Date: Sun, 18 Jan 2004 15:38:37 GMT From: "Bob H" <iamafigmentnopsamurimagination.net> Subject: My test drives of 9-3 Linears
Drove two new 9-3 Linears yesterday, both automatics. -2003 with 17"s, too much tendency to follow road irregularities; squirrelly at high highway speeds (90 mph) -2004 with 16's: eliminated 95% of the tendency, and about 90% of the squirrelliness Both car interiors seemed somewhat loose fitting, like trim parts were rubbing and jiggling over the worse roads (that shuffling sound over the bumps and poor patches), and weren't tightly assembled, or poorly designed, or both. The dash area seemed tight, it was aft that seemed loose. The interior just felt somewhat like a flivver to me. But maybe that's just me. Struts on the 03 sounded noisy, and also sounded like something was loose underneath whacking the floor pan- probably easily adjusted. The strut noisiness was worrisome, though. Decent acceleration. Gas hungry when pushed, though. Smallish fuel tank if you plan on driving somewhat aggressively, or like to stomp it, or cruise over the limit. Steering boost was a bit too high, but not objectionably. Handling is right on for FWD. Loved the size both inside and out. Was all set to do a deal on the loaded 2003 with 200 miles. Sweet pricing. What killed it for me was the tremendous road noise infiltrating the cabin (both cars) at both low and high speeds, no way could I live with that. Sounded louder than the 03 Malibu rental I drove last summer. And the Malibu's interior seemed better screwed in place. I was really surprised at this on both vehicles (the '04 had 11 miles on it). GM's cost cutters have shown their faces, and the sight is not pretty. After spending about 4 hours researching this car on the 'net, I really wanted to fall in love with it. But the cost-cutters stole that joy from me and stole a sale from their employer. Next stop: the Acura store.
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