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Should I Buy This Car? No. The 2009 Saab 9-3 Convertible doesn't live up to its billing, or its price, as a sporty convertible. Even within GM's own stable there are better values.
Why doesn't the convertible get all-wheel drive? The Saab 9-3 Convertible is already heavy, and adding all-wheel drive would only make matters worse. Plus, the 9-3 Convertible isn't set up for the extra loads all-wheel drive puts on the chassis.
What else should I consider? If you've got a thing for Swedish convertibles, the Volvo C70 offers more power than the Saab's 4-cylinder, and also looks and drives much better for a slightly lower base price. If all European cars are your passion, why not take a look at the BMW 3 Series convertible? It's pricier than the Saab 9-3 Convertible, but we still live in a world where BMW commands (and earns) a premium. Another strong German convertible candidate -- at a slightly lower price -- is the Audi A4 Cabriolet.
What's New For 2009? While the 2009 Saab 9-3 sedan and wagon gets the XWD all-wheel drive system from last year's 2008 Saab 9-3 Turbo X, convertibles soldier on with front-wheel drive only. However, the Aero convertible gets that car's 280-horsepower turbocharged V-6 engine, as well as carbon-fiber look interior trim.
Quick Look: 2009 Saab 9-3
The 2009 Saab 9-3 is the entry-level Saab and the smallest car in the manufacturer's lineup. In addition to the convertible, it's also available as a sedan and wagon, the latter referred to as the SportCombi. As a subsidiary of General Motors, the Saab 9-3 shares its underpinnings with vehicles like the Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura, among others. Two important features make the 9-3 stand out from its brethren: unique turbocharged engines and available all-wheel drive in sedan and SportCombi models. All-wheel drive is not available on the Saab 9-3 Convertible.
The base model 2009 Saab 9-3 Convertible costs $41,380 and is powered by a 210-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, mated either to a six speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission. Opt for the $50,385 Aero Convertible model and you get a 2.8-liter turbocharged V-6 producing a respectable 280 hp, powering the front wheels through a six speed manual or automatic transmission.
While the 2009 Saab 9-3 convertible has the goods on paper, it lacks in key areas. As a sporty convertible, it's missing the power and precision we expect in a convertible costing more than $41,000, especially considering it lacks all-wheel drive. The second is in refinement. While many of the materials used inside are quite nice, the overall assembly isn't quite to the level of Volvo, Audi and other competitors. Price is another consideration -- at more than $50,000, the Aero is simply much too expensive for what you get. Unless you really love the 9-3 Convertible's looks, you should keep shopping.
See All 2009 Saab 9-3 Convertible Trim Levels
See the Test Drive: 2008 Saab 9-3 Turbo X Sport Sedan
By Keith Buglewicz
Photo credit: Saab
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