2006 Saab 9-5 Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Saab gives its flagship 9-5 line freshened styling and a revised instrument panel for 2006. The 9-5 is available as a 4-dr sedan and a 4-dr wagon Saab calls the SportCombi. Linear, Arc, and Aero trim levels are replaced for '06 by models tagged 2.3T and 2.3T Sport, which are available in both body styles. All 9-5s have a 260-hp turbocharged 4-cyl engine, up 10 hp from 2005. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard. A 5-speed automatic with steering wheel buttons for manual operation is optional. Also standard: ABS, traction/antiskid control, and front side airbags. Curtain side airbags are unavailable. Leather upholstery and heated front and rear seats are standard. The 2.3T Sport models have a sport suspension and special trim.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Midsize Cars sport interior dimensions similar to Midsize Cars. Premium Midsize Cars offer more luxury, performance, and prestige when compared to Midsize Cars. This segment is one of the industry's fastest-growing categories.

Our Best Buys include Acura TL, Cadillac CTS, and Infiniti M. Our Recommended picks include the Acura RL, Infiniti G35, Lexus ES 330, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

New or significantly redesigned models include Lexus GS, Lincoln Zephyr, and Mercedes-Benz CLS.

News

A redesigned 9-5 is long overdue. Our moles now expect it to appear for model-year 2008. It will be one of several General Motors cars on the new global front-drive "Epsilon 2" platform engineered by GM's German Opel branch. Dimensions should increase, though it's unclear by how much, and fairly radical 4-dr fastback styling is rumored. Transverse GM-sourced V6s will likely replace Saab-designed 4-cyl engines, likely a 3.6 and a turbocharged 2.8, the latter already offered in the 9-3 line. Available all-wheel drive has been mentioned, but it's still unconfirmed.

2006 Saab 9-5 Road Test

Pros	Cons

Handling/roadholding	Manual-transmission shift action

Build quality

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

2.3T Sport sdn, man.	2.3T Sport sdn, auto.	2.3T Sport SportCombi, auto.	Class Average
7	7	7	6.7

Strong, given an engine that's small relative to those in other premium midsize cars, and reasonably linear, given that it's turbocharged. Throttle response is delayed by moderate turbo lag, however, and by the automatic transmission's occasionally slow downshifts. Manual transmission suffers from long throws, imprecise clutch action.

Fuel Economy

2.3T Sport sdn, man.	2.3T Sport sdn, auto.	2.3T Sport SportCombi, auto.	Class Average
5	5	5	4.6

With automatic transmission, test 2.3T Sport sedan averaged 23.0 mpg in mostly highway driving, and 2.3T SportCombi averaged 18.5 mpg in mostly city driving. No opportunity to measure with manual transmission. Saab recommends premium-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

2.3T Sport sdn, man.	2.3T Sport sdn, auto.	2.3T Sport SportCombi, auto.	Class Average
5	5	5	6.7

Only Sport models made available for testing. We judge ride firmer than necessary; sharp freeway expansion joints register with a jolt. Little float or wallow at highway speeds.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2.3T Sport sdn, man.	2.3T Sport sdn, auto.	2.3T Sport SportCombi, auto.	Class Average
7	7	7	7.1

Secure and sporty. Car responds alertly to nicely weighted steering. However, rapid acceleration off the line and from low speed triggers torque steer--unwanted pulling to the side. Braking is swift, powerful, consistent.

Quietness

2.3T Sport sdn, man.	2.3T Sport sdn, auto.	2.3T Sport SportCombi, auto.	Class Average
6	6	6	6.8

Little wind noise. Engine idles with a throb absent in rivals with V6s or V8s. Some turbo whine apparent during highway passing. Tires rumble, roar on coarse pavement.

Controls

2.3T Sport sdn, man.	2.3T Sport sdn, auto.	2.3T Sport SportCombi, auto.	Class Average
6	6	6	6.7

Gauges unobstructed. Climate, audio controls easy to use. We don't mind center-console-mounted ignition switch--a Saab custom. But some testers find window switches located there inconvenient. Programming navigation system requires some practice, and with one CD slot, you must choose between playing music or viewing map CD, unless you order the optional CD changer. Only clock display is in radio screen, and it extinguishes with audio system off. Many cabin surfaces are soft-touch, but some testers say too many budget-grade plastics detract from this interior's upscale feel.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2.3T Sport sdn, man.	2.3T Sport sdn, auto.	2.3T Sport SportCombi, auto.	Class Average
6	6	6	7.4

Plenty of room. Seats generously sized, but too soft for best support. Manual tilt/telescope steering wheel is standard. Poor over-the-shoulder visibility.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2.3T Sport sdn, man.	2.3T Sport sdn, auto.	2.3T Sport SportCombi, auto.	Class Average
6	6	6	5.5

Adequate head room, but knee clearance tight if front seats are pushed far back. Some testers want more toe room. Rear bench nicely contoured and supportive, though too narrow for comfortable three-abreast trips.

Cargo Room

2.3T Sport sdn, man.	2.3T Sport sdn, auto.	2.3T Sport SportCombi, auto.	Class Average
5	5	8	4

Large trunk has flat floor, cabin pass-through. Wagon's cargo bay is cavernous, with neat under-floor storage. Both body styles have split folding rear seatbacks. No excess passenger-compartment storage. Cupholders limited to pop-out dashboard contraption that's taxed by larger drinks, and center-console insert that negates use of armrest.

Value within Class

2.3T Sport sdn, man.	2.3T Sport sdn, auto.	2.3T Sport SportCombi, auto.	Class Average
3	3	4	5.9

The 9-5 is a roomy, solid, good-handling car available with the added utility of a wagon body style. But it's among the oldest designs in the premium-midsize-car class, and counts among its shortcomings the absence of curtain side airbags. It's also pricey for a 4-cyl automobile, and Saab trails Japanese-brand rivals for resale value and in reliability surveys.

Total Score

2.3T Sport sdn, man.	2.3T Sport sdn, auto.	2.3T Sport SportCombi, auto.	Class Average
56	56	60	61.4

Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars

Low Score		48
Average Score		61
High Score		72

2006 Saab 9-5 Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 07/11/2006

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

2.3T 4-door sedan	$34,100	$31,884	$720

2.3T SportCombi 4-door wagon	$35,100	$32,819	$720

2.3T Sport 4-door sedan	$35,195	$32,869	$720

2.3T Sport SportCombi 4-door wagon	$36,195	$33,804	$720

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

2.3T

Powertrain

2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission, traction control.

Safety

Dual front airbags, front side airbags, front-seat active head restraints, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system, emergency inside trunklid release (sedan), daytime running lights.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, power steering, tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, 8-way power front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors w/turn signals, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power sunroof, Harman/Kardon AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, satellite radio (requires monthly fee), digital clock, tachometer, compass, outside-temperature indicator, trip computer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage door opener, cooled glovebox, illuminated visor mirrors, variable-intermittent wipers, cargo cover (wagon), rear defogger, rear wiper/washer (wagon), automatic headlights, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, front and rear fog lights, headlight washers, 235/45HR17 tires, alloy wheels.

2.3T Sport adds to 2.3T:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Unique interior and exterior trim.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Sport suspension.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Visibility Pkg.
2.3T, 2.3T Sport	$1,095	$986
Rear-obstacle-detection system, automatic day/night outside mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, xenon headlamps.

Powertrain
5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability
2.3T, 2.3T Sport	$1,350	$1,337


Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
2.3T, 2.3T Sport	$2,795	$2,516
Deletes satellite radio. Moves in-dash 6-disc CD changer to trunk.

OnStar assistance system
2.3T, 2.3T Sport	$699	$629
Includes one year service.

Power sunroof delete
2.3T, 2.3T Sport	$0	$0


Ventilated front seats
2.3T	$995	$866
2.3T Sport	$400	$360


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Special paint
2.3T, 2.3T Sport	$550	$495


Roof rails
wagon	$250	$225

2006 Saab 9-5 Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Saab 9-5 4-door sedan	Saab 9-5 4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	106.4	106.4

Overall Length, in.	190.4	190.6

Overall Width, in.	70.5	70.5

Overall Height, in.	57.2	57.7

Curb Weight, lbs.	3470	3470

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	15.9	73.0

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	18.5	18.5

Seating Capacity	5	5

Front Head Room, in.	37.1	38.7

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.4	42.4

Rear Head Room, in.	37.0	38.2

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	36.6	36.6

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	Turbocharged dohc I4

Size, liters/cu. in.	2.3 /140

Horsepower @ rpm.	260 @ 5300

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	258 @ 1900

Availability	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed manual	21/29

5-speed automatic	18/28

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Saab 9-5 4-door sedan	Saab 9-5 4-door wagon

Rollover Resistance	4	NA

Side Impact, Driver	5	NA

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	4	NA

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	None/--	--

Bumper-to-bumper	4/50,000	--

Corrosion	6/Unlimited	7/unlimited on 9-3 sport sedan and convertible.

Free roadside assistance	4/50,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	3/36,000	2/24,000 on 9-2x.

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: Sweden

Drivewheels: front-wheel drive

Tester's Comments

(what's this?)

Vehicle Evaluated: 2006 Saab 9-5
Trim Level: 2.3T
Arrival Date: 03/30/2006
Engine: Turbocharged dohc I4
Bodystyle: 4-door wagon
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
4WD/AWD: No
Base Price: $36,195
Price as Tested: $42,908
Mileage at Beginning of Test: 3659
Mileage at End of Test: 5168
Total Measured Miles:
Total Fuel Used: 26.621 gals.

Major Options: Fusion Blue Metallic Paint, Sentronic Automatic Transmission, Navigation System, Visibility Package

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 18.18 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None

From The Back Seat
John Biel APR

Rick Cotta A sporty, stately wagon, the SportCombi nonetheless suffers a few drawbacks in a class where a few is just too many. Non-linear acceleration, a stiff ride on patchy pavement, some misplaced controls, and poor over-the-shoulder visibility harm what is otherwise an attractive and comfortable hauler.

Vehicle Evaluated: 2006 Saab 9-5
Trim Level: 2.3T Sport
Arrival Date: 04/20/2006
Engine: Turbocharged dohc I4
Bodystyle: 4-door sedan
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
4WD/AWD: No
Base Price: $35,195
Price as Tested: $41,905
Mileage at Beginning of Test: 3873
Mileage at End of Test: 7350
Total Measured Miles:
Total Fuel Used: 29.703 gals.

Major Options: Jet Black Metallic, Sentronic Automatic Transmission, Navigation System, Visibility Package

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 20.7 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None

From The Back Seat
Tom Appel In updating the 9-5, Saab failed to address the cars largest short comings, and actually downgraded the interior. What the 9-5 needed most was a smoother, quieter engine, but little was done to quell this noisy, throbbing mill. Inside, a freshened look comes at the expense of quality, as all the new pieces have a resounding feel of mediocrity. Want a Saab? Buy a 9-3. Want a premium midsize car? Buy anything else. Personally, I like the Infinity G35.

< 2006 Saab 9-5 Photos

Also in the 2006 Saab 9-5 Review:

Saab 9-5

Saab 9-5 Road Test

Saab 9-5 Prices & Equipment

Saab 9-5 Specs & Safety

Saab 9-5 Photos

Saab 9-5 Full Review

All Saab 9-5s

All Saabs

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