain trim, cupholders and a tilt and telescopic steering wheel. Mainstream details aside, if you're used to Saab's little eccentricities, it won't take long to adapt. Some of these, such as the ignition key on the console floor, are great ideas, especially for those whose few too many keys on dangling chains keep rapping them on their knees. However, getting the 9-5 into reverse can be a clumsy ordeal, as you need to pull up on a handle while shifting into the reverse gear. It's not difficult but the whole process seems slightly dated by today's standards. By the way, don't forget, you will need to put the Saab into reverse gear to get the key out of the ignition when all the fun is over.
On the bright side, Saab has a long history in auto safety, and the 9-5 is the direct benefactor. Anti-whiplash front seats and front and side impact airbags are just a couple of the Aero's safety features. As far as practicality goes, the wagon is a family dream machine. Aluminum rails with tie down hooks keep things from tossing around in the large rear deck (and look industrial tough) and the sliding load floor makes loading and unloading less of a chore.
It's the Saab's ingenious practicality, safety engineering, extreme performance characteristics and odd eccentricities that endear its customers to the marque. Unfortunately, these oddities, despite a long list of positive attributes, turn off the majority of newcomers. That said, not many manufacturers dare to be different anymore and the Saab 9-5 Aero Wagon sets itself apart from the crowd proudly. It's a superb mixture of common sense and wild abandonment that few of its rivals can match.