2006 Saab 9-3 Convertible Quick Spin

As far back as we can remember, Saabs have always had comfortable seats, and the 2006 Saab 9-3 is no different. Well bolstered, soft leather seating greets the driver and passenger, delivering that comfort mile after mile. After spending over five hours behind the wheel, we arrived at our final destination with no TBS (tired butt syndrome) and could have gone back out for another leg of driving. The same couldn’t be said for back seat passengers. Rear seat space in all areas – knee, foot and leg – is minimal. Those sitting alone in the back will find themselves sprawled across the rear bench seat to get comfortable.

The Saab’s suspension does a great job of delivering a smooth ride while still enabling the 9-3 to tackle the twisties when the opportunity presents itself. Wind noise and buffeting with the top down are minimal and with the top up, noise is almost reduced to that of a hard top. Visibility is good with the top up or down, with no noticeable blind spots in the side mirrors.

Inside, we found the center console height to be a bit tall for comfort. It also interferes with shifting the manual transmission, requiring an elbow tuck into your rib cage with each shift. Soft touch surfaces on the console and door do aid in the driver’s comfort, as does the well-designed steering wheel.

The new 2.8-liter V6 engine and six-speed transmission also contribute to occupant comfort. The engine’s smoothness at highway speeds and the lack of buzzing thanks to the six-speed transmission make for an enjoyable drive. Several times we found ourselves cruising at 4,500 rpm, not realizing we were still in fourth gear. The engine is that smooth.