I recently decided that it's time for a new car. Having driven nothing but Volvos for the past 15 years, I was sure that it would be a 2004 S60T5 with sport package. I've taken a couple of test drives and really love this car - handling, style, well... everything! Then I saw the new Saab 93 Vector and felt that I'd better take one for a spin. I've never owned or driven a Saab before and I have to admit - this is one nice machine. My first impression is that it seems as powerful as a T5 and the handling / steering feel is probably superior - not as 'floaty' as the S60. Ride seems firmer too. Styling? Well, aside from the few noticable 'GM influences', pretty damn slick. Overall not much to complain about.
So.... I now have a dilemma.... I can't imagine not driving a Volvo, but this Saab is making me think twice about the S60. They are basically the same price (Saab a few K less - not a big deal).
Just wondering if anyone can comment on Volvo vs Saab ownership experience, or would care to offer opinions on which way to go.
Thanks in advance

Have you considered the S60R? I drove one recently on a test track with the 6 speed. What an awesome car! It's only a few thousand more than a T5 and well worth it considering all the extra goodies.

Tom

There was a similar thread over in Brickboard "Opinions" a few days ago. Click HERE. I'd again point out that the Saab shares it's engine block with a couple of Saturn models.

I've been driving Swedish cars for over 20 years, 2 Saabs and now a Volvo. Also a 1986 Porsche 944. My experience with my last Saab was why I bought my volvo, and my experience with my Volvo ...

Wife now drives a 2001 Odyssey. After 118,000 miles, my stack of Volvo receipts is so thick it won't fit in the glovebox. (The Saabs weren't any better except the glovebox was larger, so more receipts would fit!)

At 50,000 miles, I've replaced TWO brake light bulbs on the Honda. That's it.

The Volvo is 247HP and the Saab is 210 HP. The Type S Acura TL and CL have 260 HP and the Honda Accord V6 has 240 HP.

As much as like the comfy seats and the tactile paint on the seat heater controls that comes with the Volvo and the Saabs, I can't say that I'm convinced that either of them provide 30-50% more value than an Acura CL or a Honda Accord V6. (Based on MSRP prices, as usual they're deeply discounting the Saab and Volvo but are also deeply discounting the Accord V6 and Acura CL.) Both the Saab or the Volvo are far more likely to be troublesome as the miles add up.

All things being equal, I'd choose a Saab or Volvo over a Honda or Acura but all things aren't really equal.

-Punxsutawney Phil

Thanks for the info Phil. A freaking SATURN ENGINE BLOCK!?!?!? Never been a GM fan and that fact alone kills the Saab deal for me. Still a great looking car, though... Your service experience is interesting - I have no issue with the quality of Japanese cars, but I can't bring myself to drive anything but a Euro-sled. I've been a happy brick pilot for too many years. Guess I'll take my chances and keep it that way. Will likely order my '04 S60T5 in titanium grey next week. Then again, there's nothing REALLY wrong with my '97 854T5 so maybe I'll just try to squeeze a few thousand more miles out of her and save a few payments...

An engine block is just a casting - pretty much everything else about the engine is Saab. So far, in early results, the critics consider the new 9-3 to be the best Saab ever built. However, I'd wait for the Vector (sport) edition. I wouldn't write this one off yet. Stay tuned.
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David
1998 S70 T5SE // misc mods (mostly lighting) // red calipers
1992 940 GLE // Hella Micro DE foglights and 170K