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2003 Saab 9-3
|
2003 Saab 9-3 4-door
sedan |
Get
a Free Price Quote on a 2003 Saab 9-3
MSRP
$25,900-39,995
Invoice
$24,443-37,395
Incentives
0% - 3.9% financing.
Class
near-luxury car
Drive Wheels
front-wheel drive
Built In
Sweden
Also Consider
Acura TL
Audi A4
BMW 3-Series
|
In the Full Review
Other 9-3 Reviews
 |
| |
For
Acceleration (Arc, Vector), Handling/roadholding
Against
Rear-seat room (convertible), Rear visibility
(convertible)
Review Updated: 12/5/2002
|
Saab redesigns its best-selling car for 2003,
retaining front-wheel drive and its trademark
turbocharged 4-cyl engines, but dumping the
traditional hatchback body style for a
conventional sedan layout. The new 9-3 is the same
overall length as the version it replaces, but has
new styling, is wider, and rides a 2.8-inch-longer
wheelbase. A 4-dr sedan replaces 2- and 4-dr
hatchbacks. The previous-generation 2-dr
convertible carries over pending a redesign for
2004. General Motors owns this Swedish automaker
and the '03 9-3 introduces GM's Epsilon platform
that will also host redesigned versions of the
2004 Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac Grand Am and the
'05 Saturn L-Series. The 9-3 offers base Linear,
luxury-oriented Arc, and sporty Vector models. All
have a 2.0-liter turbo 4 cyl. The Linear has 175
hp and a choice of a 5-speed manual transmission
or a new 5-speed automatic. Arc and Vector have
210 hp and offer the automatic or a new 6-speed
manual. The automatic has a separate gate for
manual shifting; on the Vector, it includes
steering-wheel-mounted manual-shift paddles.
Standard are antilock 4-wheel disc brakes,
traction control, front side airbags, and Saab's
first curtain side airbags, which protect front-
and rear-seat passengers. Sixteen-inch alloy
wheels are standard on Arc and optional on Linear
in place of 15s. Vector comes with 17s. All have
leather upholstery (leather/cloth on Linear), and
a 60/40 split folding rear seatback with ski
pass-through. Arc adds wood interior trim.
Competition This
hotly contested segment has its benchmark in the
Lexus ES 300. It blends comfort, style, luxury,
and sport into an efficient package at an
affordable price. ES 300 manages to offer a little
more luxury than others in the class.
News The
new 9-3 has been handily outselling the old one in
Europe, and could do the same in the U.S. Being
less Saab-quirky may help, but it's too early to
tell. Interestingly, sales of the old 9-3 jumped
17.2 percent in the first nine months of 2002
following a 5.4 percent year-to-year loss in
calendar '01. Strong overseas demand is one reason
why the Arc and Vector versions won't be available
until next March or so, though dealers are taking
orders now. Meantime, there's talk of a
high-performance Aero sedan to take over from the
departed Viggen hatchback. New-design convertible
models, possibly including an Aero, are definitely
on for 2004.
|
| Road
Test Ratings |
Linear,
auto. |
Arc,
auto. |
Vector,
man. |
SE
conv, auto. |
| Acceleration |
5 |
6 |
7 |
6 |
| Linear slightly slow away
from a stop, but picks up speed quickly.
Arc and Vector notably livelier, with
plenty of passing power. Turbo lag not
significant, though evident, and teams
with automatic's slow downshifts to
produce a pause before power delivery.
Both manuals easy to shift, but long
throws and numb feel diminish sportiness. |
| Fuel Economy |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
| Test Linear with automatic
transmission averaged 21.8 mpg. no
opportunity to measure with other 2003
sedans. Test 2002 5-speed SE convertible
averaged 19.4 mpg. Saab recommends premium
fuel for all. |
| Ride Quality |
8 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
| Firm and poised on all.
Linear's 15-inch tires the most forgiving,
while optional 16s and especially Vector's
17s are stiff, high-performance tires that
generate thump and jiggle on small, sharp
bumps. Convertible flexes noticeably,
except on smooth roads, and most-recent
test example's top creaked. |
| Steering/Handling/Braking |
6 |
7 |
8 |
5 |
| Where the 9-3 really
shines, especially the Vector with its
sport suspension and 17-inch tires. Stable
through turns. Steering is predictable,
but a slightly heavier feel would help,
especially at high speed. Braking short
and stable, but testers complain of too
much pedal sensitivity in simulated
emergency stops. |
| Quietness |
7 |
7 |
7 |
5 |
| Tire noise slightly more
evident than it should be over some coarse
surfaces, but engines muted and turbo
emits only a slight hiss. Wind rush
apparent at highway speed, but doesn't
disturb conversation. |
| Instruments/Controls/Interior
Materials |
6 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
| Main gauges easy to read,
and key controls are in center dashboard
pod angled toward driver. Climate and
audio readouts are in dashtop screen; some
testers would prefer them closer to
controls. Audio-system adjustments not
self-explanatory. Ignition switch is
between front seats, a Saab tradition we
find unobjectionable. Fine fit and finish
in, contemporary-design interior, but not
all cabin plastics up to near-luxury
benchmarks. |
| Room/Comfort/Driver
Seating (front) |
7 |
7 |
7 |
6 |
| Notably comfortable seats
with good lateral support. Standard
tilt/telescoping steering wheel helps
tailor position, though tallest drivers
might wish for more rearward seat travel.
Some testers find sedan's rear roof
pillars and high headrest obscure aft
visibility. All agree rear visibility
awful in convertible with top raised. |
| Room/Comfort (rear) |
4 |
4 |
4 |
3 |
| Good head clearance and
plenty of toe space, but knee room
disappointingly tight if front seats more
than halfway back. Convertibles seat just
two on small, narrow seat. |
| Cargo Room |
4 |
4 |
4 |
2 |
| Sedan's rear seatbacks
fold to expand tall trunk's considerable
volume. Plenty of interior storage space.
Glovebox door stylishly integrated into
dashboard and opens to reveal large,
deep--and refrigerated--compartment. |
| Value within Class |
5 |
5 |
5 |
2 |
| The 9-3's
front-wheel-drive layout prevents it from
competing with the best in the class for
ultimate handling prowess. And key rivals
offer all-wheel drive for better
all-weather security. Still, this is a
dynamically capable, fun-to-drive car. The
'03 isn't as quirky as 9-3s of old, but
remains a nonconformist alternative to BMW
or Audi, even if it doesn't match them for
overall value. |
| Totals |
57 |
57 |
59 |
46 |
|
| All
Near-Luxury Cars |
| High
Score |
70 |
| Low
Score |
41 |
| Average
Score |
56 |
|
| Ratings: Maximum 10
points per category |
|
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Engines
|
Turbocharged dohc I4
|
Turbocharged dohc I4
|
Turbocharged dohc I4
|
| Size, liters/cu. in |
2.0/121 |
2.0/121 |
2.0/121 |
| Horsepower @ rpm |
175 @ 5500 |
210 @ 5500 |
205 @ 5500 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm |
195 @ 2500 |
221 @ 2500 |
207 @ 2200 |
| Availability |
Standard1 |
Standard2 |
Standard3 |
| 5-speed manual |
23/31 |
-- |
23/33 |
| 6-speed manual |
-- |
NA |
-- |
| 4-speed automatic |
-- |
-- |
21/29 |
| 5-speed automatic |
22/31 |
NA |
-- |
|
Notes:
1. Linear. 2. Arc, Vector. 3. SE
convertible.
|
| Engine Key: l/cu. in. =
liters/cubic inches; ohv =
overhead valve; ohc = overhead
camshaft; dohc = dual overhead
camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H
= horizontally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V
configuration; W = cylinders in a
W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously
variable (automatic) transmission;
NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist. |
|
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Specifications
|
Saab 9-3
2-door convertible |
Saab 9-3
4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. |
102.6 |
105.3 |
| Overall Length, in. |
182.3 |
182.5 |
| Overall Width, in. |
67.4 |
69.0 |
| Overall Height, in. |
56.0 |
56.8 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. |
3200 |
3175 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. |
12.5 |
14.8 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. |
-- |
-- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. |
17.0 |
16.4 |
| Seating Capacity |
4 |
5 |
| Front Head Room, in. |
38.9 |
38.9 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. |
42.3 |
42.3 |
| Rear Head Room, in. |
37.9 |
37.0 |
| Min. Rear Leg Room, in. |
33.0 |
35.1 |
| Specifications Key: NA = not
available; "--" =
measurement does not exist. |
|
|
| Model
Prices (Updated
08/05/2002) |
| Trim
Name |
MSRP |
Invoice |
Destination
Charge |
| SE 2-door convertible |
$39,995 |
$37,395 |
$625 |
| Linear 4-door sedan |
$25,900 |
$24,443 |
$625 |
| Arc 4-door sedan |
$29,995 |
$28,296 |
$625 |
| Vector 4-door sedan |
$32,495 |
$30,587 |
$625 |
| Pricing Key: Retail prices
listed with each report are set by
the vehicle's manufacturer. These
figures appear on each car's
federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include
dealer-invoice prices.
Dealer-invoice prices are what the
dealer pays the manufacturer for
the car and its factory-installed
options. The destination charge is
not included in the
suggested-retail or dealer-invoice
price and must be added to the
cost of the vehicle. Car companies
can change thier prices at any
time. If the prices published do
not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer
has probably altered the price
recently. |
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Rebates & Incentives
|
| Models |
Expires |
Rebate |
| 9-3 |
01/02/03 |
0% - 3.9% financing. |
|
|
Standard Equipment
|
| SE |
Powertrain
2.0-liter dohc turbocharged 4-cylinder
205-horsepower engine, 5-speed manual
transmission, traction control
Safety
dual front airbags, front side airbags,
front-seat active head restraints,
antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, daytime
running lights
Comfort and Convenience Features
air conditioning w/automatic climate
control, OnStar System w/one-year service
(roadside assistance, emergency services;
other services available), telescoping
leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio
controls, cruise control, leather
upholstery, power front bucket seats
w/driver-seat memory, center console,
cupholders, folding rear seat w/trunk
pass-through, wood interior trim, heated
power mirrors, power windows, power door
locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD
player, power antenna, digital clock, trip
computer, variable-intermittent wipers,
illuminated visor mirrors, map lights,
rear defogger, power convertible top,
automatic-off headlights, floormats
Appearance and Miscellaneous
theft-deterrent system, front and rear fog
lights, headlight wiper/washer, 205/50ZR16
tires, alloy wheels
|
| Linear
adds to SE: |
Powertrain
2.0-liter dohc turbocharged 4-cylinder
175-horsepower engine
Safety
curtain side airbags, antiskid system,
brake assist
Comfort and Convenience Features
interior air filter, tilt/telescoping
leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio
controls, leather/cloth upholstery, split
folding rear seat w/trunk pass-through,
automatic headlights
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: power convertible top, automatic
climate control, wood interior trim, power
antenna, driver-seat memory, headlight
wiper/washer
Adds: 215/55HR15 tires
|
| Arc
adds to Linear: |
Powertrain
2.0-liter dohc turbocharged 4-cylinder
210-horsepower engine, 6-speed manual
transmission
Comfort and Convenience Features
leather upholstery, wood interior trim,
dual-zone automatic climate controls,
driver-seat and mirror memory, tilt-down
back-up-aid mirror
Appearance and Miscellaneous
215/55HR16 tires
|
| Vector
adds to Arc: |
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: wood interior trim
Adds: sport suspension, 215/50WR17 tires
|
|
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Optional Equipment
|
Retail
Price |
Invoice
Price |
Major Packages
|
| Design Pkg., |
SE |
$795 |
$692 |
|
Black leather seats w/red inserts,
carbon-fiber instrument panel,
matte-chrome door handles.
|
| Sport Pkg., |
| SE |
$1,995 |
$1,736 |
|
Sport steering wheel, sport seats,
carbon-fiber instrument panel,
aerodynamics kit, rear spoiler,
215/45ZR17 tires.
|
| Linear Touring Pkg., |
| Linear |
$995 |
$866 |
|
Automatic climate control, universal
garage-door opener, automatic day/night
rearview mirror, compass, xenon
headlights.
|
| Linear Launch Pkg., |
| Linear |
$2,595 |
$2,258 |
|
Power sunroof, power driver seat,
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer,
upgraded sound system, color-keyed
exterior trim, 215/55HR16 tires.
|
| Arc/Vector Touring Pkg., |
| Arc, Vector |
$1,195 |
$1,040 |
|
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD
changer, rear-obstacle-detection system,
rain-sensing wipers, xenon headlights.
|
| Sport Wheel Pkg., |
| Linear, Arc |
$1,295 |
$1,127 |
|
Sport suspension, 215/50WR17 tires.
|
Powertrain
|
| 4-speed automatic
transmission, |
| SE |
$1,200 |
$1,044 |
|
| 5-speed automatic
transmission w/manual-shift capability, |
| Linear, Arc |
$1,200 |
$1,044 |
| Vector |
$1,300 |
$1,131 |
|
Vector includes steering-wheel
controls.
|
Comfort and
Convenience Features
|
| Power sunroof, |
| sedan |
$1,100 |
$957 |
|
|
| Heated front seats, |
| SE |
$495 |
$413 |
| sedan |
$495 |
$431 |
|
Sedans include headlight washers.
|
Appearance and
Miscellaneous
|
| Special paint, |
| Arc, Linear, SE,
Vector |
$475 |
$413 |
|
|
| Blue convertible top, |
| SE |
$500 |
$435 |
|
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Manufacturer's Warranty
|
| Type |
Years |
Miles |
Comments |
| Bumper-to-bumper |
4 |
50,000 |
-- |
| Extended powertrain |
None |
-- |
-- |
| Corrosion |
6 |
unlimited |
10/unlimited on 9-3 Sport Sedan. |
| Free roadside assistance |
4 |
50,000 |
-- |
| Free scheduled maintenance |
3 |
36,000 |
-- |
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