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2004 Saab 9-3 Compact Near Luxury Convertible
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Car Review of the 2004 Saab 9-3 Compact Near Luxury Convertible
Base MSRP Range: $39,995 - $42,500
Base Invoice Range: $37,715 - $40,078
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MSRP As Tested: Not Available
Versions: Arc and Areo
Vehicle Category: Compact Near Luxury Convertible
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: Optional 6-Speed Manual, Standard 5-Speed Manual and 5-Speed Automatic with Saab Sentronic manual selection, with optional steering wheel controls.
Fuel Economy (city/hwy): Manual 23/33, 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 Convertible, Audi A4 Cabriolet, Mercedes-Benz CLK Cabriolet, Toyota Solara Convertible
Vehicle History
The previous Saab 9-3 Convertible was the sales-leader in the entry-level, premium convertible market. It sold well compared to other pricy convertibles, or Saabs in general. Saabs are known for, and very proud of, their quirky designs. But that quirkiness has limited sales because consumers either love them, or hate them. When Saab developed the 9-3 Convertible from the sedan, they had a winner that everyone liked. The design worked particularly well with a rag top.
As a testament to its popularity, the 9-3 Convertible became the best selling cabriolet in Europe, and the United States, during its model run. And we knew it was a popular design, as every time we drove it, people complimented us on it.
Automotive industry statistics show women buy more convertibles than men. Perhaps that is because they know a convertible is like a fine piece of jewelry; enhancing the beauty of anything it adorns. The 9-3 Convertible is no different. It has been very popular with women.
Saab says their open-top cars must represent the company's core marketing themes, just as their other vehicles do. They nned unique designs clearly distinguishing them from other cars. They must have turbocharged performance, handle well, and give the driver a strong sense of control. The Swedish safety and versatility heritage has to be maintained. Saab consistently delivers on the promise of building fun-to-drive vehicles that are practical and uniquely designed.
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