2006 Saab 9-3
Wednesday, October 25th, 2006
An attractive wagon version and a powerful new turbo-charged V6 engine increase the appeal of the 2006 Saab 9-3. The 9-3 compact sedan, which debuted in 1999 and was last redesigned in model-year 2003, has rescued Saab from the brink of extinction. But it’s a bittersweet success story, as the car is definitely more conformist than past Saabs.
General Motors brought the ailing Saab brand fully under its corporate umbrella in 1999. To broaden the brand’s appeal and cut costs, the current-generation 9-3 is built on GM’s front-wheel-drive Epsilon platform. Gone is the sloping rear and yawning hatchback that defined the Saab 900, which the 9-3 replaced in model-year 1999.
Safety has long been a Saab hallmark, and the 9-3 comes loaded with ABS, traction control, stability control and front, side and head airbags. Convertibles feature a rollover-protection system with a stronger windshield surround, popup rollover bars and seatbelt pretensioners that sense when a roll is imminent. The 9-3 remains a step behind the recently revamped BMW 3 Series in terms of steering feel and precision. Saab can only do so much with an inherently less sporty front-wheel-drive setup.
Saab manual transmissions are traditionally rubbery in operation, though the five-speed gearbox in the current base 9-3 is vastly improved. We have yet to test the six-speed manual mated to the new V6 engine.
Overall, the 9-3 has crisp handling befitting a compact sport sedan. It’s a refreshing alternative to other import sedans in a crowded market. GM has finally moved Saab into the dreaded middle ground of the entry-luxury field, though not at the expense of losing all of the brand’s quirky character.
Enrollment in Saab’s performance driving school now comes standard with the purchase or lease of any 2006 Saab 9-3 Aero — sedan, convertible or the new SportCombi wagon. Owners of 2005 or newer Saab 9-5 Aeros are also enrolled for free. MSRP price range for the 2006 Saab 9-3 is $25,900-$36,500.
Tags: 2006 saab
Share This: Email This To A Friend or Social Bookmark It!
If you were interested in 2006 Saab 9-3, you may also be interested in:
1989 Saab 900 Given To Wisconsin Automotive Museum: A United States man who gave away his Saab vehicle to a museum after working up whopping 1,6 million kilometres has been given a free
Must… Sell… Cars… Top 10 Cash Back Offers: Automakers with remaining 2006 inventory are getting desperate in some cases to get rid of their lot. Cars.com has assembled the 10 best incentive offers
Saab 9-7X Altitude Edition: Saab announced a limited-edition of its 9-7X SUV today that it's calling the Altitude. By "limited," we're not kidding, as only 500 will be produced