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2005 Saab 9-3 Full Review
Date Published: 5/22/08
Also in the 2005 Saab 9-3 Review:
2005 Saab 9-3 Review
Saab's best-selling car gains a base-trim convertible and an available navigation system for 2005, but loses some other features. The 9-3 comes as a 4-dr sedan and a 2-dr convertible with a power top, heated glass rear window, and a rollover bar that pops up if sensors detect an impending tip. Both body styles offer base-trim Linear, luxury-oriented Arc, and sporty Aero models; the Linear convertible is new for '05. All use a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cyl engine with 175 hp in Linears, 210 in Arc and Aero. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard; Aeros previously came with a 6-speed. A 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift gate is optional; the Aero's includes steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles. Linear and Arc have 16-inch wheels; Linears previously came with 15s. Aeros have a sport suspension and 17-inch wheels. The 17s are an Arc option. All 9-3s have 4-wheel antilock disc brakes and antiskid/traction control. Sedans have front side airbags and head-protecting curtain side airbags. Convertibles have front side airbags designed to protect the torso and head.
Leather upholstery is optional on the Linear convertible, standard on other 9-3s. Previously standard on Arcs, wood interior trim is optional. Sedans have 60/40 split folding rear seatbacks with trunk pass-through. The navigation system is a new Arc and Aero option. A tire-pressure monitor and OnStar assistance are no longer available. Saab is owned by General Motors, and the 9-3 shares its basic platform with the Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac G6.
Leather upholstery is optional on the Linear convertible, standard on other 9-3s. Previously standard on Arcs, wood interior trim is optional. Sedans have 60/40 split folding rear seatbacks with trunk pass-through. The navigation system is a new Arc and Aero option. A tire-pressure monitor and OnStar assistance are no longer available. Saab is owned by General Motors, and the 9-3 shares its basic platform with the Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac G6.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Compact Cars are similar in size but more expensive than Compact Cars. Premium Compacts have more standard equipment and an upscale image when compared to Compact Cars.
Our single Best Buy in the Premium Compact Car class is the Acura TSX. Our Recommended picks include the BMW 3-Series and the Saab 9-3.
Our single Best Buy in the Premium Compact Car class is the Acura TSX. Our Recommended picks include the BMW 3-Series and the Saab 9-3.
News
The 9-3 line will be adding wagon models for 2006. However, they're mainly aimed at the European market, where the name will be SportCombi. Saab hasn't said what the handle will be here, but expects U.S. sales to be only 2500-4000 per year. Full details aren't available yet, but Saab says Linear and Arc wagons will be offered with turbocharged 4-cyl power, while a top-line Aero version will sport a new 250-hp 2.8-liter turbo V6. The latter will also be 2006-standard for the sporty 9-3 Aero sedan and convertible.
2005 Saab 9-3 Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Handling/roadholding | Rear-seat foot room |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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 |
Scores for all Premium Compact Cars
| Low Score | 50 | |
| Average Score | 57 | |
| High Score | 65 |
2005 Saab 9-3 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 09/24/2004
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| Linear 4-door sedan | $26,850 | $25,330 | $720 |
|
|
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| Linear 2-door convertible | $37,100 | $34,985 | $720 |
|
|
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| Arc 4-door sedan | $30,250 | $28,538 | $720 |
|
|
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| Arc 2-door convertible | $40,100 | $37,814 | $720 |
|
|
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| Aero 4-door sedan | $32,850 | $30,922 | $720 |
|
|
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| Aero 2-door convertible | $42,600 | $40,172 | $720 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Linear
Powertrain
2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder 175-horsepower engine, 5-speed manual transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags (sedan), front-seat active head restraints, automatic roll bar (convertible), antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, emergency inside trunk release, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, interior air filter, power steering, tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, cloth upholstery (convertible), leather upholstery (sedan), front bucket seats, height-adjustable driver seat, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat (sedan), trunk pass-through (sedan), heated power mirrors w/turn signals, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator, variable-intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, rear defogger, power convertible top (convertible), automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear fog light, 215/55HR16 tires, alloy wheels.
Arc adds to Linear:
Powertrain
2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder 210-horsepower engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Automatic climate control, leather upholstery, 8-way power driver seat, upgraded sound system, cooled glove box.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Front fog lights.
Aero adds to Arc:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof (sedan).
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler (convertible), sport suspension, 225/45ZR17 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Premium Pkg.
|
||
|
Linear sedan
|
$1,895
|
$1,706
|
|
Power sunroof, 8-way power driver seat, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
|
||
|
Leather Pkg.
|
||
|
Linear convertible
|
$1,895
|
$1,706
|
|
Leather upholstery, 8-way power driver seat.
|
||
|
Driver's Pkg.
|
||
|
Arc
|
$1,695
|
$1,526
|
|
Rear-obstacle-detection system, wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel (convertible), wood interior trim, driver-seat memory (sedan), remote top operation (convertible), remote window operation, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, universal garage-door opener, automatic day/night rearview mirror, rain-sensing wipers.
|
||
|
Touring Pkg.
|
||
|
Aero
|
$1,495
|
$1,346
|
|
Rear-obstacle-detection system, driver-seat memory, universal garage-door opener, automatic day/night rearview, compass, remote power window operation, remote top operation (convertible), AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, rain-sensing wipers.
|
||
|
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Powertrain |
||
|
5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability
|
||
|
Aero, Arc, Linear
|
$1,350
|
$1,337
|
|
Aero includes steering-wheel shift paddles.
|
||
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Navigation system
|
||
|
Arc, Aero
|
$2,295
|
$2,066
|
|
Power sunroof
|
||
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Linear/Arc sedan
|
$1,200
|
$1,080
|
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Heated front seats
|
||
|
Aero, Arc, Linear
|
$500
|
$450
|
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
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Xenon headlights
|
||
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Arc, Aero
|
$650
|
$585
|
|
Includes washers.
|
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|
Special paint
|
||
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Aero, Arc, Linear
|
$525
|
$473
|
|
Blue convertible top
|
||
|
convertible
|
$600
|
$540
|
|
Requires special paint.
|
||
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Color-keyed tonneau
|
||
|
convertible
|
$350
|
$315
|
|
Requires special paint.
|
||
|
225/45VR17 tires
|
||
|
Arc
|
$850
|
$765
|
|
|
||
2005 Saab 9-3 Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Saab 9-3 4-door sedan | Saab 9-3 2-door convertible |
| Wheelbase, in. | 105.3 | 105.3 |
| Overall Length, in. | 182.5 | 182.5 |
| Overall Width, in. | 69.0 | 69.4 |
| Overall Height, in. | 56.8 | 56.5 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3175 | 3480 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 14.8 | 12.4 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 16.4 | 16.4 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 4 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.9 | 38.0 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.3 | 41.5 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.0 | 37.1 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 35.1 | 31.9 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| Turbocharged dohc I4 | Turbocharged dohc I4 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.0 /121 | 2.0 /121 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 175 @ 5500 | 210 @ 5300 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 195 @ 2500 | 221 @ 2500 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||
| 5-speed manual | 22/30 | 22/32 |
| 5-speed automatic | 21/31 | 21/28 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Saab 9-3 4-door sedan | Saab 9-3 2-door convertible |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 6/Unlimited | 10/unlimited on 9-3 sport sedan. |
| Free roadside assistance | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | 3/36,000 | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Sweden
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
Also in the 2005 Saab 9-3 Review:
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