2004 Saab 9-3: Road Test
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2004 Saab 9-3 ▼
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- MSRP: $26,425 -$42,500
- Invoice: $24,929 -$40,078
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Our road test for the 2004 Saab 9-3 includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Saab 9-3 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Saab 9-3, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Saab 9-3 help you decide if a 2004 Saab 9-3 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Linear sdn, auto. | Arc sdn, auto. | Arc conv, auto. | Aero sdn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.1 |
Linear sedan slightly slow away from a stop, but picks up speed quickly to do 8.0 sec 0-60 mph in our test. Arc and Aero sedans notably livelier, with plenty of passing power. Slight turbo lag and automatic transmission's slow downshifts produce a pause before power delivery. Manual transmission's long throws, numb feel diminish sportiness.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Linear sdn, auto. | Arc sdn, auto. | Arc conv, auto. | Aero sdn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.2 |
Test automatic-transmission Linear sedans averaged 21.8-23.5 mpg. No opportunity to measure other models, but EPA estimates are slightly lower. Saab recommends premium fuel for all.
RIDE QUALITY
| Linear sdn, auto. | Arc sdn, auto. | Arc conv, auto. | Aero sdn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6.4 |
Firm and poised. Linear's standard 15-inch tires the most forgiving; 16s more firm but still compliant; 17s are stiff, high-performance tires that generate thump and jiggle on bumps. Convertible exhibits little, if any, cowl shake over bumps.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Linear sdn, auto. | Arc sdn, auto. | Arc conv, auto. | Aero sdn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 7.1 |
Where the 9-3 really shines, especially Aero with its sport suspension and 17-inch tires. Stable through turns. Steering predictable, but slightly heavier feel would help, especially at high speed. Solid body structure means convertible handles almost as well as sedan. Brake-pedal feel is overly sensitive, but stops are short.
QUIETNESS
| Linear sdn, auto. | Arc sdn, auto. | Arc conv, auto. | Aero sdn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 4 | 7 | 6.2 |
Tire noise in sedans slightly more evident than it should be over some coarse surfaces, but engines muted and turbo emits only a slight hiss. Wind rush apparent at highway speed, but doesn't disturb conversation. Convertibles permit more wind and road noise.
CONTROLS
| Linear sdn, auto. | Arc sdn, auto. | Arc conv, auto. | Aero sdn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.6 |
Main gauges easy to read. Main switchgear in center dashboard pod angled toward driver. Climate and audio readouts in dashtop screen, remote from actual controls. Audio-system adjustments not self-explanatory. Ignition switch between front seats is a Saab tradition we find unobjectionable. Fine fit and finish in contemporary-design interior, but not all cabin plastics up to near-luxury benchmarks. Turn-signal and windshield-wiper stalks suffer brittle movement.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Linear sdn, auto. | Arc sdn, auto. | Arc conv, auto. | Aero sdn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.3 |
Notably comfortable seats with good lateral support. Standard tilt/telescoping steering wheel helps tailor position, though tallest drivers might wish for more rearward seat travel. Some testers find sedan's rear roof pillars and high headrest obscure aft visibility.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Linear sdn, auto. | Arc sdn, auto. | Arc conv, auto. | Aero sdn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 3.9 |
Good head clearance. Knee room in sedans disappointingly tight if front seats more than halfway back; same for toe space if driver seat isn't elevated. Rear leg room is cramped in convertibles, and their 2-dr body style makes entry/exit more of a task.
CARGO ROOM
| Linear sdn, auto. | Arc sdn, auto. | Arc conv, auto. | Aero sdn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 3.9 |
Sedan's rear seatbacks fold to expand tall trunk's considerable volume. Plenty of interior storage space. Glovebox door stylishly integrated into dashboard and opens to reveal large, deep--and refrigerated--compartment. Convertible's 12.5 cu ft trunk among largest of any ragtop, but shrinks to 8.3 cu ft when top is stowed.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Linear sdn, auto. | Arc sdn, auto. | Arc conv, auto. | Aero sdn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.1 |
Its front-wheel-drive layout prevents the 9-3 from competing with the best in the class for ultimate handling prowess. And key rivals offer all-wheel drive for better all-weather security. Still, this is a dynamically capable, fun-to-drive car, especially the solidly built convertible. The 9-3 is a nonconformist alternative to rivals from Acura, Audi, BMW, and other near-luxury brands, though it trails most for overall value.
Total Score
| Linear sdn, auto. | Arc sdn, auto. | Arc conv, auto. | Aero sdn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 59 | 58 | 50 | 58 | 56.8 |
Total Score: 56
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