2006 Saab 9-3 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The 2006 model year brings more changes for Saab's 9-3 lineup. Six distinct models will continue to wear the 9-3 badge, but new a new trim and body style debut this year. The Lear and Arc names have been dropped and replaced by a single 2.0T style, which is available with both the sedan and convertible bodies. A new wagon model, called the SportCombi, also arrives in 2006. The upscale aero trim returns, and it is now powered by a new V-6 engine. The Aero's previous 210 horsepower mill now powers the 2.0T, and the 175 horsepower engine had been discontinued.
The 2.0T sedans and convertibles are powered by the familiar 2.0 liter turbocharged inline four, which generates 210 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on the 2.0T models, and a five-speed automatic transmission is optional. The Aero models house a new 2.8 liter V-6. This potent engine delivers 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and comes with a six-speed manual transmission. Aero buyers may also upgrade to a new six-speed automatic. The V-6 fuel economy is estimated at 18/28 mpg with the manual and 17/28 with the automatic.
There are four non-wagon models available this year: the Aero sedan and convertible, and the 2.0T sedan and convertible. Both styles are well-stocked with standard luxury features, with the Aero set apart by a few performance and appearance upgrades.
Owners and reviewers have continued to warn about the 9-3's questionable build quality. The interior is laden with plastic pieces, including flimsy dash-mounted cup holders. The "premium" audio system produces a very average sound, and other electronics (windows, sunroof, warning lights) are also reported to be a bit unreliable. The 9-3's unique styling continues to be a strong selling point, along with the abundant cargo space, fuel economy and overall ride comfort.
User reviews for 2006 Saab 9-3
Write a review2006 Saab 9-3 Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with pass-thru · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: simulated wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks
Driver Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Exterior Features
Grille color: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Video system: auxiliary audio/video input
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Xenon
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Safety
Active head restraints: driver
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside
Suspension
Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with pass-thru · Center console trim: alloy · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Exterior Features
Grille color: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Video system: auxiliary audio/video input
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: HID
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside
Suspension
Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: simulated wood · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks
Driver Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Exterior Features
Grille color: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Video system: auxiliary audio/video input
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: soft top
Safety
Active head restraints: driver
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside
Suspension
Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Side airbags: front with head protection chambers
Audio System
6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: alloy · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: alloy
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: seatback
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Exterior Features
Grille color: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Video system: auxiliary audio/video input
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: HID
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: power
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Parking sensors: rear
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside
Suspension
Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: remote operation
