Car Reviews: First Drives:Saab 9-3 Aero driven

If you’re thinking the ‘new’ Saab 9-3 looks incredibly similar to its predecessor, you are not alone. The firm says it has made more than 2,000 changes to its top seller, but unless you’re a real Saab fan, you’ll be hard-pressed to notice all of them.

True, many of the revisions have taken place under the skin. However, this is more akin to a mid-life nip and tuck than a brand new model. The fresh looks are inspired by the Aero X show model, and are adopted on all 9-3s, including the SportWagon and convertible variants.

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autopro - 10/16/2007 11:39:46 AM

+1 Boost

I use to have a Saab 900 Turbo SPG as a demo. Man that car was fun to drive.Every car has a different personality its like dating a Blonde Brunette or red head their all different but are great to drive.

DaHarder - 10/16/2007 11:55:39 AM

+1 Boost

Saab's line-up needs so much more that simple model 'refeshening', they need to either get with the game plan, and introduce all new models, or kindly forfeit the game altogether...

How long has the Saab 9000/9-5 platform been in use?

Since 1985!

GM seems to really be trying these days, their next step should be to rid themselves of the Dead Weight that is Saab!

S4cabriofoxone - 10/16/2007 5:31:04 PM

+2 Boost

Well, I don't think they should get rid of Saab... just improve them. Give them their own interior designers. Develop better engines. New model lines!

And the real sad thing is the current 9-5 has been in production... since 1998.

rok_altima - 10/16/2007 1:43:08 PM

+3 Boost

Saab wouldn't be a dead weight if GM actually invested in them

S4cabriofoxone - 10/16/2007 5:30:01 PM

+1 Boost

"If you’re thinking the ‘new’ Saab 9-3 looks incredibly similar to its predecessor, you are not alone."

This is like the B7 A4 update! It's NOT a new car! Why can't the journalists use some semblance of logic???

moto - 10/16/2007 7:41:04 PM

+1 Boost

It doesn't make any sense to nitpick the 9-5 chassis when the article is reviewing the 9-3.

I'm not one to defend antiquity, but there is little evidence to support the notion that all newer chassis are better than older ones. It's not as though the chassis hasn't been tweaked over time, and many of the best chassis in the world have evolved from humble beginnings.

Saab has long had a reputation for safe, strong chassis and this one is no exception. Is it the best balanced, lightest, or most rigid? Nope. But as a total package, the 9-3 (and 9-5, for that matter) are very comfortable 4-season cars. If anything, Saab needs to improve its cost so as to compete directly with its real competition of comfy cruisers: Acura, Infiniti, Buick, Lincoln, ...

hashoo - 10/18/2007 3:23:39 PM

+1 Boost

Is a very good car, but saab have to get rid of GM!!!