Saab 9-5 Wagon Named One Of Top 11 Cars For 1999 By AAA

23 December 1998
Saab 9-5 Wagon Named One Of Top 11 Cars For 1999 By American Automobile Association
    NORCROSS, Ga., Dec. 22 -- The 1999 Saab 9-5 Wagon has been
selected as one of the top vehicle choices for 1999 by the American Automobile
Association (AAA). According to AAA, the Saab 9-5 Wagon was chosen because of
its balance of performance, quality and value. AAA, which evaluated more than
180 models for its 1999 Autograph Book, annually gives the Top Car Award to
the passenger cars with the highest rating in a specific price category. The
1999 Saab 9-5 Wagon took top honors in the $35,000 to $40,000 category.
    Sporting several Saab innovations designed for customers with active
lifestyles, the 9-5 Wagon blends a high level of fun and function. From the
driver's seat, owners appreciate one of the strongest and broadest torque
bands in the segment. Both the four-cylinder, 2.3L light-pressure turbocharged
equipped 9-5 Wagon and the world-first asymmetrically turbocharged V6-powered
9-5 SE Wagon excel at sporty acceleration from a standing start. Just as
importantly, both variants deliver ample power on tap when it's time to pass
slower-moving utility-only vehicles.
    Along with a generous helping of fun-to-drive appeal, Saab's all new sport
wagon offers a spacious and flexible cargo bay, distinguished by several
unique utility features. The aircraft-inspired CargoTracks(TM) metal load rail
system allows owners to transport everything from pets to heavy, oversized
packages, all securable with one-grip locks and special belts. A broad range
of accessories, like cages, dividers, nets, cargo guards and other securing
mechanisms, make the CargoTrack system an extremely flexible transport
feature. An optional sliding load floor, able to accommodates up to 440 pounds
and extendible to almost 20 inches, makes the loading of very heavy objects
easy.
    Like all 1999 Saabs, the 9-5 Wagon comes standard with the world-first
Saab Active Head Restraint system, designed to reduce the risk of whiplash-
type injuries during rear collisions. The 9-5 Wagon is the only wagon on the
market to integrate active head restraints. Front and side head and chest air
bags also are standard, as is a lengthy list of additional Saab safety systems
and features.
    The 1999 Saab 9-5 Wagon goes on sale at Saab's U.S. dealerships on April
12, 1998. Customers who want advance information on the Saab 9-5 Wagon can
subscribe to receive the latest details on Saab's web site at http://www.saabusa.com.
    Manufacturer's suggested retail prices are estimated to be in the low to
high $30,000 range when the 1999 Saab 9-5 Wagon debuts in early spring.