The Saab 9-3 is a compact luxury car produced with three- or five-door hatchback and two-door convertible bodies. 9-3 shares its platform with the Opel Vectra and with the Cadillac BLS. This is the smallest Saab except for the short-lived model 9-2X, which was built on a Subaru Impreza base. This model was the last Saab to have a H-series engine developed by the company. The first-generation 9-3 is essentially a refurbishment of the last-generation Saab 900. Externally, the changes have been very minor, but improved vehicle handling and significantly improved safety with the now standard side-impact airbags and head protection. Both the Saab 9-5 and Saab 9-3 were the first cars in the world to score the highest score in Euro NCAP tests in a side impact. Later, the Volvo S40 turned out even better. The 9-3 was also produced with a new low-pressure turbo engine, and for the first time Saab received a diesel engine borrowed from Opel Vectra.
The Saab 9-3, along with the Saab 9-5 and the Volvo S70, were the first cars in the world to score the highest score in the Euro NCAP side impact tests.
A special version of the Saab 9-3 Viggen was produced named as the previously produced Saab 37 Viggen fighter. The Viggen developed 230 hp (172 kW) at a turbine pressure of 1.4 bar (Mitsubishi TD04-HL15-5 turbine). New Viggen buyers in the U.S. received two-day driving courses and had the opportunity to dine with Saab U.S. dealers. The program was called the Viggen Flight Academy and later evolved into the SAAB Aero Academy.
The car was voted one of the top ten in 1998 and 1999 (according to Fortune Magazine).
Very good value for money. Great salon. Safe car in case of an accident. Chain instead of belt, no belt change after 70 t.km. mileage, change the circuit by 0.5 million. km. Very spacious trunk
Slightly little space for rear seating.
Year: 2002
Engine capacity, l: 2,0
Fuel Type: Diesel
Gearbox: Mechanical
Body type: Hatchback
Fuel consumption urban, mpg: 7,0
Fuel consumption extra urban, mpg: 4,6
Fuel consumption combined, mpg: 5,5
Car description
The price-quality ratio of the car is much better than that of Audi, VW and others. car.
Performance
Slightly noisy when standing but cool when starting to drive. Knowing that a car weighs over 1500 kg. surprisingly decent traction.
Reliability, running costs
If you can not go directly to an authorized service center can be repaired quite cheaply. The thermostat is suitable for opels, I found the original factory for 20 Lt., I changed it myself. Automatic antenna from Ebay with a download of 100 Lt., I changed myself. The Opel engine is also decently handled by garage masters.
Recommendations to buyers
As with all cars, choose responsibly to avoid hidden faults.