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Saab 9-3

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Saab 9-3
2nd-generation 9-3
Overview
ManufacturerSaab Automobile
Production1999–present
AssemblyGraz, Austria (Magna Steyr)
Trollhattan, Sweden
Body and chassis
ClassEntry-level luxury car / Compact executive car
LayoutFF layout
Chronology
PredecessorSaab 900
First generation
Overview
Production1999–2002
Body and chassis
Body style2-door convertible
3-door hatchback
5-door hatchback
PlatformGM2900 platform
RelatedOpel Vectra
Saab 9-5
Saturn L-series
Powertrain
Engine2.0 L B204 I4
2.0 L B205 I4
2.0 L B205R I4
2.3 L B235R I4
Transmission5-spd manual
4-spd automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase102.6 in.
Length182.3 in.
Width67.4 in.
Height56.2 in.
Second generation
Second generation Saab 9-3
Overview
Production2003–present
Body and chassis
Body style2-door convertible
4-door sedan
4-door station wagon
PlatformGM Epsilon platform
Powertrain
Engine1.9 L diesel I4
1.8 L Ecotec I4
2.0 L Ecotec I4
2.8 L LP1 V6
Transmission5-spd manual
6-spd manual
5-spd "sentronic" automatic
6-spd "sentronic" automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase105.3 in.
Length182.5 in.
Width69.0 in.
Height56.8 in.
56.4 in.

The Saab 9-3 is a luxury / executive car produced by the Swedish automaker Saab in Trollhättan, Sweden. It shares platforms with the Opel Vectra and is also related to the Cadillac BLS.

The car is actually badged as a 93, although Saab consistently advertises it as the 9-3. The name is pronounced "nine three". It should not be confused with the Saab 93.

1999-2003

1st-gen 9-3 convertible

A rebadged, improved last-generation Saab 900. Launched in 1998 for the 1999 model year, it featured slightly sleeker styling with some models sporting a black rear spoiler and removed Saab's trademark centrally-mounted "snow flap". It was available as a three or five-door hatchback, and as a two-door convertible. It was the last small Saab to use the company's H engine.

A Saab innovation is the 'Night Panel', carried over from the Saab 900, which permits dousing of the instrument panel lighting, except for essential information, for less distraction when night driving.

A total of 326,370 first generation 9-3s were built.

Viggen

A high-powered version of the 9-3 was the Viggen, named after the Saab Viggen aircraft. It is no longer in production. It came with a turbocharged 2.3 L engine, giving 230 hp ECE (169 kW). Acceleration from 0-100 km/h was achieved in 6.4 seconds and the top speed was 249 km/h. In addition to extra power and torque, it also featured a special rear wing requiring relocation of the radio antenna, other body cosmetics, specially bolstered and colored leather seats, sportier suspension, bigger wheels, upgraded brakes, and other upgraded parts. Production quantity and color choice was very limited. The Viggen was only available with a five speed manual transmission, CD player, and the Viggen specific motorized and heated leather seats.

New Viggen buyers were treated to two days of advanced driving instruction at Road Atlanta and dined with Saab USA executives from nearby Norcross, Georgia. This program, operated by Saab and Panoz, was called Viggen Flight Academy and later transformed into the current Aero Flight Academy.

The Viggen was created for performance seeking Saab enthusiasts and remains very desirable among Saab enthusiasts. Motoring journalists were widely critical of untamed torque steer in low gears.

500 Units were produced for the UK market.

Engines

  • 2.0 L B204 I4, 138 hp ECE (1998-1999)
  • 2.0 L B204 I4, turbo, 185 hp ECE (136 kW) (1998-1999)
  • 2.0 L B205 I4, turbo, 185 hp ECE (136 kW) (2000-2002)
  • 2.0 L B205E (non-US) I4, LPT(light pressure turbo), 150 hp ECE (110 kW) (2000-2002)
  • 2.0 L B205R I4, turbo, 205 hp ECE (151 kW) (1999-2003)
  • 2.3 L B235R I4, turbo, 230 hp ECE (169 kW) (1999-2002)

2003-

The second-generation model was launched at the Detroit Auto Show in early 2003. All U.S. market gas-powered variants featured a 2.0 L straight-4 engine derived from General Motors' Ecotec family. There are two different versions of the turbocharged I4, with the amount of turbo boost determining the power output. The 175 horsepower version (2.0t) was standard in the Linear form (trim-level), mated with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed Sentronic automatic, which allowed for shifting without a clutch pedal. The 210 horsepower 2.0T was available in both the Arc and Vector forms, and the same Sentronic transmission was available, though in the Vector, paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel were added. In 2003 Arcs and Vectors the manual transmission was a 6-speed.

2004

2nd-gen 9-3 convertible

Supposedly due to a request from Vector Aeromotive, the Vector form was replaced with Aero. Also the Arc received the 5-speed manual in lieu of the 6-speed.

Power in the 9-3 was delivered through the front wheels only. It was and is available as a four-door sedan, a wagon (introduced late in 2005, known as the SportCombi, SportWagon or Sport-Hatch depending on the markets), and a two-door convertible. It is the safest car in its class, including innovations such as Saab Active Head Restraints (SAHR II) to reduce whiplash and ReAxs, passive rear wheel steering to reduce understeering and passive toe-in under heavy braking. Out of these models, the convertible (manufactured by Magna Steyr in Austria beginning in 2003) is the best known, and is the best-selling in its class in many markets. In certain markets, the local distributor sells version unique to that market. For example, in Singapore, 2.0t are not imported. Rather the 1.8t (which is actually a 2.0 litre low pressure turbo with a 150hp output) is sold with a Hirsch modification to increase the horsepower to around the output of a 2.0t. Furthermore, Singapore 1.8t cars are available only with automatic transmission unless specially ordered.

The 9-3 and the Opel Vectra were the first of the global GM Epsilon platform, which was then lengthened to accommodate four new cousins, the Chevrolet Malibu/Malibu Maxx, the Pontiac G6, and the Saturn Aura.

2005

United States versions were sold with 16" wheels standard (17" for the Aero) unlike the 15" wheels which were previously found in the Linear version. In the United States, but not in most countries, the 2005 was the last year of the Linear and Arc versions.

2006

A special "20 Years Edition Aero Convertible" for the American market was unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January 2006 to celebrate 20 years since the introduction of the Saab 900 convertible. For 2006, the two optional engines were a 2.0 liter turbo 4 cylinder and a new 2.8 liter turbo 6 cylinder. The 4 cylinder option had 12.3 psi maximum turbo boost pressure and turned out 210 hp, while the 6 cylinder had 8.7 psi boost and turned out 250 hp. The 2.0 liter 16 valve turbo 4 cylinder model was marketed in the United States as the 2.0T, replacing the Linear and Arc models sold until the 2005 model year. The United States 2.0T version was similar to the 2005 Arc except for U.S. Linear wheels were used. The Linear and Arc versions continued to be sold in most other countries. In the middle of the 2006 model year, at least for cars made for the United States market, the trunk release button on the driver's door was eliminated, possibly to save costs. For the entire 2006 model year, at least for cars made for the United States market, the trunk mounted button to open the trunk has been eliminated. Therefore, the only way to open the trunk is to use the key fob (and the emergency release located inside the trunk for use by people who climb into the trunk).

2007

An all new dashboard debuted for all 2007 model year 9-3s, with the elimination of the center mounted Saab Information Display, the incorporation of the same climate control system used in the 9-5, with three knobs versus two dozen buttons, as well as the re-introduction of On-Star, not seen in the 9-3 since the 2004 model. Steel Gray was also replaced with Titan Gray as an exterior color choice. The trunk button on the driver door also returned.

Engines

Note: diesel engines are not available in North America.

  • 2003-2004 - 2.2 L Isuzu diesel I4, 125 hp
  • 2005-present - 1.9 L Fiat diesel I4, 120 hp ECE (88 kW)
  • 2005-present - 1.9 L Fiat diesel I4, 150 hp ECE (110 kW)
  • 2004-present - 1.8 L Ecotec I4 122 hp ECE (90 kW)
  • 2003-present - 2.0 L Ecotec I4, low-pressure turbo, 150 hp ECE (110 kW)
  • 2003-present - 2.0 L Ecotec I4, low-pressure turbo, 175 hp ECE (129 kW)
  • 2003-present - 2.0 L Ecotec I4, high-output turbo, 210 hp ECE (154 kW)
  • 2006-present - 2.8 L HFV6 V6, low-pressure turbo, 230 hp ECE (169 kW)
  • 2006-present - 2.8 L HFV6 V6, turbo, 250 hp ECE (184 kW)

2008

The 9-3 will be updated with a major reskin, taking styling cues from the Aero-X concept car and with AWD available. A special edition Aero version is also rumoured: code-named Black Turbo, it is to be powered by a 300 bhp twin-turbocharged V6 engine.

Awards and Achievements

2005, 2006 and 2007

2004

  • Best Pick in side-impact crash tests, American IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety), USA. The Sport Sedan repeats the "Best Pick" rating from last year's IIHS frontal offset crash test and is now the first car with standard safety equipment to receive a double "Best Pick" honour.
  • Received highest rating, "Good" in the IIHS & Thatcham studies into the safety of car seats and head restraints, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety USA, Thatcham, Great Britain.
  • Awarded Compact Executive Car of the Year, Auto Trader, Great Britain
  • Voted Top Small Executive Car, Top Gear Magazine's New Car Buyer's Guide, Great Britain
  • Awarded one of "10 best Cars of the Year", Hong Kong Car and Driver, Hong Kong
  • Awarded Best European Intermediate/middle sedan, Car Plus Award, Hong Kong
  • Recommended buy, US Consumer Reports magazine, USA
  • Awarded maximum five star rating in EuroNCAP collision test, Saab 9-3 Convertible, EuroNCAP
  • Named UK's Most Secure Open-Top Car, British Insurance Car Security Awards, Great Britain
  • Prestigious Sporting Open Top award, The Institute of Vehicle Engineers (IVehE), Great Britain

2002

  • Awarded maximum five star rating in EuroNCAP collision test, Saab 9-3 Sports Sedan, EuroNCAP
  • Best Family Sedan, Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan, PBS's MotorWeek television, USA
  • Prestige Car of the Year, Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan, Brisbane Courier Mail, Australia
  • Best Buy, Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan, Expressen, Sweden
  • Best New Car, Saab 9-3 Arc Sport Sedan ($30,000 - $40,000 range), Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine, USA

1999

  • Among the Top Ten Cars of 1999. Fortune Magazine, USA

1998

  • One of the Top Ten Cars - Fortune Magazine, USA
  • Among Top Ten Family Cars - Consumer's Review, USA
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