1994-2002 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
I don't get too bent out of shape anymore when reading magazine tests.
Magazine staffers may rave and genuflect at the BMW altar, or other trendy brand, but I wonder how many of those staffers actually "own" one? I'd bet very few, if any. BMW, VW, Audi, Lexus, Mercedes, etc. They all market soem fine cars. And yeah, some of their models are more "current" and technically "up to date" in certain ways than the 9-3. The new 9-3 will surely be more competitive. But it will probably never win a magazine "sport sedan" comparison.
The 9-3 is almost always tested in comparison with what the magazine groups as a test of "best sport sedans". And, when conducting those tests, magazines always lean towards "all out" sport performance, usually includinbg track testing. The 9-3, except in Viggen form, doesn't neatly fit that mold. And a FWD Saab, compared with RWD BMW's and AWD Audis, is probably always going to come up short in a magazine's "sport sedan" setting. Do I care whether the 9-3 can lap Willow Springs Raceway faster than a BMW 3-Series? No, I do not. Those folks favor rear wheel (or all wheel) drive handling characteristics. The Saab, with its combination of virtues (and maybe a few vices) remains a bit off-center. Just the way most Saab enthusiasts like it.
It's easy for automotive writers and testers to become jaded when they get to drive "the latest thing" each and every day, constantly changing vehicles and maybe seldom having to use a car they actually "own". All on the company account.
When it comes to the vehicles they are writing about, remember that they don't have to pay for, and live with, that vehicle on a day to day basis like the rest of us. One in a while the magazines publish a list of vehicles their staff actually owns. Some old classics appear, but mostly the lists are unexceptional. Why? Because they have no need. The rest of us look into what we need, what we'd like, balanced with what we can afford, and we make our choice. And Saab is a pretty good choice. You get a balance of soorty (though not quite "sports car") performance, practicality, unique styling.......and....."character". Something that there's precious little of in affordable cars these days.
As an aside, I've usually thought that, of the major US auto magazines, Road & Track has often been more "Saab friendly" and appreciative of the Saab's qualities over the years than the others. Anyone agree?
posted by 155.78.11...
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