Saab 9-3 Warning Lights

About the 9-3

To be pronounced ‘nine-three’ and not ‘ninety-three’, the Saab 9-3 was a compact executive car built firstly on the GM 2900 platform, and then later the GM Epsilon platform. The latter was also used by the Opel Vectra and the Cadillac BLS.

Essentially an updated version of the Saab 900, the 9-3 started life looking incredibly retro, but in an effort to highlight the differences, Saab was quick to point out that there were 1,100 changes made between the 900 and the 9.3, these included suspension, styling and an added rear spoiler.

Available in either a 3 or a 5-door hatchback, or a 2-door convertible, the 9-3 was the last in a line of small Saab H engines. There was a radio antenna that was concealed in the rear wing and an aerodynamic bumper, side skirts and a number of Saab-specific colors including lightening blue.

Despite the age of the car, models still came with the option of CD players, 6 surround sound speakers, an amplifier, a power moonroof and heated leather seats. Review articles criticized the 9-3 for its ‘untamed torquey steering at low gears,’ but stylistically, it was generally agreed that it was a classic.

The second generation ran from 2002 – 2014, it was initially released as a concept car name the 9-3X and was shown at the North America International Auto Show. This newer 9-3 had changed its aesthetic radically, losing its traditional Saab shape, it was sleeker and far more curved.

Available again as a 4-door saloon, estate and convertible, it had installed Saabs signature safety feature, the Saab Active Head Restraints. Upon a frontal impact, these headrests would move to support the head and neck and prevent whiplash.

There were now 4 trim levels, the Linear, Vectar, Arc and Aero. The latter, the Aero, had a retractable sunroof, larger wheels and a 6-speed manual gearbox. Due to the closure of Saab, the third generation was never officially released despite having been in the design phase 4 years prior.