Overview & Reviews
The 2006 model year brings a refresh to the Saab 9-5, as the company hopes to extend its life cycle several more years. Highlights include an exterior face-lift, a retuned suspension, a new control layout and a price cut of about $2,000. The familiar Linear, Arc and Aero trim levels are history, as the sedan and wagon come in one model apiece. The wagon is now called the SportCombi as on the 9-3 line. Equipment is similar to last year's Arc model, though 17-inch wheels and the high-output version of the 2.3-liter turbo four are now standard. A revised intake results in 10 extra horsepower for a total of 260. The old Aero's sport suspension is optional.
- Long list of standard features, exceptionally supportive front seats, plenty of cargo space, simple controls.
- Turbo four lacks refinement, ride can be harsh at times, torque steer under hard acceleration, excessive wind noise, some low-grade interior materials, no rear-seat airbags.
User Reviews:
Showing 11 through 20 of 46.00-
Saab 9-5 Combi - 2006 Saab 9-5
By AZJim - March 3 - 4:46 amWasnt even considering Saab. Found out about the deals on 2006 models and went to check them out. Found one of only 3 2006 SportCombis left in AZ. Test drove it and fell in love. This wagon hugs the road and is mighty quick.The ventilated seats are awesome especially here in AZ!! Sentronic is fun. Great sound system and loads of cargo space. Love It!!!
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Surprisingly Fun - 2006 Saab 9-5
By AX - January 14 - 3:20 amI test drove BMWs, Volkswagen, and Mercedes, but leased the Saab 2006, sports with 5 speed manual. The competition is more refined in most areas, but cant compete with the overall value (at least $100 less per month than competition). I preferred the manual to the automatic version of 9-5 Saab, as the manual is more in tune with the road, with less front torque pull. It is surprisingly fun to drive, even when compared to comparable competition, even if not as powerful. The seats are probably better than competition. Additionally, XM is a pleasure. Rated very high for safety.
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9-5 Saab Owner Review - 2006 Saab 9-5
By vtliving - December 29 - 4:43 amI have owned and driven Saab vehicles for decades. From the Saab 900 to this current model - the 9-5 sedan. This is the best built and best handling Saab I have ever owned. The GM marriage seems to have improved overall quality in several key areas; climate control for one - now first rate quality. This car is roomy, responsive and fun to drive. The Front wheel drive and traction control make this vehicle exceptional in snow and winter driving conditions. I put on four studded snow tires and can safely go where ANY 4x4 can travel, up mountain roads and through ice and snow covered terrain.
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Great Car - 2006 Saab 9-5
By Patrick - December 2 - 5:50 pmTraded in our 00 9-5. Very fun car to drive. We drove competitors and found the Saab to be the best car for the price.
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2006 Saab 9-5 - 2006 Saab 9-5
By Saab #3 - October 30 - 11:40 pmLove driving this car... it is my 3rd saab and they all have been quality, unique cars. I still have not seen another one on the highway... its good not to own the cookie-cutter vehicles all the time. Only negative note is why cant saab make a car with a couple of useable drink-holders?
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Bank Vault - 2006 Saab 9-5
By hr - June 29 - 1:33 pmI feel safe in my Saab. The 9-5 has rated tops in safety in the real world since intro. I dont know what they mean when they say turbo lag. I remove foot from brake, nail it, the tires chirp and traction control kicks in. How does a 3600 lb 4 cyl automatic do that with turbo lag? 0-60 in under 7! Very comfortable to drive.
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Its still a Saab! - 2006 Saab 9-5
By hr - June 20 - 6:43 pmThere is one thing that reviews consistently fail to mention about the SAAB driving experience; it feels SAFE! Ive owned Mercedes, BMW, and VW and only my early 90s S class Mercedes gave me the same feeling. Even the electric door locks have a reassuring thunk that makes me think of a deadbolt engaging dorr jamb. I often see mention of turbo lag. Please explain how a 2.3 liter 4 cyl automatic in a 3600 lb car can chirp the tires on full throttle takeoff if there is turbo lag. I take my foot off the brake, nail it, it chirps and the traction control kicks in. If there is lag its in milliseconds. I dont need 6 cylinders and I am getting 23 mpg around town.
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Saab 9-5 Aero - 2006 Saab 9-5
By Chris - June 15 - 1:40 amI originally was planning on leasing a new 9-3 Aero due to a mostly satisfying experience with a 2003 9-3 Linear Sedan; however, I chose the 9-5 Aero because of its redesigned exterior and superior test-drive performance. Theres a nice balance of comfort, handling and performance with the 9-5. The marriage of the car to the 2.3 L engine provides ample power with nice fuel economy. Ive been very impressed with the interior comfort and design. Gauges are straight-forward. HVAC controls are simple, Leather, ventilated bucket seats are comfortable and pratical for hot temp climates.
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Best SAAB ive owned - 2006 Saab 9-5
By jaydee61 - October 6 - 10:48 pmI owned 4 Saab (all 9-3) and must say that the 9-5 is solid and very reliable. City driving is so-so but highway is superb. My wife would not trade this car for anything. She test droves several SUVs and feels safer in the SAAB!
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Great Family Car - 2006 Saab 9-5
By godango - September 23 - 11:56 pmWhen shopping for a new car, we knew we wanted a wagon for economy, easy of use and sporty drive (cross-overs are still bulky SUVs in sheeps clothing). Among wagons, the Saab really stood out. Great style and hands down the most comfortable seats bar none. We used the new Saab on our drive to Florida from Ohio. The Saab rocked - excellent acceleration on the highway and great handling through the West Virginia mountains in heavy rain. The car felt safe and secure on the road. The turbo 4 had plenty of juice for passing and climbing - the V6 complaint is just silly. The car also has done really well with all the snow this winter with the traction control doing its job.
