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2006 Saab 9-3 User Reviews

2006 Saab 9-3 Review Ratings

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Average Ratings from 21 reviews

  • Performance:4.6 out of 5 stars4.6 out of 5 stars4.6 out of 5 stars4.6 out of 5 stars4.6 out of 5 stars 4.6 / 5
  • Appearance:4.6 out of 5 stars4.6 out of 5 stars4.6 out of 5 stars4.6 out of 5 stars4.6 out of 5 stars 4.6 / 5
  • Build Quality:4.2 out of 5 stars4.2 out of 5 stars4.2 out of 5 stars4.2 out of 5 stars4.2 out of 5 stars 4.2 / 5
  • Overall:4.4 out of 5 stars4.4 out of 5 stars4.4 out of 5 stars4.4 out of 5 stars4.4 out of 5 stars 4.4 / 5

Review Highlights Click to filter reviews below

PROS
"ride" 10 reviews
"power" 7 reviews
"fuel economy" 7 reviews
"speed" 6 reviews
"turbo" 5 reviews
CONS
"tires" 3 reviews
"ride" 3 reviews
"seat" 2 reviews

User Reviews

Displaying 1 - 10 of 21 reviews 123 Next
Chris writes:
2006 Saab 9-3 2.0T Review
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Pros

A car that I wanted to like, but let me down!

Cons

Numerous electrical problems

85

A Great Looking And Driving Car, That Frustrated And Disappointed Me! — This is a tough review for me. I went from having a 2002 Saab 9-5, which was a great car, to a 2006 Saab 9-3 which was a very disappointing car. The source of my frustrations, for the most part, were ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS! The center stack trip computer display was a nightmare! The stereo, climate control, and trip computer functions constantly scrambled their read-outs. I drove a dozen different Saab models, in my local dealer's loaner car fleet. I only ended up keeping the vehicle for 1 year and 9 months! I also had issues with premature brake wear on the rear brakes, which created a cloud of brake dust! I also had the rear leather seat cover repaired under warranty, due to premature wear. All things were covered under warranty, at no charge. I also received great service from my local dealership, but the quality was certainly not what Iwould expect from a $30,000 automobile!

Primary Use: Commuting to work

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Per writes:
2006 Saab 9-3 2.0T Review
Appearance:
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Pros

great performance and decent fuel efficiency

Cons

if you use the rear seats and hate pricey services

45

Its Different, And If Taken Care Of, Will Run For A Very Long Time. — Performance: for a 2 liter turbo four, its awesome. Love driving it on the highway Build quality: High quality build. held up very well without any problems Appearance: Stealthily understated. Having said that, it is starting to show its age. Cost of ownership. Services are costly. But its a euro car, its part of package Fun factor: Definitely fun. playing with the turbo is great. Wish it was a manual and had a sportier tire package, but great anyway.

Primary Use: Commuting to work

1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Grant writes:
2006 Saab 9-3 2.0T Review
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Pros

Fun to drive

Cons

Little Tuning parts available

35

Lacking Power Yet Still Fun To Drive — I like my cars styling interior and out, but it needs new wheels, window tint standard, definately more power output. I mean out of a turbocharged I-4 it should run way better than 210hp. the 0-60 is also slow esp. compared to cars with the same amnt. of power.

Primary Use: Sport/fun (spirited driving, track racing, off-roading, etc.)

1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Scott writes:
2006 Saab 9-3 Aero Review
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Pros

Unique, stylish, affordable, very safe, not bad on gas, quick as a TL

Cons

Minor rattles in car time to time, V6s have a defective coolant tank that will need replacing.

45

Saab 9-3 Aero Fun Car, Good Price, Not On Every Corner. — You won't see this car on every block like an Acura TL or Civic. This car is quick, not too bad on gas, and includes 3 years of oil changes and maintenance. The Aero model also comes with a 2 day driving experience at Road Atlanta. This car will set you back for new breaks when it's time but the breaks are very good. Handling is also very good with the back two wheels using passive steering.

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Ying writes:
2006 Saab 9-3 Aero Review
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Pros

Individuality

Cons

GM quality control

35

Saab 9-3ss — Not as Saab as the previous ones I owned but still that bit different from the rest. Fun and well poised around corners yet comfortable on long trips. The material quality suffered under GM's rule. It's a car for those who plainly refuse to drive a boring souless japanese/ Korean barge.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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AgentM writes:
2006 Saab 9-3 Aero Review
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Pros

It's simply a joy to drive.  The turbo and sports suspension make it fun to fly around back roads or weave through traffic on the highway.

Cons

Little and big things are always going wrong, worst of all is that the car is in a constant state of misalignment and it causes me to wear my front tires out every 12-18 months.  Other issues include bearings wearing out, battery dying every year or so due to the turbo overheating it, the fan needing lubed constantly or is squeels and eventually seizes up, and the CD player skips a lot.

AgentM
25

A True Love/hate Relationship — During the few times that everything is working on the car I absolutely love it. Unfortunately those are few and far between. Look of the car: 9/10 - I hated the look of Saabs as a kid but they definitely improved that over time, a really nice looking car IMO. Driving Experience: 10/10 - The car can take off and drives almost as well as a BMW, no joke Maintenance Issues: 3/10 - Coming from a Honda Civic that never ever had an issue this has been so frustrating. Reliability will be a HUGE factor in my next car purchase.

Primary Use: Commuting to work

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Aaron writes:
2006 Saab 9-3 Aero Review
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Pros

Power, Handling, Pedigree, Refinement

Cons

Repair costs, Parts availability, Saab is bankrupt

355

This Car Blew Me Away. — If i'd had the cash, I'd have driven away with this car that day. This is a great car to consider if you are looking at a European sports sedan. It's a great contender in the category in terms of power and feel. It is a blast to drive and so comforting knowing how safe it is. If you get a chance, do yourself a favor and consider a Saab. You won't be sorry. You'll actually probably be angry at GM for their role in Saab's bankruptcy. Just sayin'.

Primary Use: Sport/fun (spirited driving, track racing, off-roading, etc.)

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Saab06 writes:
2006 Saab 9-3 2.0T Convertible Review
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Pros

Very comfortable and sharp looking, with a nice feel of safety due to added features.  I never had any issues with the car, only needed scheduled maintenance.  Would get up to 30 mpg on highway trips yet extremely fun to drive with or without the top down!

Cons

Like most sports cars the tires do not last as long as one would hope

Saab06
25

Swweettt!!!!!!!!! — I like how sharp the car looks and unique the color was compared to the other Saab convertibles I saw on the road. Very comfortable and sharp looking, with a nice feel of safety due to added features. I never had any issues with the car, only needed scheduled maintenance. Would get up to 30 mpg on highway trips yet extremely fun to drive with or without the top down! I highly recommend a Saab and feel their are not many if any other convertibles that are built with the unique combination of safety and style than the Saab 2T.

Primary Use: Family transportation

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Andy writes:
2006 Saab 9-3 Aero Convertible Review
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Pros

I would recomend SAAB to any anyone.

Cons

The only thing i hate about my SAAB, is when you see the Audi cab you just wonder if i should have paid a little more and got one of them.

25

Saab 9-3 — Its great, tyres resonable, wipers cheap, only had it 2 years and it has gone through both of its MOT's with no problems at all, its just a little bit thirsty. But when the roof is down, God its good fun.

Primary Use: Commuting to work

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Alex writes:
2006 Saab 9-3 Aero Review
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Pros

Fast, comfortable, practical, pretty

Cons

Bit thirsty, muted steering

25

Saab 9-3 Aero 2.0t — Performance: Explosive acceleration, turbo charged 2.0 pumps out 210bhp and 220lb ft torque. It's very quiet though and doesn't feel as fast as it is Build quality: Pretty good, solid, well screwed together. Some cheap plastics, but most is very nice. Occasional rattles, mainly due to hard sports suspension Apperence: Very pretty, and Aero trim sets apart with deep front splitter, side skirts, rear lip spoiler and lovely alloy wheels. Looks very classy and sporty. Cost of onwership: Fairly average, MPG is a bit lower than I expected, averaging 28-29mpg, have seen 35-38. Fun factor: Very comfortable and relaxing to drive, so not a back road blaster, but there's always something to keep you interested, be it the surging turbo performance, delightful and ergonomic interior, or high-tech equipment.

Primary Use: Family transportation

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Displaying 1 - 10 of 21 reviews 123 Next
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Similar Cars Compared to a 2006 Saab 9-3

2006 Saab 9-3 2006 Saab 9-5 2006 Saab 9-3 SportCombi
2006 Saab 9-3 2.0T picture
2006 Saab 9-5 picture, exterior
2006 Saab 9-3 SportCombi Aero picture, exterior
Cost $8,696 Average Instant Market Value $9,392 Average Instant Market Value $9,923 Average Instant Market Value
Gas Mileage (highway) 28 27 28
Horsepower 210 260 210
Crash Test Rating 8 5 8
Front Leg Room (inches) 42.3 42.4 42.3

Reviews From Other Years

2011 Saab 9-3 Reviews

An All Around Good Cruiser For Worry Free Motoring By Sta8of9

I traded my 2010 AERO Sportcombi in on Coco due to the demise of SAAB and wanting to fulfill my dream of a SAAB convertible. All in all she has performed well and is stylish and roomy for two passenge... Read More

Read all 2011 Saab 9-3 reviews

2010 Saab 9-3 Reviews

Awesome Looking And Driving Vehicle! By MikeV3

This is a very nice vehicle. It drives well and handles better. This car has the XWD (cross-wheel drive) and is great in snow and leather seats are heated and very comfortable. It also has 17" 5-st... Read More

Read all 2010 Saab 9-3 reviews

2009 Saab 9-3 Reviews

Saab 9-3 Aero Xwd By Ho

Performance - acceleration good 0-60 about 5.5 sec, braking good, handling good, Seat comfort good Build Quality - No major repair done. But some small repairs. Appearance - Exterior looks sharp and ... Read More

Great By Randy

nothing i love my car great performance comfortable super stylish built well fun to drive super acceleration when i need it and most of the time i need it around wembley great on petrol doesnt cost th... Read More

Read all 3 2009 Saab 9-3 reviews

2008 Saab 9-3 Reviews

Bmw Sucks ! Drive A Saab By Jan

One of the best cars you can get. It can outrun a bmw, audi and merc. And still it runs cheaper on fuel. Service bills are cheaper also. I have the 180 bhp Twin turbo diesel now. It holds 400NM of to... Read More

The Seats... The Seats ... The Seats... By AMME

I have owned three Saab convertibles, but this is the finest. No problems what-so-ever. Performance and handling are great as is the build quality. A quiet and fun ride. An amazing car, if you en... Read More

Read all 15 2008 Saab 9-3 reviews

2007 Saab 9-3 Reviews

Very Nice Vehicle By Steven

The Saab 9.3 overall is very good, I would recommend it to all my friends. The information center wouldnt let you see what percentage of oil life was left before you were warned to change the oil . ... Read More

Wonderful To Drive By bloomfilms

Loved the handling, and sporty suspension, a stylish commuter. Great in the winter time and in the summer; perfect for trips as well. New battery and tires! Closely compared to the Audi A4, and ... Read More

Read all 19 2007 Saab 9-3 reviews
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