The Saab 9-3 is a four-door five-passenger luxury sedan or luxury sports sedan. The original 2003 Saab 9-3 arrived on the market in 1999. It was available in three trims, the base Linear, the Arc and the more sporty Vector. In 2004, the convertible model arrived and the SportCombi wagon showed up in 2006. The vector only lasted for two years before undergoing a name change to the Aero. The Linear lasted one more year before being dropped altogether. In 2006, the Arc was renamed to 2.0T. In 2008 the all-wheel-drive Aero sedan and wagon entered the market as did the popular limited edition ‘Turbo X.’ The 2009 Saab 9-3 gets even more power and more models with all-wheel drive availability.
There are three 2009 Saab 9-3 models, the Convertible, Sport Sedan and the four-door wagon called the SportCombi. All three come in various trims like the 2.0T Touring, 2.0T Comfort, 2.0T XWD (except for the convertible), 2.0T Sport and the Aero. Each of the trims offers something different. The 2009 sedan 2.0T has a turbocharged 2.0 L I4 engine the produces 210 horsepower. It comes paired standard to a six speed manual transmission. There is a five speed automatic transmission available.
The Aero comes with a 2.8 L V6 engine offering 280 horsepower and is paired standard to a six-speed manual transmission with an optional six-speed automatic transmission available.***** There is also a Saab 9-3 TurboX now available.
The Saab 9-3 offers loads of interior space both for passengers and cargo. The Sedan and the SportCombi have seating for five however the rear seat can be small for three adults and the legroom can be an issue.The Convertible seats four adults. The storage space in all models is more than adequate for most consumers’ needs.
Some things remain Saab features such as the floor-mounted ignition switch and ‘Night Panel’ that helps to reduce fatigue while driving. The interior colors are two-tone with a black background for a dramatic look and feel. For comfort on the Aero, the driver’s seat is heated and has a memory setting and the front passenger gets an eight-way power seat. The entertainment system included is the Bose AM/FM radio with in-dash 6-disc CD change.
Saab 9-3 Features and Options
The Saab 9-3 comes fully featured by today’s standards. Included on the various models are air conditioning with dual-zone automatic climate controls, one year of OnStar, front bucket seats, full complement of power accessories, tachometer, trip computer, exterior temperature gauge, cruise control, leather upholsters, tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio controls. The convertible models have a power-folding soft top that has a heated glass rear window.
Several option are available like a rear electronic parking aid, rear diversity in-glass radio antenna. There is a Cold Weather Pacakge available as well.
Saab 9-3 Safety
Saab has always had a good name for safety. Therefore, the vehicle comes fully loaded with two-stage side seat-mounted airbags, curtain airbags, active front head restraints to reduce the potential for whiplash, antilock brakes with Brake Assist, and even a remote keyless entry. Additional safety features that help to keep the Saab 9-3 at the top are the antiskid system, emergency inside trunklid release, and anti-theft deterrent system. There is also a rear-obstacle detection system.
