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2003 Saab 9-3 Near Luxury Compact Sports Sedan
Car Review of the 2003 Saab 9-3 Compact Sports Sedan
Base MSRP Range: $25,995 - $39,995
Base Invoice Range: $24,524 - $37,395
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MSRP As Tested: Not Available
Versions: linear, Arc and Areo
Vehicle Category: Compact Entry level Luxury Sports Sedan
Engine Location: Front Engine
Drive Wheels: Front-Wheel Drive
Standard Engine: 2.0-liter, Turbocharged, Dual Overhead Cam, 16-valves, Inline-4 cylinder, 175-horsepower at 5,500rpm and 195 lb-ft torque at 2,500 rpm.
Optional Engine: 2.0-liter, Turbocharged, Dual Overhead Cam, 16-valves, Inline-4 cylinder, 210-horsepower at 5,500rpm and 221lb-ft torque at 2,500 rpm.
Transmission As Tested: Standard 5-Speed Manual, Optional 6-Speed Manual and 5-Speed Automatic with Saab Sentronic manual selection, with optional steering wheel controls.
Fuel Economy (city/hwy): Manual 22/31, 4-speed automatic 21/29, 5-speed automatic 21/30.
Standard Safety Features: Driver and front passenger, front airbags, four channel Antilock Brake System, Traction Control Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Saab Active Head Restraint system, In-Trunk Emergency Trunk Release, Remote Keyless Entry.
Competition: BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Lexus IS330, Lexus ES330, Infiniti G 35, Mercedes-Benz C Class
Vehicle History
The original Saab 9-3 was introduced at the Detroit Auto Show in January 1998, and went into production later that year. The car is an evolutionary stage of the Saab 900.
Over the car's model life it has been available as a coupe, sedan and convertible. The convertible 9-3 became the best selling Cabriolet in Europe during its model run.
There has been a performance version as well, the 9-3 Viggen. This product was named for one of the jet fighters, built by Saab (with a Volvo jet engine),currently in use by the Swedish Air Force. When one purchased a Viggen a driving course taught by professional driving instructors was included and held at the Viggen Flight Academy at the Road Atlanta race course in Georgia. What a blast!
The 2003 Saab 9-3 is only available as a sedan for now. However, many variations are planned for release in the near future. This fall, a 2004 9-3 Cabriolet (convertible) will be available. The 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept will be introduced at the Frankfurt Auto Show next year. The Sport Hatch is a sporty, futuristic, five-door, four-seat car with a 'fastback.' It draws its inspiration from the Saab 9-3X 'cross-over' coupe concept that premiered last year.
