2005 Saab 9-3: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

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.

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.