2006 Saab 9-3 consumer reviews

I honestly love my 06 Saab 9-3 2.0T. There have always been mixed reviews on Saab's reliability especially in the 9-3 range. It seems like some reviewers have a terrible car and some have an excellent car, there really never seems to be a grey area with Saabs. Fortunately, for me, I believe that I have a very reliable one. It has had a few electronic-related quirks in the first few months that I owned it, but not anymore. The car always starts right up whether it has 4 feet of snow covering the hood on a 5 degree morning or sun beaming down on a 95 degree summer afternoon. Living in New Jersey, we get the extremes of all four seasons and this vehicle has performed admirably in each and every one. I would definitely recommend this vehicle to anyone in the market of something like an Audi A4 or BMW 3- series. It may not be for all, but for those who can appreciate the understated Scandinavian design and quirky interior touches, you will be very pleased. Keep in mind that test drives are still free, so try out everything in your price range before you buy it. Performance is great in the car as well. Go easy on the gas pedal and you can easily achieve over 30MPG highway. The nice thing about the small turbo is tons of power when you need it, but a small, efficient engine when you don't. It really is an ideal blend of both. Handling is very good, and not just "for a front-wheel drive car" but simply good in general. I do wish that the 13 speaker sound system had deeper bass and that the front seats more more contoured, but those are my only complaints about the interior. The 9-3 is definitely worth at least a 20 minute test drive, it could surprise you and be the one you end up with.

I bought an '06 AERO with 29k miles on it, it now has almost 38k. I love driving it, however the gas mileage could be better. It's mainly because of the 2.8L turbo. Besides that, the exterior is stylish and well built. The interior is not like that of a BMW, but still fancy. The car has been in the shop more times in 1 year than my old BMW that I had for 9 years. Mostly minor things such as resetting lights, or a loose gas cap. I would consider buying this car again in the future! Great car, you get way more for your money than you would for a BMW or Audi.

I purchased this car used 2 years ago with around 25k on it and it now has around 60k. I haven't had a single problem with the electrical system or any of the mechanics for that matter. I think overall this car is incredibly reliable and most of the reviews you will see of it are from the people who have had a bad experience with it. The 2.0 turbo is fast and also gets excellent gas mileage. The fit and finish of the interior is not quite the same as you will get from an Audi or BMW but it is still quite impressive, especially considering the price point. Overall, I have to say that I would purchase this car again in a heartbeat.

I bought this car from a dealer who specializes in low-mileage, high-end sports and luxury cars, i.e. Mercedes, Cadillac, BMW. I was looking for a nice, low-mileage convertibe for my wife. I couldn't keep my eyes off the Saab. The convertilbe top is well engineered (and fun to watch)and the vehicle is loaded with extras. The turbo and the shift option on the trasmittion controls makes this car fun to drive. Gas mileage is outstanding. Interior fit and finish is very good. One complaint- the some of the dash materials are a bit cheap and a few sqweeks have developed. We receive many complements on this car.

The 2006 Saab 9-3 Super Sport is a wonderful sports sedan. I purchased the 2.0 liter 4-cylinder turbo model with a 5-speed auto stick manual. The car is very quick and fun to drive. I am getting 23 mpg around time in the dead of winter. The ergonomics are wonderful. The engine idles smoothly with very little body shake. I would recommend this car to anyone.

Second Saab I have owned. The first one was a lemon - in the shop all of the time. This one is a nuisance. Constantly in the shop - lights go, car doesn't start, computer system needed replacement fairly soon after I purchased it brand new. Too many things to mention. Is it comfortable ? - yes - do I like the design ? - yes - does it have spunk ? - yes but not worth it when I constantly need to bring it in. As much as I would like to get another SAAB I do not want the headaches.

I purchased a certified used 2006 Saab 9-3 (20K miles) from a dealership in Charlotte, NC with a trade-in of a 2001 Volvo S60 T5. The sales pitch was a that the vehicle was "a blend of sport and luxury" Bad mistake. The car has been incredibly unreliable, including aspects of the powertrain, suspension, brakes, electrical, and virtually every other major system. Saab replaced the engine at 36K miles, and the problems have continued. The car is not well built, and it is supremely uncomfortable on long trips. It does get very good gas mileage, but that is the extent of the positive aspect of this car. Particularly in this market/economy, you can do a lot better with Acura, Lexus, or Infiniti. This will be my last Saab.

Car has great balance and engineers tuned car to be perfect at cruising speed. One of the most comfortable cars I have ever owned. Got 20 MPG around town and 28 MPG on the highway. Very happy with the car.

Excelent handling and power balance. Hold the road. Fun to drive. Beautiful interior, dash, seats, comfort.

Hi- I found it very difficult to write this review. I absolutely loved my 2006 Saab 9-3 Aero, that is...when it was working. I bought it brand new three years ago. I think I have had just about every electronic problem you could possibly have in a car. All problems totaled twelve...in three years. I should have just brought a sleeping bag to the service department! I have spoken to others who had the same problems with this year. If you check Consumer Reports, they gave this vehicle a black dot for electrical...I probably should have researched that. After two failed door locks, failed power windows, a dead alternator, broken ignition via fob, three headlight burnouts (the Xenon), two blower (a/c and heat) incidents- one in the dead of winter, as my windshield froze and one in the dead of summer at 90 degrees with 80% humidity...nice, a broken radio, and broken interior lighting system, I traded it in. All problems affected other parts or created more problems. The vehicle drove like a dream and the turbo was incredible...that is, WHEN it worked. Of course, it was just beautiful to look at, as well. I just don't feel like living in the service dept. I am completely turned off to buying another Saab. I traded in for a Lexus. At least I know I have reliability there. GOOD LUCK ALL!