2006 Saab 9-5 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$34,820 to $35,915

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.5

avg user rating

(6 reviews)
2006 Saab 9-5 Preview summaryImage

The Saab 9-5 gets a mid-cycle refresh for 2006, and the model lineup has been slimmed down to just two variants. The Linear, Arc and Aero trims have been discontinued, as Saab switches to a sole trim level for the mid-size luxury sedan. The wagon is still available, but it is now called the SportCombi. This new style falls somewhere in the middle of the three previous trims, features-wise. Similarly equipped to the 2005 Arc, the new 2.3T adds 17-inch wheels and the most powerful version of the 2.3 liter inline four.

Revisions this year include a light interior and exterior face lift, improved controls, and a notably lower entry price. The sport-tuned suspension previously found on the Aero now exists as part of an optional Sport Package.

Saab's turbocharged 2.3 liter power plant is now more powerful than ever. Horsepower is boosted from 250 to 260, and torque remains at 258 pound-feet. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, but buyers may opt for a five-speed automatic with Saab's Sentronic manual shift feature. Fuel economy is estimated at 18/28 mpg with the automatic and 21/29 mpg for the manual.

There are some changes to the standard features and options rosters this year, due to the merging of the three previous trims. The Harmon/Kardon audio system is now standard, and features an in-dash CD changer and satellite radio. If buyers want to add the navigation system, satellite radio is removed and the CD changer is moved to the trunk. Other options include ventilated seats and OnStar. Roof rails, previously standard, are now optional on the wagon.

Reviewers have noted the 9-5's revised interior controls. In previous years, many had commented that features like the shift paddles and climate controls were confusing and distracting. Those complaints seem to have vanished. The 9-5 still includes some lower quality interior materials, but the seat comfort and cargo space are both reported as class-leading.

Some reviewers suggest that the automatic transmission option creates a better driving experience. The automatic may be a better pairing with the turbocharged engine, because its shorter gearing is well-matched with inline four's unique power band.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2006 Saab 9-5

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User rating:
by Peter M
Apr 17, 2023
This 9-5 is exceptional as it is equipped with the same 4-cylinder, 2.3 Liter engine as in the 9-3 Viggen. It is both fuel efficient and powerful. They are extremely durable and I expect to get 250,000 miles out of this wagon. The payload capacity is better than most in this class.Apr 17, 2023
by Anonymous
Aug 24, 2014
I was looking for an '06 or newer wagon to haul my musical equipment with greater ease. As soon as i saw this one with the color combination, the sport package (aka Aero, since '06 was the only year without an "Aero" badge, even though the vin suggests otherwise), and the visibility package (xenon headlights, parking assistant, rain sensing wipers), I was sold!Aug 24, 2014
by Robert Y
Jan 17, 2014
This car gives me features and creature comforts found in $40K cars at a fourth of the cost! Saabs have a distinct sound when running. Whereas with some cars you aren't sure if they're running or not. Not the case with Saabs. Their slogan is "Born of Jets". Totally applies.Jan 17, 2014

2006 Saab 9-5 Pricing

Original MSRP
$34,820 to $35,915
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
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YoY price change
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Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags

Audio System

6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with pass-thru · Center console trim: alloy · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: transmission controls · Storage: seatback

Driver Seat

Power adjustments: 8

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: self-leveling

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Moonroof: one-touch open/close

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Parking sensors: rear

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather · Ventilated: front

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

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags

Audio System

6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Center console trim: alloy · Dash 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 · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets

Driver Seat

Power adjustments: 8

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

Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Moonroof: one-touch open/close

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 · Ventilated: front

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: rain sensing · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags

Audio System

6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with pass-thru · Dash 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 · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: transmission controls · Storage: door pockets

Driver Seat

Power adjustments: 8

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: self-leveling

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: electrochromatic

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Moonroof: one-touch open/close

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Parking sensors: rear

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather · Ventilated: front

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

See all trims (3)