2001 SAAB 9-3 Viggen Convertible turbo

Summary:

The perfect year round performance car at any price!

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

This is our fifth SAAB. We have owned a 9000CD. 900 coupe, 900 convertible, 9-5, and now the Viggen. Before we had a child we drove a Porsche 944 Turbo. This Viggen is the family mans Porsche. It holds four adults without embarrassment together with their luggage (when the roof is up). The ride can be a little harsh on bad roads, but on average and smooth roads its like flying in an aircraft. The Porsche factor - it holds the road and accelerates like one, although it may be a second slower to 60 mph. It also inspires the same confidence as a Porsche. The ergonomics I find to be without equal, also the interior fit and finish are world class. The Viggen is also a good year round vehicle (with winter tires). Eat your heart out BMW!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th November, 2002

21st Nov 2006, 12:21

I'm confused. I thought the "Viggen" was a wagon designation. Is your 9-3 a wagon or a convertible?

7th Dec 2006, 11:38

The term "Viggen" is not a wagon designator like "Avant" would be for Audi's wagons. Viggen is pretty much a badging honoring the Saab Viggen Jet Fighter. It's like AMG is to Mercedes and ///M is to BMW; built to a higher standard.

The '00+ models are supposedly faster than the '99 because they have less restriction on their intake from the airbox to the turbo.

They pretty much both feel the same though. I'm dying to buy one of these. Test drives are great, but getting old. I'm going for the '99 because that was the only year they had the custom colored interior; don't quote me on that. And will probably just buy a '00 intake pipe and do a swap.

2001 SAAB 9-3 SE 2.0L. turbo

Summary:

Most bang for the buck, bar none!!

Faults:

None.

General Comments:

When you consider other makes and models in the same class as the 9-3 SE, in my opinion, this car ultimately comes out on top. While the BMW 3 series is a great machine, it is pricey and can lack power.

If I could sit down with SAAB designers I would suggest these changes: Rear wheel/all wheel drive would eliminate torque steer. A more aggressive stance would be great (lower the car and offer 18" wheels and tires!).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th October, 2002

25th Jun 2004, 08:25

All this can be cured, try the 2.2tid diesel, fast,fun, safe, I get 48/49 mpg and 140mph enough said, mick uk.

29th Mar 2005, 17:32

Basically I fail to see how a big heavy 2.2 litre diesel sitting over the front wheels will turn the car into something resembling an awd or back wheel drive. try using your steering wheel the next time you see 140mph.

19th May 2007, 10:28

Agreed, the 2 litre turbo is what you want. And yes, rwd would really make SAAB a BMW-killer, if they firm up the suspension.