The Saab 9-3 is an entry-level luxury car / compact executive car produced by the Swedish automaker Saab. It shares platforms with the Opel Vectra. The car is actually badged as a 93, although Saab consistently advertises it as the 9-3. The name is pronounced "nine three". It should not be confused with the Saab 93.
1999-2003
The original 9-3 was a rebadged, improved last-generation Saab 900. Launched in 1998 for the 1999 model year, it sported a sleeker design with certain models featuring a black rear spoiler and the absence of Saab's signature centrally-mounted "snow flap". It was available as a three-door or five-door hatchback, as well as a two-door convertible. This was the last small Saab to use the company's H engine.
A Saab original is the 'Night Panel', carried over from the Saab 900, which allows one to dim the brightness of the instrument panel, except for necessary information, in order to reduce distractions while night driving. In total, 326,370 first generation 9-3s were manufactured.
Viggen
An impressive, no longer in production version of the 9-3 was the Viggen, which was named after the Saab Viggen aircraft. It was fitted with a turbocharged 2.3 L engine with 230 hp ECE (169 kW). It could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds and had a top speed of 249 km/h.
Engines
2.0 L B204 I4, 138 hp ECE (1998-1999)
2.0 L B204 I4, turbo, 185 hp ECE (136 kW) (1998-1999)
2.0 L B205 I4, turbo, 185 hp ECE (136 kW) (2000-2002)
2.0 L B205E (non-US) I4, LPT (light pressure turbo), 150 hp ECE (110 kW) (2000-2002)
2.0 L B205R I4, turbo, 205 hp ECE (151 kW) (1999-2003)
2.3 L B235R I4, turbo, 230 hp ECE (169 kW) (1999-2002)
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