The Saab 9-3 - Award-winning Luxury Sedan

The Saab 9-3 is a luxury sedan, designed for executives by the Saab company, based in Trollhättan, Sweden.

Origin

First produced in 1998 for a 1999 reveal, the Saab 9-3 model (pronounced nine three, not to be confused with 93), is a revamped version of its predecessor, the Saab 900. This vehicle is made in Sweden where the Saab company is based.

Available in three model types, the three door or five door hatchback and the two door convertible, the 2007 Saab 9-3 will run you between $26,250 and $43,100.

Engine

There are two options in engines for the Saab 9-3. The buyer can choose between a 2.0 L I-4 engine with 210 horsepower and a 2.8 L V-6 engine with 250 horsepower. Transmissions are available in 6-speed standard, 5 or 6-speed automatic.

Exterior Design

The jet-inspired design has been compared to a stealth fighter, all smooth lines and aerodynamics. Any way you look at it, the Saab 9-3 is a gorgeous machine.

It is available in three body designs, sedan, wagon or convertible. The sleek design adds to its overall appeal as a luxury vehicle and is available in 16 classy colors, four of which are new for 2007.

Interior Design

The interior of the Saab 9-3 looks as high-tech and comfortable as it actually is. Both driver and front passenger seats are completely adjustable and all seats feature adjustable head rests. The leather steering wheel is a telescoping one, making it easy to adjust to the correct position for each driver. Buyers have a choice of three interior colors, each equally classic.

There is also a chilled glove box and a center consol. Reading lights make navigating easier, whether you sit in the front or back seat. Other niceties include radio controls right on the steering wheel and a radio which plays MP3s.

Safety Features

Winner for three years running of the Top Safety Pick by Gold Award, American Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Saab 9-3 is indeed a vehicle designed to protect its users. In previous years, it has been named the UK's Most Secure Open-Top Car, as well.

The Saab 9-3 has built-in stability control, which detects problems such as over steering and corrects them, employing anti-lock brakes and traction, often before the driver is even aware that there is a problem.

It also features dual anti-roll bars (front and rear) for added interior protection, side impact bars, along with dual and side airbags (six in total). The Saab 9-3 is also outfitted with a security system that includes a remote panic alarm. Other safety enhancers include an entry light, seatbelt pre-tensioners and an occupancy sensor.

Brief History of the Saab 9-3

The first version of the Saab 9-3 was the Viggen. The car was named after Saab's airline division's Viggen aircraft. It featured a standard 5-speed transmission, heated leather seat and limited interior options. The Viggen was outfitted with a 2.3 L turbocharged engine that took it from 0-100 in just 6.4 seconds. This version is no available for sale as it was a limited production edition aimed at those buyers seeking a high performance vehicle.

Together with Panoz, Saab developed a program called "Viggen Flight Academy" (now known as "Aero Flight Academy") which provided a two day course in advanced driving for any and all new Saab Viggen purchasers. Just five hundred Saab 9-3 Viggens were produced in the UK.

Saab produced three similar versions of the Saab 9-3, starting in 2003, the Arc, the Linear, and the Vector. Both featured General Motors Ecotech-style engines, 2.0 L straight-4 engines. The buyer was able to choose between 175 or 210 horsepower. The latter came with a six-speed transmission, featuring steering wheel paddle shifters in the Vector.

In 2004, the Vector was replaced with the Aero, and the Arc was modified, given a 5-speed transmission instead of the standard 6-speed one at that time.

2006 saw even more changes, with the revealing of the "20 Years Edition Aero Convertible". This was to celebrate the twenty year anniversary of the Saab 900 convertible. This new version was sold in the US, while the other models continued to be marketed abroad.

What People Are Saying About the Saab 9-3

Reviewers are very positive about this vehicle, with 4 out of 5 consumers claiming they would recommend it to a friend. Most critics enjoy the powerful engine and the rapid acceleration as well as the luxurious interior.