2005 Saab 9-3: Road Test
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2005 Saab 9-3 ▼
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- MSRP: $26,850 -$42,600
- Invoice: $25,330 -$40,172
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Our road test for the 2005 Saab 9-3 includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Saab 9-3 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Saab 9-3, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Saab 9-3 help you decide if a 2005 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 |
Linear models slightly slow away from a stop, but pick up speed quickly; test sedan with automatic transmission did 8.0 sec 0-60 mph. Arc, Aero notably livelier, with plenty of passing power; test Aero convertible with automatic did 7.8 sec 0-60. On all, turbo lag to blame for a power-delivery pause, a hesitation exaggerated by the automatic transmission's sometimes-tentative downshifts. Manual transmission's long throws, numb feel diminish its sportiness.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Linear sdn, auto. | Arc sdn, auto. | Arc conv, auto. | Aero sdn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.3 |
No opportunity yet to measure with manual transmission. Among automatic-transmission test cars, Linear sedans averaged 21.8-23.5 mpg, Arc convertible 23.9 mpg. Saab recommends premium-grade fuel for all 9-3s.
RIDE QUALITY
| Linear sdn, auto. | Arc sdn, auto. | Arc conv, auto. | Aero sdn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 6 |
Firm and poised, but best compliance with standard 16-inch tires. The 17s are stiff, high-performance tires that generate thump and jiggle on bumps. Convertible has outstanding structural rigidity with little detectable body flex or cowl shake over bumps.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Linear sdn, auto. | Arc sdn, auto. | Arc conv, auto. | Aero sdn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 7.3 |
Where the 9-3 really shines, especially Aero with its sport suspension and 17-inch tires. All are stable through turns. Steering predictable, but some testers would prefer slightly heavier feel at high speed. Solid body structure means convertible handles almost as well as sedan. Some testers judge brake-pedal feel overly sensitive, but stops are short.
QUIETNESS
| Linear sdn, auto. | Arc sdn, auto. | Arc conv, auto. | Aero sdn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 6 |
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, but are not uncomfortably loud.
CONTROLS
| Linear sdn, auto. | Arc sdn, auto. | Arc conv, auto. | Aero sdn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.9 |
Main gauges easy to read. Most switchgear in center dashboard pod, angled toward driver. Climate, audio readouts in dashtop screen, remote from actual controls. Audio-system adjustments not self-explanatory. Ignition switch is between front seats--a Saab tradition we find unobjectionable. Contemporary-design interior assembled with care, but not all cabin plastics up to premium-class benchmarks. Turn-signal, windshield-wiper stalks suffer brittle movement. No opportunity to test with navigation system.
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/telescope steering wheel helps tailor position, though tallest drivers might wish for more rearward seat travel. Rear roof pillars, high headrests obscure aft visibility on both body styles.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Linear sdn, auto. | Arc sdn, auto. | Arc conv, auto. | Aero sdn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 3.6 |
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 cramped in convertibles, and 2-dr body style taxes entry/exit.
CARGO ROOM
| Linear sdn, auto. | Arc sdn, auto. | Arc conv, auto. | Aero sdn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
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 on Arc and Aero, cooled--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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 6 |
Its front-wheel-drive layout keeps the 9-3 from competing with its sportiest rear-drive rivals for ultimate handling prowess. And key competitors offer all-wheel drive for better all-season security. Still, this is a dynamically capable, fun-to-drive car, especially the solidly built convertible. As always, the 9-3 is the nonconformist alternative to premium compact rivals from Acura, Audi, and BMW.
Total Score
| Linear sdn, auto. | Arc sdn, auto. | Arc conv, auto. | Aero sdn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 61 | 61 | 54 | 60 | 57.4 |
Total Score: 59
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