Saab 9-3 Road Test
Introduction
The 9-3 is basically Saab's quirky 900 model, which dates back to 1994. That's unfortunate, because some far more fundamental changes were needed beyond the name change. The base 2.0-liter, 185-hp turbo Four feels sluggish on takeoff. The uplevel SE's 205-hp version is available only with a five-speed manual transmission. The 9-3 Viggen produces 230 hp but has difficulty getting that power to the ground. The ride is stiff, and wind noise is pronounced. Handling is safe but not nimble. The cockpit is narrow, especially in the footwells.