1999-2002 Saab 9-3 - Consumer Guide Automotive

Category	Saab 9-3 SE 4-dr hatchback Rating (See All Ratings)

Performance	7

Fuel Economy	5

Ride Quality	5

Steering/Handling/Braking	6

Quietness	5

Controls/Materials	6

Interior Room	7

Room/Comfort (rear)	6

Cargo Capacity	7

Value within Class	4

Total Score:	58

Ratings: Maximum 10 points per category

Chart: One rating chart provided for a representative model

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1999-2002 Saab 9-3 Review

Saab's updated compact, near-luxury 900 series was offered with a new name for 1999. The new front-drive 9-3 series came as a 4-door hatchback or a convertible in base and plusher SE trim, accompanied by a base 2-door hatchback. All models used turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines, with a five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic. With manual shift, SE models had a 200-horsepower engine, while others were rated 185 hp. Manual-transmission models had a numerically higher axle ratio for stronger standing-start acceleration. Standard safety features included antilock braking, front side airbags, and Saab's front Active Head Restraints--claimed to minimize whiplash injury. convertibles had a power top with glass rear window and defroster. During the initial model year, a high-performance Viggen 2-door hatchback joined the lineup, with a 225-hp, 2.3-liter turbocharged engine (manual shift only).

Year to Year Changes

2000 Saab 9-3: Because General Motors owned Saab's car-making division, GM's OnStar satellite-based assistance system became available in 9-3 models. Four-door hatchback and convertible versions of the high-performance Viggen joined the 2-door hatchback body style. SE editions now had the previously optional 2.0 High Output Engine, which got a boost from 200 to 205 horsepower. The Viggen engine also gained 5 hp. All SE models got new lower-body skirts, the 4-door added a special sport suspension, and a standard rear spoiler went on the convertible.

2001 Saab 9-3: Traction control and GM's OnStar system became standard this year. The lineup included base 2- and 4-door hatchbacks, uplevel SE 4-door and convertible, and the high-performance Viggen in three body styles. The base-model convertible was dropped. "Generation 2.6" OnStar added a voice-activated Internet connection to access web-based information, as well as voice-operated phone and e-mail functions. Traction control was designed to apply brakes and retard the throttle to restore traction when a front wheel began to slip.

2002 Saab 9-3: The 185-hp base-level models were gone from Saab's "junior" line for 2002. 9-3 was redesigned for '03.

1999-2002 Saab 9-3 Road Test >

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