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2004 Saab 9-3 Review
Convertible blows lid off great sports sedan.
2004 9-3 Review Summary & Specifications
The 2004 Saab 9-3 convertible is the car to buy for anyone wanting a four-passenger, near-luxury drop top. Closed or open, it's a delightful driver, with creature comfort features galore and intuitive fixtures. With the top down, it wraps its occupants in the panorama and aromas of the world around (and whizzing by), setting a new standard in all respects for the class.Saab purists might bemoan the softening of the once-quirky character and look of 9-3 (and 900). Others, such as us, do not, and believe this newest line of Saab 9-3 models is the best the company has ever produced. The new 9-3 still stands apart from the crowd. It somehow manages to remain a Saab in more than name alone.
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| Vehicle Category | Compact Cars |
| Editor | Tom Lankard |
| Model Lineup | Saab 9-3 Linear Sport Sedan ($26,090); Arc Sport Sedan ($30,185); Aero Sport Sedan ($32,685); Arc Convertible ($39,995); Aero Convertible ($42,500) |
| 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) | 6-speed manual |
| Transmissions (optional) | 5-speed manual; 6-speed manual; 5-speed automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | ABS, electronic traction control (TCS), electronic stability program (ESP), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), cornering brake control (CBC), mechanical brake assist (MBA), dual-stage front and head-and-torso side airbags, active front-seat head restraints, automatic front seatbelt pre-tensioners, automatic pop-up rear roll bars, OnStar telematics |
| Safety Equipment (optional) | none |
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Assembled In | Trollhattan, Sweden; Graz, Austria |
| Manufacturer Phone | 1-800-955-9007 |
| Manufacturer URL | www.saabusa.com |
| Base Price MSRP | 26090 |
| Model Tested MSRP | Saab 9-3 Aero convertible ($42,500) |
| Standard Equipment | automatic climate control; leather-appointed seats; height-adjustable, telescoping and leather-wrapped steering wheel; power windows; remote central locking, heated and powered outside mirrors; intermittent wipers; cruise control; steering wheel-mounted audio controls; automatic climate control; dual powered front seats with driver memory; dashboard Night Panel feature; rear-window defogger; Saab Car Computer, AM/FM/CD 13-speaker stereo; anti-theft alarm with engine immobilizer, daytime running lights, front fog lights |
| Destination Charge | 675 |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | Convertible Touring Package ($1,195) includes rain-sensing wipers, rear park assist, in-dash six-disc CD changer, remote window and top operation, auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, programmable garage door opener; Cold Weather Package ($500) includes heated front seats and headlight washers; color-matched tonneau cover ($300); metallic paint ($500); bi-xenon headlights ($500) |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | 46170 |
| Price as Tested | 46170 |
| Layout | front-wheel drive |
| Horse Power | 210 @ 5500 |
| Torque | 221 @ 2500 |
| Fuel Economy | 21/30 |
| Wheelbase | 105.3 |
| Length/Width/Height | 182.4/69.3/56.4 |
| Track Front/Rear | |
| Turning Radius | 35.4 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room | 38.1/56/41.4 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room | |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room | 37.0/44.7/32.3 |
| Trunk Volume | 12.4 top up/8.3 top down |
| Payload | |
| Towing Capacity | 3500 |
| Front Suspension | independent MacPherson strut, gas-pressurized shocks, anti-roll bar |
| Rear Suspension | independent four-link, coil springs, gas-pressurized shocks, anti-roll bar |
| Ground Clearance | 5.9 |
| Curb Weight | 3520 |
| Stock Tires | P225/45R17 |
| Brakes Front/Rear | disc/disc w ABS, EBD, traction control, ESP, CBC, MBA |
| Fuel Capacity | 16.4 |
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