2006 Saab 9-5 Consumer Reviews

A Mixed Bag-Fun, Economical but Fragile

Written by: Mendelation on 09/06/2009

Vehicle

2006 Saab 9-5 4dr Sedan w/Sport Package (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

There's 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 don't 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.

Favorite Features

Excellent combination of power and fuel economy.

Suggested Improvements

Make an all new 9-5 and keep selling Saabs in this country.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Finally Bought One - No Regrets

Written by: highegt on 07/11/2009

Vehicle

2006 Saab 9-5 SportCombi 4dr Wagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

Styling like nothing else - gets looks from all sorts of folks - very fast car, especially when selecting sport mode - easily gets to autobahn speeds and slows back down - handles great - gas mileage is in the 30's driving from LI through NYC to NJ and back each day. As long as I drive normal - very comfortable with great sound system sunroof open has no cabin buffet - wagon design very useful with kids. Regarding vibration complaints in other reviews, this is a 4 cyl putting out 260HP - you want an appliance, buy something else. Great used value!

Favorite Features

Turbo, seats, stereo, powertrain engineering, looks, functionality, fuel economy and trick front cup holder.

Suggested Improvements

Interior plastics need to be reduced, coin holder.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Second Saab Wagon

Written by: Craig on 04/20/2009

Vehicle

2006 Saab 9-5 SportCombi 4dr Wagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

Bought this to replace my 2001 95 Aero wagon which had 118,000 miles. Lots of progress in the evolution of the car. More comfortable, but still handling and performing great. I drive from Ct. to NYC frequently, and appreciate a nice car that still gets good gas mileage. I am very happy in this car, even if I am stuck in traffic.

Favorite Features

Power, handling, comfort, ergonomics, and appearance. Still like the fact that I don't see it coming and going. Resale value is poor, so it is a great bargain on the used market.

Suggested Improvements

Make parts less expensive. Headlights burn out too quickly, and are tough to get to in order to replace.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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More rattles than a box of biscuits

Written by: charles pinnick on 02/05/2009

Vehicle

2006 Saab 9-5 4dr Sedan w/Sport Package (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

Lovely car for the price but unfortunately I bought it new and could not get much of a deal. I am a slender 170lbs yet the cushion bottom on my leather ventilated sport-seats has gone nearly flat and I am sitting on the frame. Dealership said they fixed it by putting a new one in (and billing Saab no doubt) but I believe they simply turned it over and puffed it out. Bad for the back - and that is one of the reasons I bought my second Saab 9-5. The rattles on this car KILL me. The plastics are low-grade economy plastics and there are more rattles in this new design than there were in the older vehicle. These new vintages suffer from shoddier plastics--Saab says 1 yr on rattles-bs!

Favorite Features

Seat warmers

Suggested Improvements

Seat cushion bottoms and INTERIOR RATTLES GALORE!

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Great Value

Written by: Daniel on 11/11/2008

Vehicle

2006 Saab 9-5 SportCombi 4dr Wagon w/Sport Package (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

I've owned this car for 2 months and compared to 5 Series BMWs, Mercedes E Class, and the Audi A6, Saab gives you more car for the money

Favorite Features

I really enjoy the quality of the sound system

Suggested Improvements

Annoying vibration noises in the cab. Dealership trying to figure this out. Need better cup holders for front seat passengers

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No Saab story here........

Written by: UMR Engineer on 05/18/2008

Vehicle

2006 Saab 9-5 4dr Sedan w/Sport Package (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

We'd give this, our second Saab an A. Very few criticisms (see below). Styling is great. Really fun to drive. Lots of room.

Favorite Features

Styling. Performance. Room. Trunk room. Will buy another Saab. (Bring back the Sonnet.)

Suggested Improvements

Figure out the cup holder thing. The "sliding" armrest in the console is not comfortable. We think the road noise is too high.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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9-5 Saab Owner Review

Written by: vtliving on 04/06/2008

Vehicle

2006 Saab 9-5 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

I have owned and driven Saab vehicles for decades. From the Saab 900 to this current model - the 9-5 sedan. This is the best built and best handling Saab I have ever owned. The GM marriage seems to have improved overall quality in several key areas; climate control for one - now first rate quality. This car is roomy, responsive and fun to drive. The Front wheel drive and traction control make this vehicle exceptional in snow and winter driving conditions. I put on four studded snow tires and can safely go where ANY 4x4 can travel, up mountain roads and through ice and snow covered terrain.

Favorite Features

The new six disc in dash sound system is fantastic, no more digging into the trunk to load cd's! And now with XM radio and the ability to plug in your i-tunes or mp3 player. With a myriad of speakers designed for the interior of this vehicle there is no need to aftermarket to get great sound.

Suggested Improvements

The 9-5 is noisy for car in this price point. Wind and Road noise is louder than I would like ... especially with the winter tires on. Overall a small complaint considering the handling, braking, and fuel efficiency of this responsible and safe automobile.

10 out 10 people found this review helpful

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My new Saab was designed by 16 amateurs

Written by: never again Saab/GM on 03/03/2008

Vehicle

2006 Saab 9-5 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

After first few thousand miles the car began to disintegrate and deteriorate, forcing me to spend 2-3 times a month in a dealer shop; with each repair lasting 3-4 hours. The roof, body, upholstery, front panel, and doors’ trim rattling and noises are getting intolerable with adding passengers; giving the impression the car will loose pieces or break apart. On cold days doors would not close/lock. Hinges must be lubricated and tied up every 1K miles. Driver seat and steering vibrates at idling. The car occasionally pulling sharply to the left. Terrible 16-18 mpg on hwy. Car is difficult to fix, new problems introduced with every repair. Have to wait 30 days for new parts; Saab offer no loaners

Favorite Features

Great seats smooth turbo performance

Suggested Improvements

Poor design and engineering Lots of bad parts in new car like sunroof cassette assembly, which cannot be fixed Terrible assebly Quality --case in study for shakes and rattles Difficult to repair due to car poor design, complexity, and lack of parts Saab will not give a loaner

4 out 9 people found this review helpful

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SPAAB 9-5 Sport-Combi

Written by: BeefaBoy on 05/21/2007

Vehicle

2006 Saab 9-5 SportCombi 4dr Wagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

We call this thing the Spaab, it's like being at a day spa. I've been interested in Saabs since the early 80s when I was stationed in Germany, always loved their quirky styling. This is my first and it's an incredibly comfortable and capable vehicle. Fantastic acceleration and handling. Very roomy and well designed interior. There's a bit of acceleration steer when you really jump on it, but this car inspires you to just take it easy and enjoy the ride so not much of that anyway. I have however had it up over 110 MPH and you would never know unless you gazed at the speedometer. I have thought about getting rid of all my other cars and getting another Saab, maybe the 9-3 convertible!

Favorite Features

Interior - I've driven every car on the planet and nothing compares to the comfort of this vehicle! The acceleration and handling is nothing to scoff at either. Unless there are major reliability issues in the future I am a Saab buyer for life.

Suggested Improvements

It could use a stiffer suspension, I had a Bimmer in Tuscany last year cruising the switchbacks through the mountains there, this car would not have done as well but nothing under $45K gives you the total package you get with this vehicle.

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Saab 9-5 Combi

Written by: AZJim on 04/29/2007

Vehicle

2006 Saab 9-5 SportCombi 4dr Wagon (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

Wasn't even considering Saab. Found out about the deals on 2006 models and went to check them out. Found one of only 3 2006 SportCombi's left in AZ. Test drove it and fell in love. This wagon hugs the road and is mighty quick.The ventilated seats are awesome especially here in AZ!! Sentronic is fun. Great sound system and loads of cargo space. Love It!!!

Favorite Features

Absolute fun car to drive. Sport mode button really makes the Saab jump!! Great stereo with xm and front aux input for iPod/mp3

Suggested Improvements

One more cupholder and improved storage in center console. Pretty minor stuff.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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