2004 Saab 9-3: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Saab's best-selling line gives its sedan a convertible companion for 2004. The 9-3 sedan comes in three versions: Linear, luxury-oriented Arc, and sporty Aero. The convertible comes in Arc and Aero and includes a "one touch" power top with heated glass rear window, plus a rollover bar that pops up if sensors detect an impending tip. All 9-3s have a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cyl engine. It is rated at 175 hp in the Linear model, 210 hp in Arc and Aero. Manual transmission is standard: a 5 speed in Linear and Arc, a 6 speed for Aero. A 5-speed automatic with separate gate for manual shifting is optional. On Aero, it includes steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles. Aero adds sport suspension and 17-inch wheels. The 17s are optional on Linear and Arc in place of 15s or 16s, and come with a tire-pressure monitor. All 9-3s have ABS and traction/antiskid control. Sedans get front side airbags and head-protecting curtain side airbags. Convertibles replace those with head-and-thorax front side airbags. All 9-3s have leather upholstery (Linear gets cloth seat inserts). Arc models add wood interior trim. Sedans have a 60/40 split folding rear seatback. Convertibles substitute a lockable trunk pass-through. OnStar assistance is standard on Aero, optional elsewhere. Saab is owned by General Motors and the 9-3 shares its basic platform with the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu.