New 9-3

What do you all think of the new 9-3 recently reviewed and previewed in car magazines the world over. I like the look, although it is nothing to distinguish the Saab from the likes of Mercedes, BMW, Volvo etc. in the sport compact lux. market. Anyway, seems the chasis has been sorted out and the result is improved steering and ride. Sounds good to me, but what do you think?

The black 9-3 looks really aggressive yet doesnt stand out... reminds me of a more legitmate Jetta. I'm actually tempted with the '03 coming out, I hear the torque steer is eliminated and the chassis is wayy stiff. I've had my eye on an Audi 1.8t but im starting to like the SAAB, plus its a rare car to find on the road... originality is a plus. Too bad its FWD, but might end up overlooking that.

I assume your discussing the new 9-3 sport sedan. It sounds very impressive when compared to the previous 9-3. I just turned in a 900S conv on Aug 1 and this is one of the cars I am considering as a replacement. I hope it starts arriving soon. I have been without a car for almost 2 months. Ugh!

I had a testdrive in the new sportssedan, and it's even better than my current aero.
much stiffer and better stering

Originally posted by 9-3AERO
I had a testdrive in the new sportssedan, and it's even better than my current aero.
much stiffer and better stering

I saw one at my Saab dealer, but it had just come off the truck. In the meantime I took delivery of my 350Z. Which model 9-3 did you drive? The salesman I spoke to didn't know much about the car and I was very disappointed that it only had 175hp. I have since found out that the Vector will have over 200hp, but the salesman didn't have a clue. When the lease is up, Oct 2003, on my wifes 9-5 I will probably check it out.

Glenn

Haven't had a chance to drive the new one, but I got to sit in it at the Auto show - what a dissapointment! Everyhting about the car was great - looks sublime, interior is still very saabish, size is just perfect, the steering rack dancing is alledgedly fixed, BUT... my desires for this car were chattered when I closed the door.

100% General Motors feel - i.e. cheapo, not the solid "thunk" my half-breed Saab has.

Oh well, I'll just have to hold to the one I have now!

the ONLY thing holding me back is the front wheel drive...EWW!!!!!!!!!!!

I love the new 9-3 Sports Sedan, and I don't think 175hp is too little, I don't find the 150hp version too underpowered either, just perfect, actually. The 210hp Aero will be very fun. Only minus about the 9-3 is that the cabin is a little grey-ish, but I like it nonetheless.. And the price, which is over A4, Bmw 3-series, Volvo S60, but below the C-class is a little high. Too small space for me, think I'll maybe wait for the next 9-5 (Autumn 2005) if I don't just buy the current 9-5, or maybe the next A6 which should be out sometime 2004..

Hi there,

This is my first post on the forum; I appreciate the information I have found reading through here so far....

I have been driving a V6 99 VW Passat for 4 years and am looking at new cars. I am not interested in BMW, but have been looking at Audi A4 and the Volvo S60. I have driven the S60 and the 9-3 Linear (175 hp) and found I really prefer the Saab. It drives much tighter and has a more unique feel to it. The Volvo felt like most other cars- drove more like a typical sedan to me.

I haven't tried the A4 yet, I plan on driving that this week as well as taking a look at the 9-3 Arc (210 hp) to see the difference.

It comes down to personal preference, but I love the changes Saab has made in the 9-3; I haven't considered them fun to drive in the past- but this one is great.

Cheers,

Kevin

Try an 80-something 900 Turbo, and I'll promise you you'll have a LOT of fun driving it. I just love the Turbo suddenly kicking in as hell. But the chassis of the new Sports Sedan is of coarse much better and up to date to be able to compete with A4 and Bmw 3-series.

I looked at one in a swedish show room (since i'm over here)
Six speed gearbox 205hp very nice interior very nice exterior i wouldn't mind one altho i also saw a STi and a Volvo S60 R AWD which is damn impressive (300hp impressive)

anyone the first Saab that i have really liked also thought it was better than the new 3 series since that thing is damn ugly

I actaully own the new Saab 93 vector, so I can say that this is one of the best cars I have ever driven without any bias! it looks fabulous and althoughI was initially concerned about the front wheel drive, its very responsive and greatin the corners. I test drove the Audi A4 and Alfa156 and this is better. the only change i would make is to get the sound system upgraded.

I love the new 9-3. They look just like the '94 900 which I own and absolutely love. I think the only exterior difference in the two is that the grill is slightly different and the front bumper is different.

The new 9-3 couldn't be more different from the 900. Its a totaly new car. The chassis is a work of art. I think you'll find that its a little more than a face lift too...

I really like the new 9-3ss...I'm tryin to convince my parents to trade in their 98 900se but we'll see what happens...Love the look of the aero and the arc with the side skirts and all. A truly beautiful car

As long as it hasn't got an auto :banghead: - I like it

Here is my review of the 9-3 Aero sentronic (http://www.fastsaloons.com/newsstory.php?reviewField=2192&type=9)

I've just finished testing the 9-3 convertible, which had a manual box and liked that a lot better :)

it is a great looking car, but it is very undependable. cery cheaply manufactured. just a note;this is based on the chevy cobalt platform (also read as "new" cavalier. sorry to burst everyones bubble here. i hate this car to the core. i put it quality-wise down there with an old jetta or escort. drives nice, but the window regulators will break on you multiple times, the interior components are painted with a subpar paint that peels off very easily. nothing on this car is made too last. if you really like it, lease it for three years. the electronics are a dissaster. there are anywhere between 28 and 43 seperate computers on this car that have to talk flawlessly with each other to operate. if there is one little glitch, the car is stuck. the ignition switch will catch every last drop of your starbucks latte and it will cause havoc. the remotes are junk and wont work every once in a while. the anti-pinch windows will glitch and you will be unable to close them when you need them to. they still havent figured out how to get the sunroof to close, even after multiple factory bulletins and recalls. the power steering pump seals go out and suck all of your engine oil out onto the ground. (good luck diagnosing that one!), the passenger seat switches still fail regularly. the cd players eat cd's like they are dumplings at the chinese all-you-can-eat buffet. the park brrake handles bend too easily and lock the park brake on. the backseat easy entry feature on the convertible ss is the stupidest design i have ever seen. must use it to truly appreciate how horrible it is. repairing the easy entry cable is a lesson in cuss word creativity. i have seen good, christian men say some truly reprehensible things trying to fix these for the miniscule amount that saab pays us to fix them. if there is any car that is liable to leave you stranded, i have to say it is a saab 9-3 sport sedan.
i have to give saab credit for getting rid of the stupid di cassette. they finally went with an ignition system with individual coil packs, so you are less likely to be left on the side of the road like every other 900, 9000, or 9-5.
just had to get that off my chest.

Thanks for the heads up! I love honesty and you have perhaps saved me from getting into one. I was leaning toward an '06 9-3 Wagon, the hi-performance one to upgrade from an '01 Ford Focus wagon w/ Zetec 2.0L engine, 130hp.

i saved you from some trouble. all of the 06 wagons we have on our lot are not running right now. seems they dont like their spark plugs too much. also, we just got a new bulletin from the facory the other day. it says we might have to replace all the engines in the newer v6 9-3's due to poor machining! what a laugh. can i say junk? oh, i just did.