Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Options
Most popular vehicles
Popular New Cars
- New Acura MDX
- New Acura RDX
- New Audi Q5
- New BMW 3 Series
- New BMW X3
- New Buick Enclave
- New Cadillac Escalade
- New Chevrolet Equinox
- New Chrysler 300
- New Dodge Challenger
- New Ford Edge
- New Ford Escape
- New Ford Expedition
- New Ford Explorer
- New Ford F-150
- New Ford Focus
- New Ford Mustang
- New Honda Accord
- New Honda Civic
- New Honda CR-V
- New Honda Fit
- New Honda Odyssey
- New Honda Pilot
- New Hyundai Elantra
- New Hyundai Santa Fe
- New Hyundai Sonata
- New Hyundai Tucson
- New Jeep Compass
- New Jeep Grand Cherokee
- New Jeep Wrangler
- New Mazda 3
- New Mazda 6
- New Mazda CX-5
- New Nissan Altima
- New Nissan Maxima
- New Nissan Rogue
- New Porsche Cayenne
- New Ram 1500
- New Subaru Crosstrek
- New Subaru Forester
- New Subaru Impreza
- New Subaru Outback
- New Tesla Model S
- New Tesla Model X
- New Toyota 4Runner
- New Toyota Camry
- New Toyota Corolla
- New Toyota Highlander
- New Toyota Prius
- New Toyota RAV4
- New Toyota Sienna
- New Toyota Tacoma
- New Volkswagen Jetta
- New Volvo XC60
- New Volvo XC90
Popular Used Sedans
- Used BMW 5 Series
- Used Chevrolet Impala
- Used Chevrolet Malibu
- Used Chrysler 200
- Used Dodge Charger
- Used Ford Fusion
- Used Ford Taurus
- Used Honda Accord
- Used Honda Civic
- Used Hyundai Elantra
- Used Hyundai Sonata
- Used Tesla Model S
- Used Toyota Camry
- Used Toyota Corolla
- Used Volkswagen Jetta
Popular Used SUVs
- Used Acura MDX
- Used Acura RDX
- Used Ford Edge
- Used Ford Explorer
- Used Honda CR-V
- Used Honda Pilot
- Used Hyundai Santa Fe
- Used Jeep Compass
- Used Lincoln Navigator
- Used Mazda CX-5
- Used Nissan Rogue
- Used Subaru Crosstrek
- Used Subaru Forester
- Used Tesla Model X
- Used Volvo XC90
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!
Edmunds Moderator
As for Saab, they are now facing the same dilemma as many other FWD manufacturers, like Acura, and yes Volvo eventually. Too much power for the front tires to put down and also do the steering. They have reached the limit.
How can they expect to go on selling the 9-5 as is for two more years? Good God, they should just put that model on hiatus. It's a bit embarassing.
And how long do you suppose it would take them to get the Sonnet to market, if they started right now? Two years? Three? More? Saab needed fresh product three years AGO, not three years hence. What they got instead was rebadges of a couple of models hanging around the far-flung GM empire, which never sold and now will be quickly and quietly cancelled.
I guess by 2008 Saab will be the 9-3/SportCombi brand? That's some future. I have driven the 9-3, a nice enough car but no great shakes in the context of the market. Buy the A4, buy the TSX or TL, heck buy the S40 or S60, and come out ahead for sure.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Rocky
Believe you are correct. Underscores that while AWD has its fine points, it is not the be-all and end all for snowy climes.
In the Sedan, perhaps. I'll take the new 2.6 litre turbo V6 in the Combi over the powerplants in any of the vehicles mentioned.
I prefer the Combi hatch design over anything Acura sells.
Neither the V50 nor the V70 match the Combi for sporty ride.
The new Audi A3 does, but it is smaller - and will cost nearly as much as the Aero when fully loaded.
Yes, Saab needs more models.
Finally, on the HP issue, don't you think with the cost of gas where it is there will be a market for thrifty engines with HP already more than adequate to accelerate well over twice the national speed limit? Or do you expect the madness to continue as though the price of gas were still under a buck a gallon?
These are Saab's primary competitors, I believe.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
I hope not because I will want one again if it resembles the current one :surprise:
Rocky
M
Rocky
February /06
Sales increase 34.1% in January, lead by expanded 9-3 line-up
Detroit, Mich. - Hot on the heels of a solid sales increase in 2005, Saab Automobile USA has realized one of the best January results in its nearly 50-year history in the United States. The company, which will celebrate the golden anniversary of its U.S. activities at the New York auto show in April, sold a total of 2,196 vehicles in January 2006 - up 34.1% from the same period a year ago.
Up over 30%, my figures are checked!
Wasn't Saturn supposed to be the rebadged Opel though?
GM did a good job with Epsilon in creating distinct driving experiences for the Malibu, G6, Vectra, and 9-3. (Has anybody driven the rebadged 9-3 Cadillac BLS?)
Rocky
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Rocky
Rocky
Some of us want a luxurious car but don't want to harm the environment
Rocky
Did you see that GM redesigned the Saab.com site ?
looks a whole lot better.
Rocky
Got back from the Nashville Auto Show and the lone rep. there said that Saab had a jumbo SUV in the works.
I sure hope he was being fed some mis-information.
I wonder if GM would allow me to take a Saab to a GM dealership to get it worked on. i.e. general maintence ?
Anyone know the answer to this question ?
Rocky
I'm sure it'd be fine for oil changes but major services should really be done with a Saab dealer, and I'm not sure you would get free maintenance with a regular GM dealership.
Rocky
Most of the maintenance are minor oil changes but the 30,000 mile service is a huge one, and on the 9-3, 9-5, and 9-7X you'll be spared the expense of paying for it.
Rocky
I know someone who REALLY wanted an x-type but chose to not get it because it was 110 miles to the nearest jag dealer. I think she made the right choice.
Rocky
http://www.volvocars.com/
My God the S80 in my opinion after seeing it again is the best car ever made :shades: I can't believe I'm saying this guys.....
Rocky
Pontiac, Mich. - Two of General Motors newest, high-performance overhead cam engines – the 2.0-liter Ecotec Supercharged and 2.8-liter V6 Turbo – have been named among the industry's 10 best engines of 2006 by the editors at Ward's Communications.
Both engines are variants from two of GM's most popular global, modular engine families, designed, engineered, and produced around the world. They also share a similar attribute, which Ward's noted as an important development occurring in the industry today: forced induction.
"Turbocharging and supercharging allow us to develop big-displacement-like engine performance, while maintaining the efficiency benefits from a small displacement engine," said Sam Winegarden, GM Powertrain executive director of engine engineering. "We're pleased that the editors at Ward's recognize our expertise in developing these efficient, high-performance engines."
Supercharged Ecotec
"GM makes serious inroads into the affordable performance market with its thrilling 2L supercharged DOHC I-4 used in the Cobalt SS performance coupe," said Bill Visnic, Ward's senior technical editor. "Thanks to supercharging and intelligent design, GM engineers squeeze more than 100 hp per liter from their 4-cyl. dynamo, while achieving an impressive 23/29 EPA city/highway fuel economy rating."
The Ecotec 2.0L supercharged is a variant of GM's global Ecotec family, which features an aluminum block, inline four-cylinder, dual overhead cam, four-valve-per-cylinder engine design. At the heart of the Ecotec supercharged is an Eaton M62 helical roots-type supercharger. Maximum supercharger boost pressure is 12 pounds, and the system includes an air-to-water intercooler to increase intake-charge density, which in turn enhances power and reduces a supercharged engine’s propensity to "knock" at high boost levels.
The Ecotec supercharged also received upgraded components in critical stress areas, thanks to experience in the tortuous crucible of the National Hot Rod Association's Championship Drag Racing series – where the Ecotec has developed a "bullet-proof" reputation as a formidable powerplant for front-wheel drive dragsters.
Available in either the 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt SS Supercharged or the Saturn ION Red Line, the Ecotec SC slams out a formidable 205 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 200 lb.-ft. of torque at 4400 rpm.
It is built exclusively at GM Powertrain's Kaiserslautern, Germany, engine plant.
2.8L V6 Turbo
"A sophisticated mid-displacement V-6 and turbocharging are a remarkably effective combination," says Visnic. "GM and Saab have created an impressive performance-car engine with high specific output and the thrill of turbocharging."
The 2.8L V6 Turbo is the newest addition to GM's contemporary global V-6 engine family. All engines in the global V-6 family share traits that include a 60-degree lightweight aluminum cylinder block with iron cylinder sleeves, an aluminum structural oil pan and aluminum cylinder heads, dual overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder. The 2.8L V-6 Turbo builds on those strengths with components and technology developed with Saab specifically for the turbo system, variable valve timing, and a variable fuel pressure system to ensure smooth idle and driving characteristics.
The 2.8 turbo system features a unique, twin-scroll turbocharger. It has an integral bypass valve and is fed by two exhaust ducts – one from each cylinder bank. Separating the exhaust gas pulses with two compressor zones improves gas flow and reduces energy loss. The turbo system's charge cooler promotes performance by reducing the temperature of inlet air.
Delivering 250 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 258 lb-ft of torque from 2000 – 4800 rpm, the 2.8 V6 Turbo is standard globally in all 2006 Saab 9-3 Aero models, which includes the Sport Sedan, SportCombi and Convertible. It is also featured in Europe in the Opel Vectra and Cadillac BLS.
The 2.8L V-6 Turbo is built at Holden's Port Melbourne, Australia global V-6 engine facility.
Ward's Communications publishes Ward's AutoWorld and Ward's Engine and Vehicle Technology Update. The criteria for the 10 Best Engines competition includes a range of customer drivability factors such as horsepower, torque, technical relevance to the vehicle, and low levels of noise, vibration and harshness. Now in its twelfth year, Ward's 10 Best Engines was created as a way to recognize superior performance and showcase the critical importance of powertrain technology and excellence in engine engineering.
GM Powertrain is a global producer of engines, transmissions, castings and components for GM vehicles and other automotive, marine, and industrial OEMs. Headquartered in Pontiac, GM Powertrain has operating and coordinating responsibility for GM's powertrain manufacturing plants and engineering centers in North America, South America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region.
Rocky
Maybe a Saturn, too.
Rocky
Hopefully not the Nissan VQ35 engine because that is what is in my daily driver and I love it- decent mileage, and quite powerful.
Date posted: 04-27-2006
STOCKHOLM, Sweden — Forget the rumors you've heard about a neo-Sonett.
Saab planners are focusing on a much more down-to-earth product: a compact sport hatchback aimed at the Audi A3 and known internally as the Saab 9-1.
Company executives already are talking about the vehicle. In an interview with the Swedish newspaper TT, Saab Managing Director Jan-Ake Jonsson said the car will be built at Saab's home plant in Trollhättan and will be built on the same platform as the next-generation Opel Astra.
The 9-1, which is due in early 2009, won't be the only vehicle off the new Delta platform. Saturn also is looking to Opel to provide it with a successor to the Ion in 2008.
Work on the 9-1 began in earnest last year when it became clear that there would be no direct Japanese replacement planned for the "Saabaru" 9-2X, which runs through 2007. Saab reportedly is doing styling studies on its future small car, which will likely adopt design cues from the recent Aero X concept.
The company also is working on Opel-based replacements for its big 9-5 for late 2009 and the midsize 9-3 for 2010, according to European suppliers.
What this means to you: Opel will be the common thread that ties Saab to Saturn in the future.
What this means to me: Saab is taking baby steps to regain their past glory.
Rocky
Does anyone know what Opels could become Saabs ????
Help Me, I wanna know. I prefer pics :surprise:
Rocky
Rocky
I'm not so sure about the 9-5...
The only way a small turbo charged v6 could be efficient would be to lighten the car up significantly to produce any kind of effect from having a smaller engine. In comparison you could simply purchase an Audi with a 3.2 naturally aspirated engine creating more power through out the entire rev-band and have top class styling by a manufacture with one of lowest defect rates in the world (that's fact FYI) for about the same price. It seems to me Saab is on a small v6 trip and won't bend.
Even with their new Aero X while an impressive design and high end engineering it’s like creating a statue of Gandhi out of cheese, Incredible, but why? It would take a lot of time, a lot effort, maybe even set a record for the first cheesed Gandhi figure, but who would buy it for it a high priced object with no significant advantage besides saying, “I own a Gandhi cheese man.” The only thing that Saab has is –Saab, a name. As of right now, all that the name tells me is I have some money to waste on a car that brings nothing significant nor matches many, if any, cars in it’s class. Practically like using hundred-dollar bills for soiling paper, only people with wealth or ignorance would do this.
Regardless of how much power this engine is producing for its size it’s a small heart in a large body. They have to get a new style concept behind all their cars to appeal to more then just "Saab-lovers" and choose a direction for their performance cars. Light bodies, small turbo v6 or the same heavier body with a larger v6 turbo. Where Saab’s is at now can be done by most car manufactures in a lower class of cars? Honda for one has already created engines that could easily be manufactured with a small factory turbo that could out perform Saab’s best (Ex 3.0 v6 accord) actually Saabs 2.8 would have trouble competing with the accords 2.4 liter I4 with a turbo on it. I’m just being hypothetical here to put comparisons out on the table. I’m not talking about a kid “hooking up” his car with a leaching parasite of a turbo killing the engine. I’m talking practical here, but we have to keep in mind you. All in all Saab seems to be a company caught in a squeeze market with no competitive advantage. I’m not against Saab I have always been about high quality smaller powerful engines, but they have to make a move with the ball now.
For General Motors Corp., it's the question that just won't go away: Why, if the company is getting smaller and keeps losing sales, does it still need eight vehicle brands in the U.S. market?
As part of a sweeping turnaround, GM has dropped the cost-cutting ax on nearly every other corner of its business, laying plans to close plants, cut thousands of jobs and pare health benefits for employees.
While it scrapped Oldsmobile in 2002 and killed off slow-selling models such as the Cadillac Eldorado, Buick Park Avenue and Pontiac Bonneville, GM has avoided the nuclear option for its other brands.
"We're totally happy with what we've got," GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz said this month at the New York International Auto Show. "We're not going to add any (brands). But we're not going to remove any."
Critics say GM is clinging to the idea of being big, even though its U.S. market share has slipped from 45 percent in the early 1970s to 23.9 percent this year. In January, Jerome York -- then an adviser to billionaire investor Kirk Kerkorian and now a GM board member -- said GM should either sell or kill its Saab and Hummer brands as part of its turnaround.
Jay Spenchian, who became Saab USA's general manager last year, and Martin Walsh, who took over as Hummer's general manager March 1, said in separate interviews with The Detroit News that their divisions will play important roles in the turnaround of GM, which lost $10.6 billion in 2005
The Swedish-born Saab brand -- in which GM purchased a 50 percent stake in 1990, then bought outright in 2000 -- remains a tiny player in the U.S. auto market and a profit disappointment, even after major investments by the automaker.
And Hummer, while profitable and growing, has a three-vehicle lineup that some say could be absorbed into one of GM's other brands at a savings of millions.
Spenchian and Walsh, who previously had key roles in the turnaround of GM's Cadillac brand, say they have been given a clear directive to grow the brands, and have been assured at the highest levels of the company that Saab and Hummer are going to remain part of the plan.
"Any questioning of Saab's future is over," Spenchian said.
The Saab brand received a boost in February when it unveiled the Aero X concept vehicle -- a sleek coupe that evokes the brand's heritage as a former maker of jet planes.
Spenchian acknowledges the brand has been "consistently inconsistent" in both its marketing and vehicle offerings. But, he said, "what you're seeing now is a real dedication to moving forward."
GM recently added new models to the Saab lineup and aims to double the brand's U.S. sales to about 80,000 by 2010. As its main luxury brand in Europe, GM says Saab is also a key part of its growth plans in that region.
Experts say Saab needs to distinguish itself from other luxury makes.
"What are they trying to do? What is their mission?" said Tom Libby, senior director of industry analysis at J.D. Power and Associates' Power Information Network. "And that, to me, is fuzzy."
Saab in recent months launched a new advertising campaign that has raised its exposure and helped increase sales.
York, since joining the GM board in February, has gone from "negative to neutral" on Saab after performing an internal review of the brand, Lutz said.
And what about Hummer?
Walsh said he addressed its future right from the start. "Either the second or third day I was in the brand, I talked to Bob Lutz. And my first question to him was: Am I going to sell Hummer, or am I going to sell Hummers?"
Lutz's response, according to Walsh: "You're going to sell Hummers. We're not going to divest ourselves of the division."
Since then, Walsh said his task has been to determine where the brand can go from here. With a 175 percent increase in sales in the first three months of the year, new dealers coming online and brisk sales of the new H3 midsize SUV, Walsh said the brand's future is wide open.
"My job is mostly just to find out what the true potential of the brand is," he said. "At this point in time, no one is really sure."
But even with gas prices on the rise, the brawny truck brand has no plans to soften the image of its rugged, gas-thirsty vehicles, Walsh said. "Hummer is what it is," he said.
It was Lutz who first spurred speculation that GM may jettison a brand. At a presentation last spring to financial analysts in New York, the executive referred to both Pontiac and Buick as "damaged brands," comments he says were taken out of context. A few years ago, GM's money-losing Saturn brand also came close to joining Oldsmobile on the automotive scrapheap.
But now, as part of its North American turnaround, GM has a new brand strategy for all eight of its badges. GM is making Cadillac and Chevrolet its only full-line brands, while Saturn, Buick, Pontiac, GMC, Hummer and Saab will offer limited product lines and target specific markets, such as performance enthusiasts and professional-use trucks.
The plan is meant to improve the image of each brand and curb the practice of rebadging the same models for different brands.
But it's also an attempt to dispel what some of GM's more optimistic critics have said of the auto giant -- that, perhaps, it doesn't have too many divisions, just too little imagination.
http://www.detroitnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060430/AUTO01/604300341/- 1148
Some time ago I sugested that SAAB could hang two turbos off one engine, like Audi did with the engine they put in the old S4 (1.8TT ?). That would be indeed product differentiation and they could still use small engines.
Rocky
In terms of style, I like it. I will concede that I find it more comparable to the previous gen 3-series as opposed to the current, but they're on different "cycles," it's gonna happen. As far as the A4 goes, you can keep it, the redesign can't come quick enough. Again, just my personal taste. Maybe it is to me what the 9-3 is to you.
I could list a handful of points that stand out to me, but the end result is that it appeals to me, and just not you.
By the way, the door handles are body colored for '06.
Just to testify that I'm not just playing devil's advocate, I'm going to be putting an '06 Aero SS in my garage this summer
Just my 2 cents!
Rocky