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

• 

  Great value and fun to drive! - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By saabie - November 6 - 3:33 am

  This is my 10th Saab and I really cant seem to drive anything else and enjoy it. This is my first 9-5 and I love it! Tremendous acceleration and handling with very little gas mileage loss. Much better sound system than my 9-3 Linear. End of the year savings made this an absolute steal!

• 

  Great Value - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By Daniel - September 18 - 5:40 am

  Ive owned this car for 2 months and compared to 5 Series BMWs, Mercedes E Class, and the Audi A6, Saab gives you more car for the money

• 

  Excellent Value and Performance - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By ChrisG - July 6 - 3:10 am

  I have owned my 9-5 for 6 months now and still love it as much as the day I drove it home. For me, theres no other car out right now that provides the same balance of value, performance, COMFORT, fuel economy and style. The 9-5 in Sport Mode makes any trip fun, as when you stomp on the gas the car just squats down and launches. A warning, though, 75 mph feels like about 50 so make sure to set the cruise. I also love the fact that I can haul 3 other adults on long road trips and get nothing but compliments on the interior comfort. Passengers especially love the heated rear seats in the winter.

• 

  Underestimated - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By SaabNY - June 23 - 12:50 am

  I purchased my 2006 9-5 with end of year incentives. We already had a Saab 9-3 in the family which we like a lot. Im very happy stepping up to the 9-5. Similiar understated luxury but with better interior quality and design. I now have 10,000 miles and zero problems. The 9-5 may not be the most modern car on the road but I think the long production run has given Saab a chance to refine the platform and fix a lot of early production issues. Despite some GM parts, the 9-5 still has lots of Saab feel and luckily manages to NOT feel like any GM vehicle that Ive ever driven.

• 

  Great car - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By tbruce - March 22 - 11:16 pm

  Ive had my 2006 for about two weeks now. I traded in my 2003 Aero. My 2003 was great (just wanted a new one). I love the 9-5. Has all the comforts and amenities I need in a car. Great price also when compare to the Euro competetion. My Saab went to the dealer maybe twice a year for very minor things. Torque steer is was not noticeable untill you really pushed the car.

• 

  Saab 9-5 Combi - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By AZJim - March 3 - 4:46 am

  Wasnt 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!!!

• 

  Surprisingly Fun - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By AX - January 14 - 3:20 am

  I 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 can’t 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.

• 

  9-5 Saab Owner Review - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By vtliving - December 29 - 4:43 am

  I 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.

• 

  Great Car - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By Patrick - December 2 - 5:50 pm

  Traded 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.

• 

  2006 Saab 9-5 - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By Saab #3 - October 30 - 11:40 pm

  Love 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?