EastCoast
08-17-2007, 06:03 PM
2007 SAAB 9-3 2.0T
AS-TESTED PRICE: $28,195
DRIVETRAIN: 2.0-liter turbocharged I4; fwd, six-speed manual
OUTPUT: 210 hp @ 5500 rpm, 221 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm
CURB WEIGHT: 3175 lb
FUEL ECONOMY (EPA): 24 mpg
OPTIONS: Power moonroof ($1,200)
OUR TAKE: We’ve always liked these little Saabs, especially equipped with the four-cylinder turbo. You get good power and better mileage than with a six. The ride (basically an Opel Vectra chassis) is supple around town, supersmooth out on the freeway—we found ourselves more than once jogging along at 85 mph without even knowing it—but this car doesn’t mind being thrown around a bit.
It’s also a heck of a deal for less than $30,000.
After just a bit of turbo lag, the motor provides a healthy surge of power and is downright fast, especially with anything above three grand on the tach. Around town, the Saab feels nimble, with good feedback through the steering wheel and decent brakes.
Even with the new car coming for next year, we think this 9-3 looks good and is extremely comfortable on the inside. Back-seat legroom looked a bit tight, and, while not terrible, the transmission could stand to be slightly more fluid.
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Saab Brake Caliper, Saab Brake Dust Shields, Saab Brake Hose
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AS-TESTED PRICE: $28,195
DRIVETRAIN: 2.0-liter turbocharged I4; fwd, six-speed manual
OUTPUT: 210 hp @ 5500 rpm, 221 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm
CURB WEIGHT: 3175 lb
FUEL ECONOMY (EPA): 24 mpg
OPTIONS: Power moonroof ($1,200)
OUR TAKE: We’ve always liked these little Saabs, especially equipped with the four-cylinder turbo. You get good power and better mileage than with a six. The ride (basically an Opel Vectra chassis) is supple around town, supersmooth out on the freeway—we found ourselves more than once jogging along at 85 mph without even knowing it—but this car doesn’t mind being thrown around a bit.
It’s also a heck of a deal for less than $30,000.
After just a bit of turbo lag, the motor provides a healthy surge of power and is downright fast, especially with anything above three grand on the tach. Around town, the Saab feels nimble, with good feedback through the steering wheel and decent brakes.
Even with the new car coming for next year, we think this 9-3 looks good and is extremely comfortable on the inside. Back-seat legroom looked a bit tight, and, while not terrible, the transmission could stand to be slightly more fluid.
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Saab Brake Caliper, Saab Brake Dust Shields, Saab Brake Hose
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