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 1 through 10 of 182.00

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  Great car, but no Acura - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By 1saabowner - October 31 - 3:20 am

  I currently own a 2005 Acura TL 5AT with navigation. My wife traded in her 2001 Lexus ES for the 9-3 Aero with everything, for about the same price as my TL. I really like the seats on the 9-3, which are slightly more comfortable than my TL. However, we werent impressed by all the hard, black plastic throughout the interior, especially when compared with the TL. Acceleration is good throughout the RPM range, but the normally aspirated TL is better. The Saab does shine in safety, with a BEST PICK side rating (1 notch above TL) and GOOD rear impact rating. Not a bad choice, but we like our TL a lot more.

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  My Jet - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Islah - October 25 - 2:46 pm

  I saw the Combi in 07 and i fell in love with the car, it looked like a Red jet coming from the other side, It looked beautiful and since then i was trying to buy this car but they seldom come out for sell, used that is. I finally bought the car last week, and in love with it. cant stop thinking about it. I didnt know, driving a car could be this much fun. I also have an 02 525i, and it delivers its own fun, but the sheer driving pleasure that this car provides is out of the ordinary. There is plastic all around is because the car needs to be light on its feet like Acura RDX.

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  Could be better - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By CP - October 10 - 4:43 am

  It is a great car, but have had problems with steering wheel locking and key not working car at all,this has happened a few times, they said nothing could be done about it .. problem for that year? Have had electrical quirks, and had to have key reprogrammed. It has speed unreal, can go so fast in seconds. Seats are extremely comfortable, and the gas mileage has been fantastic. It is like the car that keeps giving in the fuel department! The quirks are annoying to say the least for such low mileage, but if I had not had a problem with the above mentioned, the car would rate a 10 in my book hands down.

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  Saab FUN - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By mschae - June 23 - 2:03 am

  Fun and exciting to drive. Recently had two rather large rocks hit windshield. However, on further inspection not a mark was noticed. This car has very rapid pickup in the 70-80 mph range.

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  Blast to Drive, Blast in the Wallet - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Ryan - June 6 - 10:20 am

  This car is a blast to drive. I bought this car used with about 47,000 miles in 2007. Because most of the miles were highway, I figured Id only have a few maintenance issues. WRONG! Ive easily spent close to 1,500 on this car so far (including the pricy 60K maintenance). So far the horn and both power windows have broken, along with the temp. gauge. The front of the car/wheel well is currently squeaking. Regardless of these issues this car IS A BLAST TO DRIVE! I paid only about 20k for this car and there is no other car at that price point like it. So, if your looking for a great car to drive and dont mind putting in a little maintenance, this could be the car for you.

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  Wanted some fun - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By cubanindesmoines - May 12 - 11:50 am

  Traded an 05 Subaru Legacy-i for the 9- 3. The Saabs seats are very comfortable and there are a lot more features in the Saab. Acceleration is great and overall very fun to drive. The vehicle does have unique look to it without being quirky or gimmicky. Hwy mileage has been excellent at 29- 31. City is good at 24 mpg. Mileage can be worse if you really step into it. I was concerned about overall reliability so I did purchase the service contract with it. Huge amount of features and adjustments for the sound system, climate control, and information systems. Keep the rpms over 2000 and it runs well. Keep them over 3000 and there is no turbo lag.

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  Well rounded tourer - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Paul Guinnessy - October 24 - 1:13 pm

  The 9-3 sportcombi is an excellent tourer that keeps the driver well connected to the road without fatigue. The seats are great, the safety features are best in class, and the car is nimble in traffic. Currently averaging 26 mpg in city/highway driving. The interior could be improved, which apparently happened with the later versions of the car. The car also feels more balanced that the sedan version, because of the better weight ratio (52/48 instead of 60/40 in the sedan). This has an impact on the feel of the car and how the suspension performs. The reliability has been rock solid since we leased it. Its very likely we will keep the car when the lease is up.

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  Disappointed - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Unfortunate - June 28 - 4:26 am

  I hate to have to write a negative review. I have 4200 miles on my 06 SAAB 9-3 Aero and had to have the engine replaced in the car. Engine coolant light to leaky head gasket to engine replacement. Unbelievable!! I love the car other than that. The V-6 has a problem that they wanted the engine back to the factory to investigate. Beware folks!!

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  This car makes you unique - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Al B. - June 3 - 11:40 pm

  Ive only had this car for about 2 months and I cant tell you how excited I get when I jump into it every morning. This is a very fun and sleek ride. It handles the turns well, manuevers with ease and when I want to kick it into overdrive I just switch over to the 5M tiptrometer. Just to tell you how well this car handles, I took it to 115 mph the other day on the hwy, and I literally didnt realize how fast I was going. Its that smooth of a ride. Yes, people told me to get a BMW 3 or an Acura TL (give me a break; but I tell you what-this car is just as good as those and the cool thing is that Im the only one I know who owns a Saab! Hows that for being cool.

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  9-3: a noisy ride - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By tennisman - March 28 - 3:26 am

  Wont be buying another Saab; after living with the excessive road noise and poor stereo for 2.5 years, its time to get a quieter car. Wears me out on a long road trip. Awful stereo, with no bass in the back parcel shelf. All bass is in the doors, which makes everything rattle that is in the door pockets.