2006 Saab 9-3 V6 Convertible information

Car History : Saab 9-3

The Saab 9-3 is a luxury / executive car produced by the Swedish automaker Saab in Trollhättan, Sweden. It shares platforms with the Opel Vectra and is also related to the Cadillac BLS.

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 :

A rebadged, improved last-generation Saab 900. Launched in 1998 for the 1999 model year, it featured slightly sleeker styling with some models sporting a black rear spoiler and removed Saab's trademark centrally-mounted "snow flap". It was available as a three or five-door hatchback, and as a two-door convertible. It was the last small Saab to use the company's H engine.

A Saab innovation is the 'Night Panel', carried over from the Saab 900, which permits dousing of the instrument panel lighting, except for essential information, for less distraction when night driving.A total of 326,370 first generation 9-3s were built.

2003:

The second-generation model was launched at the Detroit Auto Show in early 2003. All U.S. market gas-powered variants featured a 2.0 L straight-4 engine derived from General Motors' Ecotec family. There are two different versions of the turbocharged I4, with the amount of turbo boost determining the power output. The 175 horsepower version (2.0t) was standard in the Linear form (trim-level), mated with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed Sentronic automatic, which allowed for shifting without a clutch pedal. The 210 horsepower 2.0T was available in both the Arc and Vector forms, and the same Sentronic transmission was available, though in the Vector, paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel were added. In 2003 Arcs and Vectors the manual transmission was a 6-speed.

2006 :

A special "20 Years Edition Aero Convertible" for the American market was unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January 2006 to celebrate 20 years since the introduction of the Saab 900 convertible

2008 :

The 9-3 will be updated with a major reskin, taking styling cues from the Aero-X concept car.

Awards :

2005, 2006 and 2007

-Top Safety Pick - Gold Award, American IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety), USA.