The 2011 Saab 9-3 is a compact executive car manufactured by Swedish carmaker Saab. The Saab 9-3 was launched in 1998 as the 1999 model and was badged as the 93. The 2011 edition of the Saab 9-3 has powertrain and some trim changes.
The 2011 Saab 9-3 Sports Sedan’s target group includes 30-40 year old professionals who want their sedan to be less ostentatious and more distinctive than other cars in the segment. If you compare the 2011 Saab 9-3 on different parameters with its rivals, you can clearly see that the Saab 9-3 has an edge over its competitors. These parameters include powertrain performance and refinement, handling, interior, functionality/ergonomics, and safety.
The 2011 Saab 9-3 has very few maintenance problems. Thickening of the oil was the only problem found in the turbocharged engine fitted in the Saab 9-3. Other than this, there is no other maintenance problem in the 2011 Saab 9-3.
The 9-3 is offered in three styles: as a four-door wagon called the SportCombi, a four-door sedan, and a two-door convertible with a power soft top. The 2011 Saab 9-3 is also offered in a raised-suspension wagon variant known as the Saab 9-3X.
The Range
Body Styles: sedan, wagon, convertible
Engines: 2.0-liter four-cylinder,
Transmissions: six-speed automatic, six-speed manual, five-speed automatic
Models: each body style has a 2.0T trim and an Aero trim; the SportCombi (wagon) also comes in an AWD trim – the 9-3X
What's New
The Saab 9-3 saw no significant changes for the 2011 model year.
Exterior
The Saab 9-3 SportCombi and Sports Sedan are known for their excellent chassis dynamics and sporty performance. The muscular proportions of the 2011 Saab 9-3 SportCombi reaffirms the sporty character of the vehicle. The 2011 Saab 9-3 SportCombi is powered by an all-aluminum 2.8-liter V-6 turbocharged engine that delivers 280 hp. The exterior design of the SportCombi is a good alternative to the conventional wagon design.
Interior
The interior of the 2011 Saab 9-3 is not very luxurious, but is quite comfortable for an executive-class vehicle. The interior has a two-tone color scheme with ample matte-black finish that creates an intense and distinct Scandinavian feel. The leather upholstery in the 2011 Saab 9-3 is a standard feature, while the heated front seats are optional.
A Bose Centerpoint Surround Sound audio system is offered as an option in the SportsCombi and Sports Sedan variants. The Bose five-channel sound systems are known to offer exceptional reproduction quality from MP3, CD, and XM digital sources.
Performance & Handling
The 2011 Saab 9-3 has a 1.9-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 180 hp. The sedan and wagon have an all-wheel drive configuration. The six-speed manual transmission is standard in the front-drive Turbo4 models and is offered as a no-cost option in the AWD Turbo4 and front-drive Aero models. The front-drive Turbo4 model is offered in six-speed manual transmission and six-speed automatic transmission variants.
The improvement in powertrain includes a powerful four-cylinder engine featuring a two-stage turbo-charging system that offers the highest level of efficiency in its class. The 1.9-liter 16-valve engine produces 294.8 lb-ft of torque, which is significantly more than its competitors. The 2011 Saab 9-3 boasts of some unique enhancements that are rarely found in such cars. Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) is standard in models with 18-inch wheels and is offered as an option in the Aero models. The TPM issues a warning to the driver if the pressure in any tire falls below the recommended levels. The valves in the tires have sensors that emit a radio signal, which initiates the illumination of the main instrument display and flashes a warning message on the screen, indicating the exact wheel that has low pressure.
Safety
The 2011 Saab 9-3 has a wide variety of luxury options, safety features, and equipment. Standard safety features include an anti-skid system, ABS, front-side and curtain-side air bags, and traction control. These safety features are standard offerings for wagons and sedans. Customers can choose from a wide array of safety features such as rear obstacle detection, a navigation system, driver seat memory, and other options.
EPA Fuel Economy
The 2011 Saab 9-3X: 20/29 mpg city/highway
You'll Like
- Front seats offer a lot of support
- Lots of cargo room
- Many body styles to suit every driver
You Won't Like
- Poor fuel economy
- Insufficient power
- Low-quality interior materials
Sum Up
Most customers who buy the 2011 Saab 9-3 are those who focus more on value and performance and less on ride quality. The car is mostly preferred by young professionals and business-oriented customers who don’t want to follow the crowd, but expect a sporty and dynamic performance from a car.
If You Like This Vehicle
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