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So in hopes of lifting the moods of this VERY informative bulletin board I'm going to post a driving impression rather than a short mechanical failure question. My '97 SET was recently hospitalized over the weekend due to an alternator failure and subsequent complications during the operation. The dealer was kind enough to track down a loaner for my troubles. So here is goes:
It was an auto 9-3 Linear w/ leather & sunroof. Initially I was quite pleased at how SMOOOOOTH the car is in comparison to my 900. What a fabulous 4 cyl engine...certainly smoother than even V6 they've previously used and/or currently use. The brakes are spectacular as well and the steering is VERY precise. The suspension and tires soak up the bumps with grace but the car still handles quite nicely despite not having a performance tire package.
Where the car lost some points: Steering - though precise was overly 'light' giving the car less of a robust European feel. The transmission though very smooth is slow to shift up or down. Alot of time is lost between shifts especially merging on the highway or passing on a two-lane road. As a result the car as lost its, snap-your-head-back feeling when you punch the accelerator. Where'd the glove box go?
All in all - its a fine automobile. Hard to believe GM has any input into the final product. The car as certainly lost alot of its personality but gained some real manners. Its rides and drives more like a fine luxury automobile than before. When compared to a base S60 - there is no comparison. The Saab beats it hands down. The competition gets tougher against a S60 2.5T or when pinned up against the Audi 1.8T, Acura TSX, and it certainly misses the 325i target.
Just my two cents...love to hear what you guys/gals think of the 9-3SS.
posted by 207.183.11...
, Mon, 24 Nov 2003 13:48:03
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