EDMUNDS.COM 2004 SAAB 9-3
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
Roomy and fun to drive, the 9-3 is a solid buy among entry-level luxury cars. Just don''t expect the razor-sharp reflexes and highly refined interiors of its German and Japanese competitors.
Pros
Balanced ride and handling characteristics, frugal yet powerful engines, generous passenger room, class-leading trunk space.
Cons
Some turbo lag at lower speeds, interior lacks upscale look, not as vaultlike as some of its European competitors, front-wheel drive a disadvantage against rear-wheel-drive competitors for performance fans.
What''s New for 2004
For 2004, the 9-3 convertible has been given the same full makeover the sedan received last year. The convertible is available in Arc and Aero models and equipped only with the 210-horsepower engine. The highline Vector sedan has been renamed the Aero, and the midlevel Arc sedan now comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission, rather than a six-speed. Bi-xenon headlights are a stand-alone extra on all 9-3s, while rear parking assist is now available as a non-package option on the sedan. The Sport Wheel Package for the Linear and Arc now includes a tire-pressure monitor.
Overview
Introduction:
The 9-3 is the latest in a long line of small sedans and coupes from Saab. Although Saab has sold cars in the U.S. since the late ''50s, it wasn''t until the debut of the 900 in 1979 that mainstream car buyers really became aware of the Swedish carmaker. Sales grew throughout the ''80s, as the 900''s unusual styling and turbo power plants made them an offbeat alternative to the typically staid offerings from Germany. The original 900 enjoyed a long production run of nearly 15 years until it was finally replaced by an all-new version in 1994. With GM now a half owner of Saab, the revamped 900 showed significant improvements in engineering and build quality. For the 1999 model year, the 900 became the 9-3. Along with the name change came upgrades to the suspension, steering and interior furnishings, as well as a minor exterior freshening. This was also the year that GM took full ownership of the company. Minor enhancements over the next several years kept the 9-3 fresh, but stiff competition in the entry-luxury segment called for an all-new design. As one of the first vehicles to use GM''s new "Epsilon" vehicle architecture, the new 9-3 benefits from increased structural rigidity and larger overall dimensions. It''s still squarely in the sport category among entry-luxury cars, but there''s more interior room than before. Even though the hatchback is gone, the 9-3 is still easily identifiable as a Saab. The tradition continues under the hood where the 9-3 relies on two variations of a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine for motivation. Power is sent though the front wheels, but significant changes in its steering system design all but erase the torque steer that plagued previous models. When compared to the competition, the 9-3 lacks horsepower, but otherwise stacks up favorably. The new chassis and revised suspension make the 9-3 one of the better-handling front-wheel-drive cars on the market. Now that the convertible has gotten a full makeover as well, the 9-3''s agile handling characteristics can be enjoyed in a practical sedan or a top-down weekend cruiser. The brakes on both cars are powerful, and the steering is quick and responsive in the turns. The entry-level power plant feels lazy on occasion, but the top-level turbo feels more powerful than its 210-horsepower rating would suggest. On the inside, the 9-3 offers a modern-looking design and plenty of high-tech features, including a rollover protection system in the convertible. The cabins offer more passenger space than any BMW 3 Series, while the trunk is one of the biggest in its class. In the challenging field of entry-level luxury sport sedans, average earns last place. The new 9-3 has moved beyond average in many ways, but whether it''s enough to get customers to bypass the BMW dealer remains to be seen. It''s not perfect, but with much improved handling, sharp styling and a clean, functional interior in both sedan and convertible form, the 9-3 is finally back in the hunt.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The 9-3 is available as a four-door sedan or a two-door convertible. Sedans come in Linear, Arc and Aero trim, while convertibles come only in Arc and Aero versions. The base Linear sedan offers full leather seating, a 150-watt stereo, keyless entry, the OnStar system, stability control and 15-inch alloy wheels. Midlevel Arc models feature a mix of real walnut trim and leather, while adding power front seats, automatic climate control, an upgraded 300-watt audio system and 16-inch alloy wheels. The sporty Aero model adds bolstered sport seats, chrome instrument surrounds and interior trim, a lower body kit, a lowered sport suspension and 17-inch twin-spoke alloy wheels. Convertibles come with a fully automatic power top that can go up or down in 20 seconds. Options include seat heaters and bi-xenon headlights on all 9-3s and, on the sedan only, a sunroof and rear parking sensors.
Powertrains and Performance:
Two different versions of the 9-3''s turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine are available. Standard on Linear models is a low-pressure turbo with an output of 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. Standard on Arc and Aero models is an upgraded engine with a high-pressure turbo that raises output to 210 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. Linear and Arc models get a standard five-speed manual gearbox, while Aeros get a six-speed manual. A five-speed automatic with manual-shift capability is optional on all 9-3s.
Safety:
The 9-3 features adaptive-force front airbags, active head restraints and seat-mounted side torso airbags. Side curtain airbags in the sedan protect passengers in both the front and rear seats in side-impact collisions. Convertibles get the DynaCage rollover protection system that integrates pop-up roll bars, reinforced A-pillars and the front seatbelt pre-tensioners. Four-wheel antilock disc brakes, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and traction and stability control are standard on all models.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
Some climate and stereo controls can be difficult to operate, but a standard "profiler" system allows drivers to program a host of individual settings that can be recalled at the press of a button. There''s plenty of room for four to sit comfortably and, with 14.8 cubic feet of trunk space in the sedan and a generous 12.4 cubes in the convertible (with the top up), the 9-3 can carry more than most other cars in its class.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
Now that the torque steer has been dialed out, the 9-3 is one of the better-handling front-drivers on the road. A stiff chassis translates into a car that''s easy to place in the corners and satisfyingly precise on the highway. The low-pressure turbo delivers a good kick once it gets over some initial lag, while the more powerful high-pressure 2.0-liter delivers a strong pull throughout its power band. The five-speed automatic downshifts quickly but can be slow on upshifts, while the manual transmissions shift just fine but tend to feel rubbery through the gates.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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