Overview & Reviews

A new wagon body style called the SportCombi has been added to the Saab 9-3 lineup for 2006. Additionally, Aero models get a new, more powerful turbocharged V6, which packs 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Linear and Arc trims have been merged into a single base 2.0T trim, and the Aero's old 210-hp turbo four is standard on this model. Finally, all 9-3s now come with body-colored door handles.

• Handles well for a front-drive car, frugal yet powerful engines, generous passenger room, class-leading trunk space, excellent crash test scores.

User Reviews:

Showing 121 through 130 of 182.00

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  Attractive and fun midsize wagon - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By ChrisJ - August 23 - 5:36 pm

  The Aero Sportcombi is a car that gets overlooked too often in favor of the 3 series and the A4 Avant (both more $$). Which is too bad, this is a great looking and performing little wagon. I had the opportunity to drive the 2.0T and Aero quite aggressively at the Aero Academy and was impressed with the cars dynamics. Power from the smooth turbo V6 (a Wards 10-best engine) is plentiful, and I find myself shifting 1-2-4 or even 1-2-6 as the speed builds quickly. Very minimal turbo lag and torque steer. Cargo room is on par with many mid-sized SUVs. Fuel economy is good for a V6: high 20s hwy, low 20s city. Throw some cross bars onto the roof and youve got a capable home depot runner too.

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  20 years and getting better - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By normb359 - August 13 - 12:13 am

  This is my 5th Saab. I just have driven nothing but saabs since 1980. This car is by far the best yet. I am getting 30 mpg on hte highway and the preformance is great. Remembering this is a midsize car and not a sports car. Drives and handles very well.

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  My fifth saab - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Brannen - August 8 - 6:50 pm

  Fast for a Saab new 6 speed auto is great. New duel exhaust sounds good. Need to see 1/4 mile time for this car with normal test temps not in the middle of a desert like Car and Driver tested this car two mo ago and gave a very poor review. This is my 5th Saab and my third Aero. Drive it and you will buy it! When the dealer delivers the car, do not use harsh wheel cleaner on Wheels as this discolors the break calipers. D

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  First Time Saab Owner - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Deron - July 25 - 4:13 pm

  Waited a year for the V6 and so glad I did!! Power on demand, just press the gas and you are gone. Exterior styling is very sporty yet classy. Love the look of the Aero so much. Interior is first rate also. No cheap materials or cheap looking plastic. The leather seats are a dream! Driving is light on the steering, yet you feel the road. Steering response is quick and provides enough feedback without feeling it. Love the dash and the layout. DVD navigation is right on! Not a harsh ride at all and could actually be a bit tighter I think. Overall a refined ride, great looks, and excellent feel but has a wolf under the hood! Test drove a 06 BMW 330 and chose the Saab... nuff said!

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  Good car for the price - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Chris - May 23 - 12:10 pm

  Overall, I am happy with my Saab 9-3. The car is fun to drive and comes standard with several whistles and bells that others charge for. The car is stylish and very fun to drive. However, I have to agree with others who make mention of constant service. There is always a rattle or some little piece of cheap plastic that falls off of something. A total pain. The electrical has been an issue too (Headlights and power locks). However, our Saab service department has been great to work with!

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  Saab #2 - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By RT - April 21 - 11:10 pm

  Leased my 9-3 Aero 2/06, previously had 03 Arc. Although the Arc was fun to drive, this Aero is a totally different car. The new turbocharged V-6 has significantly less turbo lag, way more satisfying exhaust note, tons of torque. This car absolutely loves to be driven fast, bummer given the number of speedtraps around Seattle. Looks are greatly improved with dual exhaust, lid spoiler. 4k miles so far without any real issues. Only thing is moonroof wanting to stick in tilt mode. Fit and finish not quite up to BMW/Audi/Benz standards, but then again, this car was a hell of a lot cheaper with comparable equipment.

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  Anything But a Saab Story - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Wicklund - April 6 - 7:50 am

  I went in search of a Saab 9-3 based on styling, reliability, and its impeccable safety record. I thought the car would be nice to drive, but was very surprised at how much fun it really was. I have to be careful, for it seems to really want to move. Its comforting to know that I have the responsiveness and acceleration capability from a safety-through-avoidance standpoint.

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  GREAT CAR - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By saabian - March 24 - 10:03 am

  I recently got this car for a Christmas present from my parents. Im seventeen years old and previously had a 2005 accord. So far I loooove the Saab. It drives like a dream and has wonderful gas mileage. All my friends love my car. It doesnt take long to get used to the ignition in the console but leaving your sunroof open while raining it could cause a problem.

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  Excellence - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By tank96 - March 10 - 8:33 pm

  This is the best car that I can think of. Has styling elements of a BMW without the cost. It can hold its own against V6 competitors while saving gas with a V4. This is my first car that I bought and am very pleased with what I got. I am in college and was still able to pay for it in cash. I have the nicest looking car of anyone I know. Saab is easily the best value car on the market. I can compete with other sports cars and save gas. I got 28MPG when I first started out while driving Very aggressively the whole time. The interior is spacious enough to fit larger people (Im 63")and is very well designed. Saab does its job making you feel like youre in an airplane cockpit. Comfortable car!

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  9-3 convertible - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By B. Rich - February 21 - 12:50 am

  This is my second Saab, but first convertible. I absolutely LOVE it. 2006 engine much smoother than my 2003 Sedan, both 2.0 Turbo. It is so much fun to drive, and the seats are a perfect fit. Had a slight rattle with the top down, and my dealer solved the issue within a hour. I am now a confirmed Saab owner.