2006 Saab 9-5

This is my second Saab 9-5 wagon. This review is being written at the 6000mile/3 month point. My first 9-5 was in general, a total treat to own. You can read that review, if a 2001 model is of interest to you. Part of what lead me back to essentially the same car (with some solid updating) was great mpg for a big, fast, comfortable wagon, OnStar which I'm addicted to for 'Directions & Connections' (valuable in for my area of work), size, price.

Other cars I seriously considered were in order of interest, the BMW 530ix, BMW 325ix, Ford Escape Hybrid, Toyota Highlander Hybrid.

The first to go were the 3 series wagon due to its pathetic runflat tires. -Had 'em once on my lousy MINI Cooper and I won't have them again, especially without a spare. Second out was the Highlander. Too wide. Too blah. A nice ride for someone, but not me. Third out: Escape. Close, but not big enough and no telematics.. mixed with super uninformed sales staff. The 5 Series wagon is a very nice car. Too wide and plagued with the nerdy, complicated iCrash (iDrive) and un-deletable AWD. Added to that that the car is realistically $18k-20k more than the 9-5.. seemed indulgent and not worth it. They must be selling poorly though, since the lease rates were very appealing.

Overall the changes on the 2006 9-5 include higher hp, new styling, new interior details, updated, digital OnStar, XM radio.

Interior:
The interior details create the opportunity for the addition of a new stereo unit with great sound, easy programming. I never thought I'd care about XM, but after having it I see the appeal. I have subscribed.

New climate control knobs eliminate the need to divert the eyes to adjust settings. The knobs are a terrific fix from the former button action. LOVE the knobs.

The seats are amazing. I only have heated front and rear. Cooled seats were an option, but I wasn't interested.

Capacity is terrific (better than many SUVs). Legroom is perfect.

Performance:
The higher horsepower, 260 (up from my old model at 185) seems unnecessary. This car has always been powerful and stealth, but now it's a rocket.. which comes at the expense of slightly poorer mpg. I'd prefer higher mileage. In hilly San Francisco I usually get 17.5-19 city and flatter highway about 29-31. Still better than an Audi or any SUV. The turbo is a great way to get power and relative economy.

'Sentronic' manual shifting is only ok. I use it often to hold/brake the car on long grades, but for common use it's certainly less easy than BMW's manual shift type. The transmission, however, is very smooth.

Handling is solid, safe and fun. The ride is a great balance of between comfort and control.

Value:
Value seemed overwhelming with the deal I got, added to 0% for five years. Dealer experience was about a 9 out of 10.

Quality:
No problems have come up in 3 months and 6000 miles. Fit and finish is flawless.