2006 Saab 9-5 Preview

People either love or hate Saabs because of their typically quirky design. To the Swedish automaker’s credit, it has resisted going mainstream with styling, and for 2006, Saab has refreshed the 9-5 in keeping with the signature look of the brand while adding improved power , sharpened chassis dynamics, and an upgraded interior. Under the hood, the 9-5 extracts ten more horsepower from its 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and torque is increased to 258 lb.-ft. Power is run through your choice of a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic with Saab’s Sentronic manual gear selection via steering wheel buttons. If you enjoy a car with a great combination of sportiness and luxury and prefer a vehicle that exudes unique style and design, the 2006 Saab 9-5 may just be a vehicle you should consider when making your next automotive purchase. With an all-new front end, the 2006 Saab 9-5 still retains its familial look but has improved performance and interior amenities.

What it is

Available in both sedan and wagon formats, the 2006 9-5 remains Saab’s flagship model with upscale exterior design, luxurious interior appointments and sporty driving characteristics. Opt for the SportCombi wagon and you get the same treatments but with added cargo room.

Why it matters

As Saab’s luxury model, the 9-5 must be kept fresh and technologically advanced. To keep the 2006 9-5 at the forefront of Saab’s line-up and competitive with other brands, the company restyled it from the windshield pillars forward, increased horsepower, improved interior aesthetics, and added innovative technology. One of the more interesting updates is an engine management system that increases torque in models with the standard manual transmission from 258 lb.-ft. to 273 lb.-ft. under full throttle acceleration. Maintaining sporty handling characteristics is also important to Saab. For 2006, chassis dynamics have been refined to provide drivers a faster, more responsive feel to improve handling characteristics.

How quick it is

When it comes to powering your 2006 Saab 9-5, the choice has already been made for you. Saab is only offering a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that now produces 260 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. One ingenious bit of technology is the engine management system that can produce up to 273 lb.-ft. of maximum torque with the standard manual transmission, but only under full throttle. If the manual transmission is not your cup of tea, there is also a five-speed automatic available with steering wheel mounted shift buttons.

What it looks like

Let’s face it. Saabs look like Saabs. They are instantly recognizable – and that’s a tribute to Saab designers. With so many cars losing their identities these days, it’s nice to see a company that still designs its cars in accordance with a traditional design vocabulary. However, that doesn’t mean that Saab is resting on its laurels. The 2006 Saab 9-5 has an all-new front end. The grille and lights are now separate and trimmed by chrome, and a horizontal bar has been added to the grille to represent Saab’s aviation heritage.

What it does best

The Saab lineup’s appeal is expanding beyond the days of old when only creative types and hippies were seen behind their steering wheels. Today, everyone from corporate executives to stay-at-home moms have acquired a taste for the Saab mystique. Despite an increase in popularity, the 9-5 remains a niche car, offering buyers the opportunity to drive an upscale automobile that not only offers a great combination of luxury and performance but also allows the purchaser to stand out in a crowd. Its unique design separates you from the masses and gives the driver a feeling of exclusivity typically enjoyed by those willing to pay big dollars for exotics.

What we think

Overall, we feel the 2006 Saab 9-5 is worthy of consideration if the design appeals to you. With a smooth turbocharged engine, a nicely appointed interior, and that exclusive Saab design, we feel the Saab 9-5 is a car that is too often overlooked. And when you factor in fuel costs, a turbo four just makes sense.

Photos courtesy of Saab cars USA