2009 Saab 9-3 Sedan

The Saab 9-3 sedan can trace its lineage back the especially quirky Saab 99 two-doors of the 1970s, which were renowned for their cargo hauling ability and their turbocharged performance. In many ways, things are much the same today as they were 30 years ago: The 9-3 features an especially well-packaged and roomy interior and efficient performance from turbocharged engines, though of course the overall package has made great strides.

The 9-3 is based loosely on the General Motors Epsilon architecture that underpins a wide range of cars, including the Chevrolet Malibu, the Opel Vectra and even the Fiat Croma. The 9-3 gets a unique rear suspension called ReAxs, which features passive rear steering to quell understeer inherent to front-wheel-drive cars. Visually, the 9-3 shares nothing with its cousins and its powertrain options are all turbocharged variants of GM motors that have been uniquely designed by Saab engineers.

For 2008, the 9-3 gets a fresh exterior design that incorporates aggressive design cues and clear tail lamps. The interior was modestly refreshed for 2007. Later in 2008, an all-wheel-drive system will be available. Previously, all 9-3s were front-wheel-drive.

The entry-level 9-3, the 2.0T, comes with a 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder motor that pumps out 210 horsepower and 221 lb-ft. of torque. It comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission and it offers a five-speed automatic with a manual shift gate as an option.

The upgraded Aero model includes a 2.8 liter turbocharged V6 with 255 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque. It comes with the same six-speed manual and it offers a six-speed automatic with paddle-style shifters on the steering wheel.

Standard equipment on all includes leather upholstery with a power driver's seat, OnStar, an air conditioned glovebox, 16' alloy wheels, and dual-zone automatic climate control.

The 2.0T offers an available Premium Package that includes a rear obstacle-detection system, a power passenger seat, a memory system, wood interior trim, steering-linked Xenon headlamps and fog lights. A moonroof, Cold Weather Package with heated seats, navigation with a Bose audio system, an in-dash CD changer and 17' wheels are individual options, as well as a new-for-2008 premium leather option that covers all surfaces of the seats in upgraded leather trim.


The Aero adds the aforementioned boost under the hood, as well as dual power seats, a power sunroof, a Bose audio system with CD changer, Xenon headlamps, fog lights, 17' alloy wheels and a lowered and stiffened sport suspension. In addition, the Aero features a number of unique styling touches, including a bodykit with visible dual exhaust outlets, well-bolstered seats, two-tone leather and brushed aluminum interior bits.

A Touring Package for the Aero adds a rear obstacle-detection system, memory seats, HomeLink and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The Cold Weather package, navigation and premium leather seats are also available on the Aero.

Specifics for the all-wheel-drive system have not been released, but it will initially only be available on Aero models