2003 Saab 9-3: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Saab redesigns its best-selling car for 2003. The traditional hatchback body is gone, but front-wheel drive and turbocharged 4-cyl engines remain. The new 9-3 is the same length overall as the version it replaces, but has new styling, is wider, and rides a 2.8-inch-longer wheelbase. A 4-dr sedan replaces 2- and 4-dr hatchbacks. The previous-generation 2-dr convertible continues pending a 2004 redesign. General Motors owns this Swedish automaker, and the '03 9-3 introduces GM's Epsilon platform that will also host the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac Grand Am and the '05 Saturn L-Series. The 9-3 sedan comes in three versions: Linear, luxury-oriented Arc, and sporty Vector. All have a turbo 2.0 liter. The 175-hp Linear offers a 5-speed manual transmission or a new 5-speed automatic. The 210-hp Arc and Vector offer the automatic or a new 6-speed manual. The automatic has a separate gate for manual shifting; on the Vector, it includes steering-wheel-mounted manual-shift paddles. Standard are antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, traction control, front side airbags, and Saab's first curtain side airbags. Sixteen-inch alloy wheels are standard on Arc and optional on Linear in place of 15s. Vector comes with 17s. All 9-3s have leather upholstery (leather/cloth on Linear), and a 60/40 split folding rear seatback. Arc adds wood interior trim.

The carryover convertible has 205 hp and a power top with heated glass rear window. A new option package mimics the appearance of last year's high-performance Viggen version. GM's OnStar assistance system is standard on all 9-3s.

COMPETITION

This hotly contested segment has its benchmark in the Lexus ES 300. It blends comfort, style, luxury, and sport into an efficient package at an affordable price. ES 300 manages to offer a little more luxury than others in the class.

We Recommend the Acura TL, Audi A4, and new Infiniti G35. All offer comfort, speed, and nimble handling at attractive prices. The sporty and Euro-flavored BMW 3-Series is Recommended as a rear-drive alternative. The "3" has enough bodystyles and engine choices to suit anyone. At the other end of the near-luxury spectrum is the posh and comfortable Buick Park Avenue--an old-school luxo-cruiser from Detroit.