2003-2008 Saab 9-3: Year-to-Year Changes

2004 Saab 9-3: Saab's best-selling line added a convertible for 2004. This year's 9-3 sedan came in three versions: Linear, luxury Arc and sporty Aero. Convertibles came in Arc and Aero form, including a "one-touch" power top with heated glass rear window. A rollover bar popped up if sensors detected an impending tip. Aeros with an automatic transmission included manual-shift paddles on the steering wheel. Aeros had a sport suspension and 17-inch wheels, which were optional on Linear and Arc models in place of 15s or 16s, and included a tire-pressure monitor. Sedans had front side airbags and head-protecting curtain side airbags. Convertibles replaced those units with head-and-thorax side airbags. All 9-3s had leather upholstery; the Linear got cloth inserts. Convertibles had a lockable pass-through to the trunk. OnStar assistance system was standard in the Aero, and optional elsewhere.

2005 Saab 9-3: A base-trim Linear convertible joined the 9-3 group for 2005, and a navigation system was newly available for Arc and Aero models. Linear models moved up to 16-inch tires. Wood interior trim moved from standard equipment to the option list on Arc models. OnStar and a tire-pressure monitor could no longer be installed.

2006 Saab 9-3: 9-3 got a wagon bodystyle, called the SportCombi, for 2006. Also new was a turbocharged V6 made available on Aero models.

2007 Saab 9-3: Saab's best-selling car got a freshened interior for 2007. All '07 9-3s got revisions to the instrument panel and interior trim.

2008 Saab 9-3: The 2008 Saab 9-3 got freshened styling and, for the first time, was available with all-wheel drive. The new Turbo X trim level marked the debut of all-wheel drive for the 9-3.