|
2003 Saab 9-3 Review
Redesigned for wider appeal.
2003 9-3 Review Summary & Specifications
The new Saab 9-3 is an attractive buy for anyone who wants a four-door near-luxury sedan that won't be seen on every block. If you want a sports sedan you'll probably want to wait for the Vector version with the more powerful engine that will appear later in the model year.Purist Saab enthusiasts might be disappointed that the new 9-3 is not as quirky as its predecessors. On the other hand it still offers some unique features such as the ignition key in the console that continue to differentiate it from its closest competitors.
|
|
| Vehicle Category | Compact Cars |
| Editor | John Rettie |
| Model Lineup | 9-3 Linear ($25,990); 9-3 Arc ($29,995); 9-3 Vector ($32,495) |
| Engines (standard) | 2.0-liter dohc 16v turbocharged inline-4 |
| Engines (optional) | 175-hp 2.0-liter dohc 16v turbocharged inline-4; 210-hp 2.0-liter dohc 16v turbocharged inline-4 |
| Transmissions (standard) | 5-speed automatic |
| Transmissions (optional) | 5-speed manual; 6-speed manual; 5-speed automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | ABS, electronic traction control (TCS), electronic stability program (ESP), dual front and side airbags, active front-seat head restraints, automatic front seatbelt tensioners, front and rear side-curtain airbags, OnStar telematics |
| Safety Equipment (optional) | none |
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Assembled In | Trollhattan, Sweden |
| Manufacturer Phone | 1-800-955-9007 |
| Manufacturer URL | www.saabusa.com |
| Base Price MSRP | |
| Model Tested MSRP | 9-3 Linear ($25,990) |
| Standard Equipment | automatic climate control, fabric/leather seats, telescoping, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power windows, remote central locking, heated mirrors, intermittent wipers, cruise control, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, dashboard Night Panel feature, rear-window defogger, Saab Car Computer, AM/FM/CD/cassette 7-speaker stereo, headlamp washer, refrigerated glovebox, anti-theft alarm with engine immobilizer, 40/60 split fold-down rear seat, daytime running lights, front and rear fog lights, rear window-mounted dual antenna |
| Destination Charge | 625 |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | automatic transmission ($1,200); Linear launch package ($2,595) includes in-dash 6-disc CD changer, color matched exterior trim, power sunroof, 16-inch alloy wheels, power driver seat |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | 30410 |
| Price as Tested | |
| Layout | front-wheel drive |
| Horse Power | 175 @ 5500 |
| Torque | 195 @ 2500 |
| Fuel Economy | 21/28 |
| Wheelbase | 105.3 |
| Length/Width/Height | 182.5/69.0/56.8 |
| Track Front/Rear | 59.8/59.3 |
| Turning Radius | 35.4 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room | 38.9/54.5/42.3 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room | |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room | 37.0/54.5/35.1 |
| Trunk Volume | 14.8 |
| Payload | |
| Towing Capacity | 3500 |
| Front Suspension | independent |
| Rear Suspension | independent |
| Ground Clearance | |
| Curb Weight | 3175 |
| Stock Tires | P215/55R16 |
| Brakes Front/Rear | disc/disc with ABS |
| Fuel Capacity | 16.4 |
|
|