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 71 through 80 of 182.00

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  So Far So Good - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Tim - January 23 - 9:30 am

  Bought this car almost two months ago. Too early to know for sure, but so far best car I have owned. It has snowed every week since I bought it, so I havent been able to "joy ride" much, but the Front Wheel Drive handles snow well. The interior is my personal favorite. I liked the interior more than the 3-series and the C-class at the dealer. The trunk is huge for a little car. Overall we love it.

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  Without Regret - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By M. Coon - January 16 - 11:33 am

  I was looking for a high class car that wouldnt cost me too much (like BMW). This car is definitely the right car. I paid about $14,500 with 37,000 on it... worth every penny too. The car drives really well and has great pickup because of the turbo. I should also mention that I get 27mpg in the city on a regular basis... really great!

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  2.0T is the way to go - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Daddydriver - January 6 - 12:46 pm

  I have had this car for almost two years so I have good perspective on this car and have had no issues. The turbo charged 4 cylinder offers plenty of power, especially at higher RPMs. Even enthusiasts will enjoy the base 2.0T engine. For max performance and control, I suggest using the manual shift feature with the automatic transmission. I have really pushed this motor to the max and it is equal to the task. The handling is decent for a front driver. The suspension is a little on the soft side during hard maneuvering but is stable. The Saab is a great commuting car, but the backseat is small, especially with an infant car seat.

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  excellent value - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By zxcvb - December 13 - 8:40 pm

  Great car. Was skeptical before I leased it for my wife. The acceleration is great. Cannot feel the turbo kick in - unlike my vw and volvo. Driver comfort is excellent. Great for new york city. Can park and accelerate easily.

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  Update to 10/28/2006 & 7/21/2006 Reviews - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Jyerka - December 7 - 10:06 pm

  I have put a few years of road tripping and hauling mountain bikes and snow boards in this car, still fun to drive. (~50Kmiles) Turbo is excellent now that I have moved to Denver (5500ft.). I can drive it in the snow easily- advantage being I grew up in the snow, I was more worried about having 17" wheels. No mechanical or electrical problems, exterior and interior have held up well against rough use. No change in gas mileage, I saw an increase when moving to CO (not sure why). Useful tools and jack, I use the cargo cover at trail heads. Only worry is brakes are weak for about 30 seconds after starting car, weird.

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  Finally got it - Saab Aero Sportcombi - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Jerry - November 17 - 3:43 pm

  When I first saw the pictures in the 2005 Geneva Auto Show, I knew this was the Saab I had been waiting for. The SportCombi provides the utility I need, the luxury appointments I desire, and exclusivity that flies in the face of homogenized convention. I finally picked up my vehicle Jan 2007 and feel safe, secure, and proud.

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  Great car - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Mark - November 12 - 3:10 am

  I got my 9-3 SportWagon Aero (2.8L) two weeks ago. The car is very sharp - accelerates great, handles great. Interior quality is not Lexus level, but beats my other car (Honda Accord).

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  Great car for money - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By TennisMan - November 6 - 1:36 am

  Great car to drive, powerful 4-cylinder engine, nice fit and finish, terrible audio system. We leased our 2.0T automatic for 2 years and so far it is great fun to drive. Wish it had memory seats standard, though. Stereo is crap, with poor sound quality and aggravating RDS scrolling which is hard to fix. Gets about 30 mpg on hwy, 21 around town. Auto-stick works well with the 4-cylinder turbo. A little tight in the rear seat quarters for adults.

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  06 SportsCombi - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Matt Severson - October 12 - 3:06 pm

  What a fun car to drive. Expecting our first baby and wanted safety first and foremost in a wagon. Tired of SUV. Considered the Volvo V70 and XC70 but didnt have the same "fun" quotient. We had a Saab 9-3 convertible before and had always been impressed by its torque at low RPMs. The 9-3 Sports Combi did not disappoint. We were hooked after the first drive. The redesign suspension makes handling superb. I love that it has full complement of airbags including curtain airbags. Gets good gas mileage, is fun and unique to drive. Would like to have gotten the 9-5 but its in desperate need of a redesign.

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  2006 Saab 9-3 Aero Convert. Fun!!! - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Raven777 - October 1 - 5:20 pm

  I was leery at first buying a Saab since many of my friends had warned me that Saabs had many problems. Well so far at ~3k miles they have been wrong. I love this car, it is fun to drive, very fast, and it turns heads. Even BMW drivers look to see, what is that car. The seats are the best ever! The confort is superb. The interior is nicely done with two-tone seats. The stereo though leaves something much to be desired. A Bose system would make a huge improvement. For this class car to not have BlueTooth is a shame, ONStar or not.