2003 Saab 9-3 reviews and buying
guide.
2003
Saab 9-3 resources:
2003 Saab 9-3
The Saab 9-3 has been completely redesigned for 2003.
Gone is the traditional hatchback style and in is a
sleek sedan layout. As Saab's first entry in the premium
compact sport sedan segment, the new 9-3 is dedicated
to delivering a stylish driving experience that pushes
performance to its maximum threshold. But though the
Saab 9-3 has new styling, it retains its trademark turbocharged
engines.
Most Saab 9-3s have four doors and can seat up to five
passengers quite comfortably. A two-door convertible
SE model is also available, with seating for four. The
four-doors are split into three forms, or trim levels:
Linear, Arc and Vector. All models display the precision
engineering and refinement for which all Saabs are known.
Under the Hood
The 9-3 is every inch a Saab, offering excellent handling
and abundant power. SE and Linear models are fixed with
a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder Turbo engine capable of
175 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 195 lb-ft of torque at
2500 rpm. Uplevel Arc and Vector models boast a High-Output
version of the same engine, which ups the horsepower
to 210 and the lb-ft of torque to 221. The result is
plenty of speed.
5-speed manual transmission is standard with SE and
Linear models, while 6-speed manual comes with the engine
in Arc and Vector models. 5-speed automatic is optional
across the board. All models feature world-class chassis
dynamics for supreme driver enhancement, plus trademark
precision Saab handling. Safety is covered with standard
dual front airbags, front side airbags, front-seat active
head restraints and antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.
Standard Features, Options Packages and Style
The 9-3 provides a lush interior loaded with comfort
features. The cabin is designed specifically with drivers
in mind. For example, the instrument panel arcs around
the driver and the Saab Information Display (SID) is
located on top of the fascia near the base of the windscreen,
close to the driver's natural field of vision. All models
come with either straight leather or leather/cloth upholstery,
AM/FM/CD player, the OnStar System and much more.
There really isn't a thing missing in the newly redesigned
Saab 9-3. From performance to safety and extreme comfort,
the 9-3 sport sedan covers each of the points of supreme
driver satisfaction with an easy confidence.
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