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 21 through 30 of 46.00

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  A Mixed Bag-Fun, Economical but Fragile - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By Mendelation - August 21 - 1:56 am

  Theres a lot to like in this car. Good combination of power and fuel economy. Lots of room in the interior and trunk. Unique car that you dont see everyday. However, the quality leaves much to be desired. The engine at idle send vibrations through the whole car and lots of interior pieces now vibrate. Lots of wind noise. Air bag problems, sun roof rattle problems, loss of coolant on trip, gas gauge failure. I worry about the long term durability of this car.

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  2006 9-5 good, but could be better - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By darryl greer - July 18 - 7:26 pm

  I just put my first 1000 miles on the new 9-5, having recently turned in a 2003 9-5 Arc with 50,000 miles, (flawless mechanical record). Good news is that the car is largely unchanged in handling and ride. Braking and headlights are superior. Yet the 2.3L four is much rougher than the old V-6, with noticable turbo-lag and torque steer. The updated dash is improved, but Saab uses cheaper materials inside, below prior quality. Seating remains the same- comfortable;and ventilation has improved. Overall, the car like previous 9-5s seems at its best cruising at higher speeds, and on extended highway drives, resulting in a smooth, safe and secure ride with performance and comfort.

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  Bank Vault - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By hr - June 29 - 1:33 pm

  I 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 pm

  There 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 am

  I 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 pm

  I 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 pm

  When 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.

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  New Saab Fan - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By speeedy94 - August 29 - 1:30 pm

  Overall a fantastic sedan. Original classic styling. Drive quality is a wonderful blend of luxury and sportiness. European drive and styling. High quality feel throughout interior. More room inside than other sedans of similar price. Also not all over the road like Acura Tl, Infiniti G-35, Lexus ES 350, BMW 3 series , Mercedes C-class or Audi A-4. I did consider all of the sedans above but Im glad I went for the underated Saab.

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  Love my 1st Saab - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By Ray B - August 16 - 3:33 pm

  After 30 years of driving only BMWs, I leased a Saab 9-5 to save about $240.00 per month. I am amazed at how much I truly enjoy this car. The interior ergonomics are great as is the sound system.

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  Affordable luxury - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By Bob - June 28 - 2:30 am

  One of best choices for a wagon if you need comfort and dont want to pay big $. The only reason to go for MB or BMW is RWD but everything else is right here. This car is even cheaper than Volvo, not that harsh to drive like Subaru Legacy.