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Model year: 2003
Saab 9-3
The 9-3 has finally been
redesigned, for the first time since 1994--an eternity in the modern car
world. The new car is a sedan rather than a hatchback and is based on a new
GM platform. Two turbocharged engines are available: a 175-hp and a 210-hp
version. The new engines are less hesitant than the previous one, and
handling has been significantly improved, with quick, direct steering and
taut body control. Most controls, except the radio, are more intuitive. The
rear seat is cramped and the ride is stiff. A host of safety features are
standard. A convertible, based on the redesign, has just been introduced.
Reliability: Because this is a new model, there is no data to show its
reliability history.
This review represents our
latest advice on the current model. It's based on our expert perspective,
plus the latest reliability and test data for this year's model or an
essentially similar predecessor.
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Price range |
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Trim lines
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| convertible |
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$40,000E |
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- |
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| sedan |
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$25,900 - $32,495 |
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Linear, Arc,
Vector |
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Safety belts: |
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Pretensioners, front/rear |
Yes/no |
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Center-rear |
3-point |
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Air bags: |
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Occupant sensing system |
Front |
| Side
air bags, front/rear |
Standard/no |
| Head
protection air bags |
Standard |
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Accident alert system |
Available |
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Active safety features: |
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Antilock brakes |
Standard |
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Traction control |
Standard |
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Stability control |
Standard |
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Daytime running lights |
Standard |
| Tire
pressure monitor |
Not
available |
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Crash tests: |
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Gov't front-crash test, driver: |
NA |
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Gov't front-crash test, front passenger: |
NA |
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Gov't side-crash test, driver |
NA |
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Gov't side-crash test, rear passenger |
NA |
| IIHS
offset crash test |
NA |
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Drive wheels |
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Front |
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Seating |
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| 2
front, 3 rear |
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Engines available |
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2.0-liter 4 turbo (175 hp)
2.0-liter 4 turbo (210 hp) |
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Transmissions available |
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5-speed manual
6-speed manual
5-speed automatic |
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Fuel |
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| Fuel
type |
Premium |
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| EPA
city/highway, mpg |
21/30 |
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| Fuel
refill capacity, gal. |
16.3 |
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Dimensions and weight |
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Length, in. |
182 |
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Width, in. |
68 |
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Wheelbase, in. |
105 |
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| Curb
weight, lb. |
3,420 |
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Percent weight, front/rear |
60/40 |
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Typical towing ability, lb. |
880 |
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| Predicted
reliability |
NEW |
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| Owner
satisfaction |
NEW |
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| Predicted
depreciation |
NA |
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Tested model |
| 2003
Vector sedan, 2.0-liter Four turbo, 5-speed automatic |
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Tires as tested |
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Pirelli P Zero Rosso, size 225/45R17 94W |
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Acceleration |
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| 0-30
mph, sec. |
3.3 |
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| 0-60
mph, sec. |
8.1 |
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Quarter mile, sec. |
16.4 |
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Quarter mile, mph |
89 |
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45-65 mph, sec. |
5.2 |
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Braking |
 |
| Dry
pavement, ft. |
120 |
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Other findings |
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Transmission |
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Routine handling |
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Emergency handling |
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Avoidance maneuver
max. speed, mph |
56.0 |
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Turning circle, ft. |
37 |
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Ground clearance, in. |
4.0 |
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Fuel economy |
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| CU's
overall mileage, mpg |
21 |
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| CU's
city/highway, mpg |
14/32 |
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| CU's
150-mile trip, mpg |
25 |
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Annual fuel: gal./cost |
715/$1215 |
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Cruising range, mi. |
380 |
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Ride |
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Ride, normal load |
 |
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Ride, full load |
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Convenience & comfort |
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Noise |
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Driving position |
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Access |
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Controls and displays |
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| Fit
and finish |
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| Door
top to ground, in. |
50.0 |
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Trunk |
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Luggage capacity |
4+1 |
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| Max.
load, lb. |
920 |
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Seating |
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Front-seat comfort |
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Front shoulder room, in. |
55.0 |
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Front leg room, in. |
41.0 |
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Front head room, in. |
3.0 |
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Rear-seat comfort |
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| Rear
shoulder room, in. |
54.5 |
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| Rear
fore-aft room, in. |
25.5 |
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| Rear
head room, in. |
2.5 |
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