2001 Saab 9-3 Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2001 Saab 9-3 includes a full evaluation of the 2001 Saab 9-3 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2001 Saab 9-3, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2001 Saab 9-3 help you decide if a 2001 Saab 9-3 is right for you.

2001 Saab 9-3 Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Rear-seat room/comfort (convertible)

Braking	Rear visibility (convertible)

Cargo room (exc. convertible)	Rear-seat entry/exit (exc. 4-dr)

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

Base 4-dr hatch, auto.	SE conv, auto.	Viggen 2-dr hatch, man.	Class Average
6	7	7	5.6

Good overall. Test 5-speed base model did 0-60 mph in quick 7.5 sec. SE and Viggen quicker still (6.1 sec for Viggen, says Saab). However, there's marked turbo lag and, in SEs and Viggens, some unruly torque steer--pulling to side in hard throttle.

Fuel Economy

Base 4-dr hatch, auto.	SE conv, auto.	Viggen 2-dr hatch, man.	Class Average
5	5	5	5.4

Base 5-speed 4-door averaged 21.3 mpg in our tests, 5-speed SE convertible 19.4. SEs and Viggens take premium fuel.

Ride Quality

Base 4-dr hatch, auto.	SE conv, auto.	Viggen 2-dr hatch, man.	Class Average
7	5	4	5.3

SEs and Viggens have stiff high-performance tires that transmit lots of irritating thump and jiggle on small, sharp bumps. Base models have softer tires and are more comfortable on any road.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Base 4-dr hatch, auto.	SE conv, auto.	Viggen 2-dr hatch, man.	Class Average
6	5	7	6.6

Sporty and predictable in all models, with good cornering grip and accurate steering. Traction control is useful safety feature and corrects a competitive deficit.

Quietness

Base 4-dr hatch, auto.	SE conv, auto.	Viggen 2-dr hatch, man.	Class Average
6	4	5	5.2

Engines muted, wind noise somewhat disturbing for the class. Tire noise on SEs and Viggens intrudes over coarse surfaces. Sedans properly rigid, but convertible flexes noticeably except on smooth roads, and last test example's top creaked.

Controls

Base 4-dr hatch, auto.	SE conv, auto.	Viggen 2-dr hatch, man.	Class Average
6	6	6	6.5

Generally good, but the SE's automatic climate system can lose its settings between startups. Floor-mount ignition switch is a Saab trademark. Detail finish good, materials classy.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base 4-dr hatch, auto.	SE conv, auto.	Viggen 2-dr hatch, man.	Class Average
7	6	7	5.7

Lots of head clearance and good leg room on firm, chairlike seats. Most drivers should feel at ease, though rear visibility not great in hatchbacks, awful in convertibles with top raised.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Base 4-dr hatch, auto.	SE conv, auto.	Viggen 2-dr hatch, man.	Class Average
6	3	4	3.5

Fine comfort and room in the hatchback's outboard positions; squeezed in the center. Convertibles have limited leg room, and seat only two in back because of a much narrower seat.

Cargo Room

Base 4-dr hatch, auto.	SE conv, auto.	Viggen 2-dr hatch, man.	Class Average
7	2	7	3.5

Hatchbacks have wagonlike room and versatility. Convertible has good-sized trunk for a ragtop. All get fold-down rear seatback.

Value within Class

Base 4-dr hatch, auto.	SE conv, auto.	Viggen 2-dr hatch, man.	Class Average
4	2	2	4

Quirky describes 9-3, and compromise is the byword for its turbo-engine performance. But 9-3 has its charms, obvious mostly to Saab loyalists. For near-luxury Swedish-style, more buyers turn to Volvo's newer S60 sedans and V70 wagons.

Total Score