2009 Saab 9-3 By: ALAN GELL www.CarColumns.Net You don’t hear me talk or write about the Saab cars very often, but I really like them and if I had the funds to own a stable full of vehicles, a Saab would definitely be part of that mix.

   Saab, as most people know, is a Swedish car made by a company that also builds military fighter jets.  The Saab cars are know for a little bit of quirkiness, heavy amounts of safety, and rally-winning performance.  Although they have been under the General Motors umbrella for several years, the Saab is being spun off from GM and we have yet to see what might take place.

The 9-3 model Saab is the base, recognizable of the Saab line-up.  It had a major restyling last year and for 2009, there is some detailed improvements, but not much else.  The Saab 9-3 is not really a large car although it seats four.  I have heard it described as being perfect for a disorganized professor, which is fairly close to accurate.  It is almost a sports car, yet just perfect for a small family.  Most would call it a compact premium vehicle or a sport sedan.  I prefer the convertible, of course, but there are other models.  There is a 2.0 Touring sedan, wagon, and convertible, 2.0 Comfort sedan and convertible, XWD four door with cross-wheel drive, Aero 2.8 liter versions, and 2.0 Sport, SportCombi, & Sport convertible.

The base power-plant is a 2.0 liter turbocharged engine with a six-speed manual transmission.  The 2.0  turbocharged engine produces 210 horsepower.A five or six speed automatic transmission is an option on all but the Touring model.  Aero models come with a 280-hp turbocharged 2.8-liter and choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic, and is All-Wheel Drive.  Either engine works well for everyday driving, but the power is there for the more sporty drivers who want to take a more aggressive approach.  The suspension systems allow the Saab 9-3 to handle like a European sports car on winding, twisting, hilly roads.  The feel is solid and stable.

Mileage ranges from 15 city to 24 highway, although most estimates average about 18 to 20 overall.  Prices range from a low about $31,000 to a high of over $50,000 for a top-of-the-line Aero with everything on it.

I like the looks of the Saab 9-3.  It is an attractive entry-level luxury vehicle, whether you call it sports sedan or a compact premium.  It is able to provide quality in the workmanship and superb performance in the handling.  The cabin in the sedans are quiet and there is a variety of model choices and body styles available.  Don’t forget the sporty handling and the terrific safety scores.  Generally speaking, the Saab vehicles are beginning to show some age and might be slightly behind the competition like BMW, Audi, and Acura.  With the transfer of ownership from General Motors back to a Swedish ownership, the future of Saab looks good.  The Swedish carmaker Koenigsegg has not yet announced their plans, but it is anticipated that Saab will begin to transform and be more attractive to the buying public than before.