Forbes Autos, 2006 Saab 9-3 Aero SportCombi Test Drive

[Earl_Buick_Y]

Full article:
http://www.forbesautos.com/research/...t-drive_1.html

2006 Saab 9-3 Aero SportCombi Test Drive
Best Saab Ever?
Traditionalists may lament the discontinued Saab 900 hatchback and GM's ownership of the quirky Swedish company, but the 9-3 is the best Saab we've ever driven.

As a card-carrying Saab zealot who's owned four of the Swedish-to-the-core cars, I approached the company's new compact model, called the 9-3, with skepticism: It's built on the same platform as the Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac G6 sedans.

Surprise — this is the best Saab I’ve ever driven.

With the help of parent company General Motors, Saab has gotten rid of all the things that appealed to a precious few — goofy forward-tilt hood-opening mechanisms, wild torque steer, styling by Lyle Lovett’s hairdresser. They’ve now created a handsome, strong, sophisticated and useful mainstream car that deserves to be cross-shopped by anyone considering substantially more expensive cars such as the Audi A4 and BMW 325xi.


...Verdict

Buy this Vehicle if You want a compact sedan, wagon or convertible that’s still a bit distinctive and different; you're considering a small SUV but would prefer the better gas mileage and improved handling of a wagon.

Keep Looking if You prefer the all-wheel drive available on direct competitors; your ego requires the security of BMW or Mercedes brand clout; you need a car that comfortably seats five large adults.

[Bornfromparents]

Nice review I suspect the saturn Aura will have the same effect on people
as well

[GM>Toyota]

Yea but as far as i'm concerned, AWD couldn't come soon enough.

[adaca]

Our 2003 9-3SS Vector seems to be mostly ok, dead battery problem notwithstanding. Unfortunately, it suffers from shakes and rattles at under 29K miles that I get with our Subaru WRX at 50K miles. That I consider to be rather unacceptable. I also regret going with the Vector model which suffers from poor ride and significant amount of tire noise. Even the drone of the 4-cylinder turbo gets in the way. The corresponding BMW 3-series handles noticeably better without those compromises. So the Swedes still have a way to go (Volvo included) in suspension tuning. They need to do better than just fixing a stiff suspension with stiff riding tires.

That said, it is a nice cruiser. The seats are very comfortable. The 4-cylinder engine is much better damped out than on cheaper cars like the WRX, the drone (it's not loud at all but just very annoying) aside.

I did a drive of the SportCombi myself.
http://wheeltalk.fancal.net/?p=4

I'm a wagon guy. I love the utility. But I feel they have compromised that in this form. They wanted a more hatchback-like profile unlike the boxier 9-5 SportWagon, and they took away some utility.

So basically, I'm not too impressed. I hope future iterations would improve, and AWD is definitely necessary for better handling balance unless you go with RWD which would be very un-Saab (that Aero-X is out of place).

[GM-Joe]

Nice little review, I enjoyed it. Though I will make a few personal claims in that I do feel it is a very good looking car, probably the best looking small lux car out there, the hottest V6 out there, and it would be nice if they could add AWD to the top models.

[Tiger]

Adaca,

Isn't the 2003 model an entirely different vehicle?!

[usa1]

Originally Posted by Earl_Buick_Y

Surprise — this is the best Saab I’ve ever driven.

Does this mean it's competitive? No. It just means it's the best Saab ever, which, umm, means nothing.

Mark

[SaabKing]

Originally Posted by Tiger

Adaca,

Isn't the 2003 model an entirely different vehicle?!

No the 2003 was a split year with old and new body styles. I have a 03 SS with the launch package, and though it has had its little quirks (coughonstarcough) It is a great car.

[Bornfromparents]

can you feel it creeping up...

















more good reviews for the general.
now lets get moving on those rear drive vehicles
just maybe even motor trend and c&d will start ween themselves
from the toyo-tit

[adaca]

The 2003 model was the first model year for the current 9-3SS.

Apparently, that was a bad first year:
http://wheeltalk.fancal.net/?p=626

Our vehicle has not had major faults as reported by many, but just doesn't feel as solidly built as it should be due to the rattles and shakes - it felt solid when new...

It's a good looking car. No question. And the SportCombi is a looker, but I think they did made the compromise of trading cargo space for a sleeker hatchback profile.

[racy]

Originally Posted by Earl_Buick_Y

Full article:
http://www.forbesautos.com/research/...t-drive_1.html

...Verdict

Buy this Vehicle if You want a compact sedan, wagon or convertible that’s still a bit distinctive and different; you're considering a small SUV but would prefer the better gas mileage and improved handling of a wagon.

Keep Looking if You prefer the all-wheel drive available on direct competitors; your ego requires the security of BMW or Mercedes brand clout; you need a car that comfortably seats five large adults.

We just picked up a 2006 Sportcombi Aero, fully loaded.

All I can say, is that the car is simply wonderful on all accounts. Its performance is the best I've ever driven in a wagon/hatchback vehicle - PERIOD. Nothing comes close. The turbo VVT V6 has won awards all around, and made the top 10 list.

I drive a new Vette...and honestly, the Saab is a better performing ride in certain conditions. Saab did good with this one. It is true that it shares the same platform with the Maxx. But Saab's customization renders the two vehicles as non-comparable.

[DuSpinnst]

I like these reviews, makes me feel good about my (soon to be) new car.

[asim]

Originally Posted by DuSpinnst

I like these reviews, makes me feel good about my (soon to be) new car.

I'm assuming you didn't want to get the SportCombi? Too wagonish eh?

[DuSpinnst]

Originally Posted by asim

I'm assuming you didn't want to get the SportCombi? Too wagonish eh?

I looked at it, but I am more of a sedan guy. Now if the wagon had been a true hatchback, I probably would have gotten it.

[rueben44]

I have seen only one Combi and that was Downtown in Houston. Actually I saw it twice and they guy or gal keeps it dirty. I really liked the pics but in person it did not look good. Could have been just a cheap model so I will have to check them out.