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2010 Saab 9-3 Convertible
Great safety, but an ancient design
- Impressive crash-test results
- Decent reliability
- Comfortable front seats
- Overpriced
- Old-and-tired design
- Ride can be rough
- Disappointing interior quality
- Competitors in price range offer more
The 2010 Saab 9-3 convertible (Base MSRP: $39,990 to $45,080) remains essentially unchanged from the 2009 model year. The Saab 9-3 is in need of an update; its design is older, and it lags behind competitors in many dimensions including technology, ride quality, performance, and fit and finish. The 9-3 convertible is rated well in crash testing and has good reliability.
A substantial price drop for the 2010 model year will surely make consumers happy. The range-topping Aero model no longer comes with the more powerful V6 engine, and all models now come with the previously base-only 2-liter, turbo four-cylinder. Our full review of the similar 2008 Saab 9-3 convertible (*Est. $39,955 to $45,640) has a collection of expert opinions from many sources.
Fuel economy improves slightly for the Saab 9-3 convertible with the manual transmission, as compared to previous model years. The turbocharged four-cylinder is rated by the EPA at 20 mpg city, 29 mpg highway and 23 combined when paired with the six-speed manual transmission, while the automatic five-speed version is estimated to achieve 19 city mpg, 27 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined.
Standard safety equipment includes active head restraints, rollover protection system, antilock brakes, and front and side airbags. The 9-3 convertible receives the highest "Good" rating for passenger safety from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in front, side and rear impacts.
Ownership of Saab transferred from GM to Spyker, a Dutch automaker, last year. Expect a full redesign of the 9-3 to arrive within the next few years.
Our Sources
1. Edmunds.com
The 2010 model year brings a substantial price drop to the 9-3 convertible. The performance oriented Aero trim loses its high-output V6 engine this year.
Review: 2010 Saab 9-3, Editors of Edmunds.com
The 9-3 convertible gets lackluster mileage when considering its relatively low power output when compared to rivals, many of whom fare better in EPA-estimated fuel economy. The 9-3 convertible returns 23 mpg on the combined cycle with the manual transmission, and 22 mpg combined with the automatic.
Review: 2010 Saab 9-3 Convertible, Editors of FuelEconomy.gov
3. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
Safety is a selling point for the 9-3 convertible which garners the highest rating of "Good" from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for front, side and rear impacts.
Review: Midsize Convertibles, Editors of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
Our last full report on the Saab 9-3 convertible from 2008 encapsulates an analysis of expert reviews. The 9-3 has not changed significantly since the 2008 model year.
Review: 2008 Saab 9-3 Convertible, Editors of ConsumerSearch
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