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 51 through 60 of 182.00

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  Better Value - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By aero_joe - June 4 - 2:50 am

  This is my first Saab after owning 2 Audi A4s. Ive always loved the exterior styling of Saabs but never thought about owning one until this year when my lease on my last Audi was nearly complete. I looked at both Audis and BMWs but chose the Saab because it provided me the power, performance, styling and comfort for a lot less than the comparable Audi and BMW models. The real factor was the new 2.8 turbo V6 engine which gives this car the performance equal to the much more expensive 330i and the 3.2 A4.

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  Exceeds expectations, "expert" opinions - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By NJ Bald - February 9 - 10:20 am

  At 16,000 miles and 18 months, the car has been trouble free and all maintentance has been covered for free (one oil change). This car is more reliable than the Toyota and Honda I previously owned. Car handles very well, and although the controls are a little complicated, figured out how to use the car after a couple of days of ownership. This has become my favorite car and willing to replace with a new one in 10 years when this one needs replacing.

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  Love my Swede Racer!!! - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Aero Power - February 8 - 6:16 pm

  I purchased this car in March 2008 after many months of research. I wanted something upscale but not the same thing everyone else had (G35, 3- series, A4, etc). I found myself leaning toward the Swedes so it was down to the 9-3 or the Volvo S40. I drove the S40 and the turbo lag was scary so I drove the 9-3 and was sold. The only problems Ive had were the coolant reservoir needing to be replaced (under warranty) and my ignition switch failed after a few drops of coffee spilled in it. The dealership replaced it free as a courtesy but said the next one is my expense ($700). Everyone loves my car and they say its perfect for me! I hope Koenigsegg can help Saab survive!

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  Gorgeous but unreliable - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By MrStrutt - January 14 - 9:40 am

  I chose the 9-3 convertible from 2006 based on the fact that it was *more* reliable than the 2004 and 2005 models (according to Consumer Reports). However, after barely two months driving it, I have had to take it twice to the dealership -- recent failures include the alternator and the clutch. I know that Saabs werent the most reliable cars out there, but Im still surprised! The beauty is the 50,000-mile warranty which turns into 1) free repairs and 2) free loaners. In the end it only costs me trips to the dealership, plus a few parts here and there. A small price to pay to drive such a beauty!

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  Polar Bear White - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Joe Scibetta - December 13 - 6:43 am

  I love this car. It is agile and nimble on the road. It looks different from the other coupes on the road. I am so happy with it that I have already forgotten about my Mercedes-Benz. I feel you get a very versatile and SAFE vehicle for the dollar.

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  Power, Style, and Prestige - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Juice22 - November 20 - 3:06 am

  I bought this car after looking at BMW, Lexus, and Audi. We chose the Aero with the Six-Speed manual tranny after testing out the 2.0 automatic, which was great, but a little twitchy in response for me. The Aero definitely has a better low-end and the manual tranny means I get to control it exactly as I want. This is by far one of the most enjoyable cars to drive. The Turbo is better than most other cars Ive driven. It always turns heads and gets a lot of compliments. Its nice not seeing so many on the road as well. Just had Coolant reservoir replaced via recall. Saab service has always been strong and quick to fix any issues...of which Ive had very few (replaced stereo amp).

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  Sticking By It! - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Rhonda - November 5 - 10:00 am

  OK, so the driver door of my Aero Sedan may have a prickly little habit of coming loose and nearly falling off unless I tighten the bolts every few weeks, but Im chalking it up to charm. Really. Ive owned Acuras up until buying this Saab, and sure those will get you where you want to go, but they just dont have the same kick and flair of this car. I truly love driving it and that counts for something in the trend of mundane cars and dull driving experiences.

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  Stay away - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By JD - November 3 - 11:53 am

  My recommendation would be to stay away from saab. I have had it in the shop for major repairs of about $5,000 twice already. Thank god for my extended warranty. Multiple electrical issues with stability control failures, and steering wheel lock malfunctions. Also the plastic inside and emblems outside crack and fall apart. The car is fun to drive but could be better if it were AWD. Dont get me wrong BMW, Mercedes, and Audi have their share of problems and cost a lot to fix but at least they arent going under, and dealerships can still be found. My car is currently at the shop being fixed again, and once repaired will be going to a dealership to trade on a reliable vehicle

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  almost perfect - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By erich - October 25 - 6:36 pm

  Saab really did a good job with this car. The V6 makes all the difference. Thank god those 4 cylinders are gone. The car has incredible passing power. Acceleration is smooth through the entire power band. I also found it to be a MUCH better value than a comperably equipped Audi or BMW. I feel like I saved thousands. The base Aero has almost everything youd want on it so you dont get dinged for options that should be standard.

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  The Love Affair Continues! - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Michael B. - September 10 - 11:16 am

  I sold Saab in the early to mid 90s and that is when I developed a love for these cars...all I had to do was drive one. The love affair definitely continues with this car. From the quirky center console ignition (thanks for keeping it!) to the outstanding performance, to the polished sophisticated look of the hard boot... its all good. What a great car!