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2005 Saab 9-3 Review
Sports sedan or luxurious convertible.
2005 9-3 Review Summary & Specifications
The Saab 9-3 is a compelling sports sedan. It's tight, crisp and fun to drive. The Arc and Aero are most fun, with their high-output engines. The 9-3 still stands apart from the crowd. It manages to remain a Saab yet has no quirks or foibles.The Saab 9-3 convertible is the car to buy for anyone wanting a four-passenger, near-luxury drop top. Closed or open, it's delightful to drive, with creature comforts 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.
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| Vehicle Category | Luxury Cars |
| Editor | Tom Lankard |
| Model Lineup | Saab 9-3 Linear Sport Sedan ($26,850); Arc Sport Sedan ($30,250); Aero Sport Sedan ($32,850); Linear Convertible ($37,100); Arc Convertible ($40,100); Aero Convertible ($42,600) |
| Engines (standard) | 2.0-liter dohc 16v turbocharged inline-4 |
| Transmissions (standard) | 6-speed manual |
| Engines (optional) | 175-hp 2.0-liter dohc 16v turbocharged inline-4; 210-hp 2.0-liter dohc 16v turbocharged inline-4 |
| 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, OnStar telematics, automatic pop-up rear roll bars on the convertible |
| 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 ($42,600) |
| 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 |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | Convertible Touring Package ($1,495) includes poplar/leather steering wheel and trim, driver's side three-position seat memory, express up/down and remote opening for windows and top, 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; heated front seats ($500); xenon high-intensity discharge headlights with headlight washers ($650); color-matched tonneau cover ($350); metallic paint ($525) |
| Destination Charge | 720 |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | |
| Layout | front-wheel drive |
| Price as Tested | 46840 |
| 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 |
| 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, Brake Assist |
| Fuel Capacity | 16.4 |
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