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Re: 2003 9-3
Posted by MoodySaaber (more from MoodySaaber) on Tue, 19 Mar 2002 21:06:25
In Reply to: , Kok Chen, Sat, 17 Dec 1988 12:00:00 

In my humble opinion, SAAB should have an all-wheel drive car in production 
by now to be on equal footing with the likes of Audi and Volvo. Then, once 
the power can be put to the ground more effectively, how about a twin turbo 
v-6 underhood?! The days of religiously sticking to front drive only should 
be over.  Look at the lengths SAAB goes to (cutting back on boost in first 
and second gears) in dealing with the power of a VIGGEN driven by only the 
front wheels!  The days of sticking with a hatchback should stay, however, as 
news items about the market in general bear out that a reawakening of demand 
for the desirability of hatchbacks is occurring. I just might buy a 2002 9-3 
SE*, which would be my 25th new SAAB, in case SAAB hatchbacks are going away. 
 This is what I had in mind when I bought my '97 9000 CS...I knew the 9-5 was 
not to be a hatch...I'm just not a wagon guy.  In my opinion, the last of the 
9000s is the most desirable SAAB built for production to date, even though 
the ignition switch is on the steering column (I'd rather have it on the 
floor where it belongs!).  You see, I have spent all those years in all those 
SAABs enjoying the wonderful versatility of the hatch.  I don't want SAAB to 
move away from what it is good at...that which has turned most of us into 
fiercely loyal 'Saabophiles'.  I just don't understand why SAAB has not yet 
offered us the option of all-wheel-drive. It would also do wonders to keep 
SAAB competitive in the marketplace.

Thank you, and, most importantly, happy SAABing!! 

Roger Pfeiffer
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
*
Well, since I wrote the section above, I DID go out and buy a 2002 9-3 SE!  
It is our 25th new SAAB...a silver 9-3 SE 'Anniversary Edition' to 
commemorate Saab's 25 years of turbocharging. It is the last of the Saabs 
based on the 'NG' 900...the 2003 9-3 will be all new with NO HATCH(!).  There 
is 0% financing or $2000 off plus $500 off for 'Saab Owner Loyalty', so now 
is a good time to get one...and get that very 'Saabish' 9-3 (it OOZES that 
ingratiating SAAB CHARACTER).  We took delivery of it at Meyer Garage in 
extreme northern Iowa.  I didn't know this was going to happen at this 
time...suddenly came down with the 'fever' :), however I did have it in the 
back of my mind, as I said, about getting the last of the current 9-3 
hatchbacks (based on the NG 900).
It is fun recalling all the new SAABs we have purchased since the first one 
in 1975.  Here is the list:  
1) 1975 99 EMS, silver, SAAB #1, brown/burnt orange interior.  Cried after I 
sold it and 'vowed to own another SAAB someday' (understatement!)
2) 1979 900 GLi, Alabaster Yellow, 3-door, 4-spd.
3) 1980 99 GLi, nutmeg (orangish brown), 2-door, 4-spd.
4) 1981 900 GL, Alabaster Yellow, 3-door (Meyer Garage) 5-spd.
5)  1982 900 GL, Alabaster Yellow, 3-door, 'H' engine, 5-spd
6) 1983 900 GL, dark blue, 4-door, 5-spd.
7) 1984 900 S, Silver, 3-door, 5-spd.
8)  1985 900 4-door, Ivory, 5-spd.
9)* 1986 900 S, Silver, 3-door, 5-spd. 16 valve (IDS #1) - own 2nd 
time...(now our younger son's) 
10) 1986 light blue 900 4-door, 5-spd.
11) 1987 900 S 4-door, Platinum Blue (IDS #2), 5-spd.
12) 1988 900 S 4-door, Cherry Red, auto.
13) 1989 9000 S 5-door, Edwardian Grey, 1st 9000, 5-spd
14) 1989 9000 CD, Silver, 5-spd.
15) 1989 9000 CD Turbo, Edwardian Grey, auto. 
16) 1991 9000 S 5-door, Platana Grey, 5-spd., Direct Ignition (non-Turbo)
17)* 1991 9000 CDE Turbo, auto.
18) 1992 9000 CD, Citrin Beige, 5-spd. 
19) 1993 900 S 3-door, Scarabe green, 5-spd., last 'old' non-conv. 900
20) 1993 9000 CSE, Citrin Beige, auto.
21) 1994 900 S 5-door, Ruby Red, 1st 'NG' 900, 5-spd.
22)* 1994 900 SE Turbo, Scarabe green (now our older son's)
23) 1994 900 SE 5-door, V-6, blue, 5-spd. (IDS #3), 3rd '94 900
24)* 1997 9000 CS, Citrin Beige, 5-spd. (leads a sheltered life in our 
garage...has been used only on vacations)
25)* 2002 9-3 SE '25th Anniversary Edition' 205 h.p. Turbo 5-spd., SILVER w/ 
'Premium Package'

* currently owned

>From SAAB Press Information:

2002 Saab 9-3 SE five-door
'The 9-3 SE five-door challenges convention by providing the segment's only 
blend of progressive design with outstanding safety, performance and 
versatility. It delivers the capabilities of multiple vehicles in one smart 
value package. All 2002 Saab 9-3 SE five-door models will feature Saab's 
205-hp, high-output turbocharged 2.0-liter engine (2.0T), new 16-inch 
five-spoke alloy wheels, sunroof, power driver's seat, and wood-grained 
instrument panel. A front spoiler and aerodynamic side skirts give the SE a 
sporty style. To commemorate the 25th anniversary of Saab turbocharging, all 
9-3 SE models also receive new embossed leather and textile seats (embossed 
with turbo) and leather door panels. Considered the outstanding European 
offer below $30,000 in the entry luxury segment, the Saab 9-3 SE five-door is 
lower in price compared to a similarly equipped last year's model. >>>yes(!): 
A Premium Package will be available that includes a sport chassis, Automatic 
Climate Control (ACC), 160-watt prestige audio system, power passenger seat 
and driver's side memory seat, leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped sport 
steering wheel and three-year/36,000-mile no-charge scheduled maintenance. 
Heated front seats (yes) and automatic transmission are also optional.

Sincerely,

Roger Pfeiffer
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 
==================
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