2001Saab9-3Saab 9-32001 Saab 9-3 SE ConvertibleConvertibleConvertibleFWDSwedenThe base convertible has been dropped for this year while all other models get two new colors. The OnStar telematics system and traction control are now standard.Comfy interior, versatile hatchback model, torquey turbo motor, quirky personality.Controls not always intuitive, offbeat image, severe torque steer in SE and Viggen models.Despite some shortcomings, we're fond of Saab's uniquely styled coupes and sedans. The base 9-3 comes in a three-door coupe and a five-door hatchback while the convertible has been dropped for 2001. All come equipped with a powerful 185-horsepower four-cylinder engine. This turbocharged 2.0-liter produces stunning acceleration that can char the front tires into bits if the driver so chooses. Move up to the even more feature-laden SE five-door or convertible, and you're opting for even more performance. All SEs are powered by a high-output version of the turbo four that spins an amazing 205 horses (that's better than 100 horsepower per liter of displacement!) through either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual gearbox. Perhaps even more impressive is that in stick-shift models, this motor makes its 209 foot-pounds of torque at an amazingly low 2,200 rpm, and then maintains peak torque all the way up to 4,500 rpm. Talk about a useable power band! In addition to getting bigger wheels and tires, the uplevel SE also boasts a sportier look with a front chin spoiler, flared rocker panels, a low-slung rear valence, body-colored mirrors, chrome exhaust tip and a sports steering wheel. The SE Convertible models add a rear spoiler, while five-door versions come equipped with a specially tuned sport suspension for more responsive handling. For pure enthusiasts, Saab offers the high-performance 9-3 Viggen. With 230 horsepower and a healthy 258 foot-pounds of torque from its high-output turbo 2.3-liter, the Viggen can be had as a coupe, hatch or ragtop, and either in black, Steel Gray or Laser Red. All 9-3 models feature Saab's patented pendulum-design B-pillar, which deflects side impacts away from head and chest areas; the world's first head-restraint system to reduce the risk of whiplash-type injuries; and seat-mounted, two-stage inflating head and chest side airbags. The Saab 9-3 is a fun-to-drive, equipment-laden near-luxury car that competes against entries from Volvo, BMW and Mercedes. While the 9-3 is a good car in its own right, the problem is that there are plenty of good cars in the 9-3's price class. If your tastes run a bit on the eccentric side, however, this car's personality and quirkiness may be a better choice for you than a BMW 3 Series or Mercedes C class. You'll certainly stand out more in the crowd, and have fun doing it. BMW 3-SeriesChevrolet CamaroFord MustangToyota Camry Solara450,000450,000450,0006UnlimitedNANANA42 litersInline205 hp @ 5500 rpm209 ft-lbs. @ 2200 rpm182.2 in.67.4 in.56 in.3210 lbs.102.6 in.38.9 in.37.8 in.52.5 in.41.8 in.NANA42.3 in.33.2 in.10 cu.ft.StandardStandardStandardStandardNot AvailableStandardNot AvailableRating = Not TestedRating = Not TestedNot TestedNot TestedAcceptableAcceptable16.9 gal.22 mpg / 30 mpg21 mpg / 28 mpg372 mi. / 507 mi.355 mi. / 473 mi.Insurance costs can vary greatly for this vehicle, depending on such factors as driver age, driver gender, teenage drivers in the household, driving records, theft loss data for your particular geographic region, miles driven per year, and other widely variable factors. Additionally, some companies charge a premium for certain makes and models, while others do not.$36,995$39,9957.35%$575N/A2.2% of the Base MSRPBASE 2-DOOR HATCHBACK (5M): 2L I4 DOHC MPI intercooled turbo 16-valve engine; 5-speed OD manual transmission; 130 amp alternator; front-wheel drive, traction control, 3.82 axle ratio;stainless steel exhaust with tailpipe finisher; front independent strut suspension with anti-roll bar, front coil springs, gas-pressurized front shocks, rear non-independent trailing arm suspension with anti-roll bar, rear coil springs, gas-pressurized rear shock; rack-and-pinion power steering; 4-wheel antilock disc brakes; 16.9 gal. capacity fuel tank; rear lip spoiler, side impact bars; front and rear body-colored bumpers with black rub strip; black bodyside molding; clearcoat monotone paint; aero-composite halogen auto-off headlamps with washer and wiper, daytime running lights, delay-off feature; additional exterior lights include cornering lights, front fog/driving lights; driver's and passenger's power remote black heated folding outside mirrors; 15" x 6.5" silver alloy wheels; P195/60VR15 BSW A/Stires; compact steel spare wheel; air conditioning, air filter, rear heat ducts; AM/FM stereo radio, seek-scan, cassette player, CD changer pre-wiring, 4 speakers, theft deterrent, power retractable antenna, radio steering wheel controls; cruise control; power door locks with 2-stage unlock, remote keyless entry, power remote trunk release; 1 power accessory outlet, front lighter element, driver's foot rest, smokers' package, emergency S.O.S. (OnStar); instrumentation display includes tachometer, water temperature gauge, in-dash clock, exterior temp, systems monitor, trip computer, trip odometer; warning indicators include oil pressure, battery, low oil level, lights on, key in ignition, low fuel, low washer fluid, bulb failure, door ajar, service interval, brake fluid; driver's and passenger's front airbags, driver's and front passenger's seat mounted side airbags; ignition disable, tracker system, security system; tinted windows with driver's and passenger's 1-touch down function;variable-speed intermittent front windshield wipers, rear window wiper, rear window defroster; seating capacity of 5, front bucket seats with adjustable headrests, driver's seat includes 6-way adjustment, lumbar support, easy entry, passenger's seat includes 4-way adjustment, easy entry; 60/40 folding rear bench seat with adjustable headrests, center pass-thru armrest; height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners; premium cloth seats, cloth door trim insert, full cloth headliner, full carpet floor covering with carpeted floor mats; interior lights include dome light with fade, front and rear reading lights, illuminated entry; steering wheel with telescopic adjustment; dual illuminated vanity mirrors; day/night rearview mirror; full floor console, locking glove box with light, front cupholder, instrument panel bin, 2 seatback storage pockets, driver's and passenger's door bins; carpeted cargo floor, cargo cover, cargo tie downs, cargo light; chrome grille, black side windowmoldings, black front windshield molding, black rear window molding and black door handle.
BASE 4-DOOR HATCHBACK (5M) (in addition to or instead of BASE 2-DOOR (5M) equipment): Child-safety rear door locks.
SE 4-DOOR HATCHBACK (5M) (in addition to or instead of BASE 4-DOOR HATCHBACK (5M) equipment): Sport-ride suspension; front power sliding and tilting glass sunroof with sunshade; rocker panel extensions; driver's and passenger's power remote body-colored heated folding outside mirrors; 16" x 6.5" silver alloy wheels; P205/50ZR16 BSW A/S tires; air conditioning with climate control; single CD player, 6 speakers; cell phone pre-wiring; driver armrest, driver's and front passenger's seats include 8-way power adjustment, lumbar support, leather seats, genuine wood dashboard insert, leather-wrapped gearshift knob; driver's seat memory includes 3 settings; leather-wrapped sport steering wheel.
VIGGEN 2-DOOR HATCHBACK (5M) (in addition to or instead of SE 4-DOOR HATCHBACK (5M) equipment): 2.3L I4 DOHC MPI 16-valve intercooled turbo engine; 4.05 axle ratio; rear wing spoiler; 17" x 7.5" silver alloy wheels; P215/45ZR17 BSW performance tires; integrated roof antenna; front sports seats; leather door trim insert and chrome interior accents.
VIGGEN 4-DOOR HATCHBACK (5M) (in addition to or instead of VIGGEN 2-DOOR HATCHBACK (5M) equipment): Child-safety rear door locks.
SE CONVERTIBLE (5M) (in addition to or instead of SE 4-DOOR HATCHBACK (5M) equipment): Power convertible roof with lining, glass rear window; power front and rear windows with front and rear 1-touch down function; seating capacity of 4, full-folding rear bench seat with adjustable headrests.
VIGGEN CONVERTIBLE (5M) (in addition to or instead of SE CONVERTIBLE (5M) equipment): 2.3L I4 DOHC MPI 16-valve intercooled turbo engine; front-wheel drive, 4.05 axle ratio; sport-ride suspension; rear wing spoiler; 17" x 7.5" silver alloy wheels; P215/45ZR17 BSW performance tires; air conditioning with climate control; front sports seats, passenger's seat includes 8-way power adjustment; leather door trim insert, chrome interior accents; driver's seat memory includes 3 settings; leather-wrapped sport steering wheel.