2006 SAAB 9-3 2.0T review from North America

Nothing has gone wrong with this car. It runs like a champ and I haven't had to take it to the dealer for anything.

- When it is below freezing outside there is an electronic buzz that goes away in about 30 seconds after starting the car.

- Saab modified their free maintenance plan, so I have to change the oil more myself, which at $50 for their rare synthetic oil doesn't make me happy.

- The rear aluminum tires get incredibly dirty in no time and a royal pain to clean.

I love this car. I get a kick from walking up to it and realizing that it is mine. It looks good and drives great. Now, it may not be for everyone. It's usually only me in the car so the lack of rear seat leg space is hardly a concern.

My mother doesn't think the ride is that great - and it probably isn't from a passenger's point of view. But it's a sport-sedan and you get a good feel for the road from the stiffer suspension. It is great on snow and ice. It's quick; now it's not gonna go out and beat a V-8 but it has plenty of kick for any legal driving you'll undertake. If you're doing 65 and need to pass a truck, just give it some gas and you're doing 85 before you know it - while still in 5th.

Gas mileage is pretty good. I average about 23 (mostly in town) but can get around 32 on a freeway.

Interior center dash is complicated with small buttons. But the automated climate control works so well I rarely need to push anything. (They improved this a lot in the 2007 model). Otherwise, the controls are very intuitive (e.g. cruise control)

It has a towing rating (something you won't find on a honda or toyota) and impresses people more than those brands - even if it costs about the same.

I haven't tested this, but it has superb safety ratings.

I'm worried the key fob slot won't last 10 years, but no problems yet.

Dealers are a bit rare in the US.