Acceleration

2.0T sdn, auto.	2.0T conv, auto.	Aero sdn, man.	Aero SportCombi, auto.	Class Average
6	6	7	7	6.2

2.0T models fairly quick, but launch, passing response dulled by brief turbo lag; test convertible with automatic did 7.8 sec 0-60 mph. V6 helps Aero models feel stronger from a stop, furnish better passing response; they have little turbo lag. Saab says Aero sedan does 6.4 sec 0-60 with manual transmission, 6.6 with automatic.

Fuel Economy

2.0T sdn, auto.	2.0T conv, auto.	Aero sdn, man.	Aero SportCombi, auto.	Class Average
6	6	5	5	5.4

With automatic transmission, test 2.0T sedan averaged 23.3 mpg, 2.0T convertible 24.0 mpg. Aero wagons averaged 20.6-20.7 mpg overall, 24.9 in mostly highway use. Manual-transmission Aero convertible averaged 21.7 mpg; no opportunity to measure with other manual-transmission versions. Saab recommends premium-grade fuel for all 9-3s.

Ride Quality

2.0T sdn, auto.	2.0T conv, auto.	Aero sdn, man.	Aero SportCombi, auto.	Class Average
7	7	6	6	5.9

All 9-3s firm, poised, but 2.0Ts are most compliant over bumps. Taut sport suspension, low-profile tires cause Aeros to thump, jiggle over larger bumps. Even convertible structure impressively rigid, with little body flex on uneven surfaces.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2.0T sdn, auto.	2.0T conv, auto.	Aero sdn, man.	Aero SportCombi, auto.	Class Average
7	7	8	8	7.2

All 9-3s feel nimble. Precise steering, though some drivers might prefer heavier feel. Aero has better grip, response in turns than 2.0T. Solid body structure means convertible handles almost as well as sedan and wagon. All versions nicely free of torque steer--veering to the side--during rapid acceleration.

Quietness

2.0T sdn, auto.	2.0T conv, auto.	Aero sdn, man.	Aero SportCombi, auto.	Class Average
7	5	7	6	6.1

Any 9-3 has more tire noise than class norm; convertible and SportCombi have more than sedan. Engines generally muted, but whine during acceleration, and some testers annoyed by V6's cruising thrum. Wind rush apparent at highway speed, but doesn't disturb conversation. Convertibles not uncomfortably loud, top up or down.

Controls

2.0T sdn, auto.	2.0T conv, auto.	Aero sdn, man.	Aero SportCombi, auto.	Class Average
6	6	6	6	7

Main gauges easy to read. Most switchgear in center dashboard pod, angled toward driver. Climate, audio readouts in dashtop screen are separate from actual controls, requiring driver to look in two places to accomplish one task. Audio-system adjustments not self-explanatory. Trial and error the rule in deciphering navigation system, too. Ignition switch is on console 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 feel cheap, have brittle movement.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2.0T sdn, auto.	2.0T conv, auto.	Aero sdn, man.	Aero SportCombi, auto.	Class Average
7	7	7	7	6.5

Comfortable seats, good all-around support. Standard tilt/telescope steering wheel helps tailor position, though tallest drivers might want it to raise higher and may wish for more rearward seat travel. Center roof pillar compromises ingress with driver seat fully rearward. Rear roof pillars, headrests obscure aft visibility on all body styles.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2.0T sdn, auto.	2.0T conv, auto.	Aero sdn, man.	Aero SportCombi, auto.	Class Average
4	2	4	4	3.6

Good head clearance. Knee room in sedans, wagons 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

2.0T sdn, auto.	2.0T conv, auto.	Aero sdn, man.	Aero SportCombi, auto.	Class Average
4	2	4	7	4.7

Sedan has tall trunk with considerable volume. SportCombi delivers true wagon utility. All have plenty of interior storage space. Glovebox door stylishly integrated into dashboard and opens to reveal large, deep compartment. Convertible's 12.4-cu-ft trunk among largest of any ragtop, but shrinks to 8.3 cu ft when top is stowed.

Value within Class

2.0T sdn, auto.	2.0T conv, auto.	Aero sdn, man.	Aero SportCombi, auto.	Class Average
8	7	7	8	6.1

Saab's 9-3s are Recommended as dynamically capable premium compacts that include lots of safety and convenience features in their base price. The convertible is especially appealing. Direct competitors from BMW and Lexus have rear-wheel-drive designs that handle better in fast cornering. Along with the Audi A4, they also offer all-wheel drive. But 9-3's 2.0T models beat most rivals on price, and the Aero's turbocharged V6 allows it to compete in power.

Total Score

2.0T sdn, auto.	2.0T conv, auto.	Aero sdn, man.	Aero SportCombi, auto.	Class Average
62	55	61	64	58.7

Scores for all Premium Compact Cars

Low Score		52
Average Score		58
High Score		65