1999 Saab 9-3
03/16/1998
Erick Loven
1999 will see the release of the new Saab 9-3 to join the recently launched 1999 Saab 9-5. The 9-3 is an evolutionary descendent of the Saab 900. It has undergone over a thousand changes and improvements, yet the overall appearance of the 900 has remained. The changes come mainly in the form of technical advances and safety features.
Saab has always strived to create sporty, mid-sized sedans. The 9-3 is no exception. The 5-door sedan offers comfortable seating for five, as well as one of the few remaining hatchbacks in its class. This creates a family utility vehicle. The 185 hp, turbocharged engine helps to deliver on the promise of performance. For those who enjoy less of a family appearance, 3-door coupe and convertible models are available. The standard 9-3 will cost you just over $30,000. The convertible option jumps the price up to $42,000. Going after the sport sedan crowd in this price range creates some heavy competition for Saab by BMW 323I, Lexus ES300, and Nissan Maxima.
Unlike its predecessor the 900, all 9-3 models will be turbocharged. The 2.0L, turbo 4-cylinder 'Ecopower' engine is the only option. Ecopower refers to creating high horsepower while retaining high gas mileage. It has dual-overhead cams with 4 valves per cylinder. The spark plugs are centrally located for even fire distribution. Saab boasts that its intercooled turbocharger will last for the life of the car. The entire engine, ignition, and pollution system is controlled by Saab's 32-bit, Trionic computer. The 2.0L engine creates 185 hp at 5500 rpm and puts out 194 ft. lbs. of torque at 2100 rpm.
The 9-3 comes standard with a 5-speed manual transmission. The clutch is hydraulically actuated for smooth shifting. The optional 4-speed automatic transmission still gives the driver a great deal of control. The shift pattern is controlled by the car's computer and has three shift modes. The driver may choose from sport, normal, and winter, depending on his/her mood.
Saab has updated the front and back of the 9-3. The front end of the car has been remolded and includes a front spoiler with fog lamps to give it an aggressive, sporty look. The front grille now contains the same wing design that can be found on the 9-5. The rear end has been smoothed out. The taillights and back end curve around to follow the flow of the side fenders. A rear spoiler is also standard. Even the third brake light has been replaced with a set of LEDs.
Inside the 9-3 you will find new front bucket seats. They are wider than before and provide more side support and Saab's Active Head Restraints (SAHR) will help support your head and neck. The seats are adjustable in several directions, including thigh support and seat height. These improvements to the seats combine with the side-impact airbags to keep the driver and passenger safe during accidents.
Other Saab extras found in the 1999 9-3 include a new anti-theft system and an enhanced "Night Panel" feature. The anti-theft system prevents the engine from being started unless the correct electronic code is received from the driver's key. The code is changed after each start. Saab's "Night Panel" is a direct descendent of their aircraft heritage. The driver may choose to turn off all non-critical instrument panel lights during dark night travel. A new trick to this feature is the ability of the computer to re-light a darkened portion of the instrumentation to alert the driver of any condition such as a low fuel indication.
Specifications
1999 Saab 9-3
Front-Engined 4-cyl 5 passenger, 3-Door (5-Door Opt.)
$30,995 - $42,195(convertible model)
Engine
4-cyl Turbocharged
Bore & Stroke: 3.5in. x 3.07in.
Double overhead camshafts, 4 valves per cylinder
Displacement: 2.0L
Compression Ratio: 9.2:1
Saab Trionic Fuel Injection
Horsepower: 185hp @ 5500rpm
Torque: 194 ft. lbs. @ 2100rpm
Drivetrain
Manual Transmission: Fully synchronized 5-spd with hydraulically actuated clutch
Automatic Transmission: Electronically controlled 4-spd with 3 shift programs
Gears & Ratios
1st: 3.38:1 (3.67:1 auto)
2nd: 1.76:1 (2.10:1 auto)
3rd: 1.12:1 (1.39:1 auto)
4th: 0.89:1 (1.00:1 auto)
5th: 0.70:1
Final Drive: 3.82:1 (2.86:1 auto)
Interior
Head Room F: 39.3in R: 37.9in.
Leg Room F: 42.3in. R: 34.1in. (33.0in conv)
Shoulder Room F: 52.4in. R: 52.6in. (41.8in conv)
Storage Volume: 21.7 cu. ft. (trunk)
Measurements
Weight: 3000lbs. (varies on model)
Width: 67.4in.
Height: 56.2in.
Wheelbase: 102.6in.
Length: 182.2in.
Suspension
Front Suspension: MacPherson struts with gas shocks, coil springs, split lower wishbone, and stabilizer bar
Rear Suspension: H-formed, semi-rigid torsion-beam rear axle with dual stabilizer bars and coil springs
Steering
Type: Power-assisted rack and pinion, impact-collapsible steering column
Turns lock to lock: 3.0
Turning circle: 34.4ft.
Brakes
Front:11.34 in diameter disc
Rear: 11.26 in diameter disc
Power Assist Type: Four-wheel disc with power assist, ABS, and four electronic channels (EBD)
Wheels & Tires:
Tires: 195/60 VR 15 (205/50 ZR 16 opt)
Wheel Size & Type: 6.5in X 15in three spoke alloy wheels (6.5in X 16in. Viking Aero alloy wheels opt)
Fuel Economy
city: 21 (19 auto)
highway: 27 (25 auto)
The 1999 Saab 9-3 has several improvements that make it a better car than the old 900. The standard turbocharged engine provides plenty of power at 185hp. The newly designed front seats, added safety features, and improved anti-theft system should give the owner peace of mind. The sporty addition of spoilers and the cool "Night Panel" feature will make the driver feel like driving. However, don't expect a radically new look, as Saab did not change the overall appearance of the 900 in the 9-3. It is very much still the same 5-door sedan and 3-door coupe as last year. Saab has enjoyed a large amount of success with the 900, and does not want to lose that. The 9-3 takes the best parts of the 900 and makes them better.