Used 2011 SAAB 9-3 Convertible Review & Ratings

The Saab 9-3 Convertible is everything that most people imagine when asked to picture a Saab and a convertible. Styling is attractive, yet not over-the-top, which is typical of this line. It offers a bit of an unexpected elegance, so it turns heads without screaming for attention. Although it is fast, slick and sporty, it is still as luxurious and safe as you would expect from Saab. This is a name people trust for a long list of reasons. So, whether you are looking for safety features, a smooth ride, reliability or just a classy ride, the 9-3 Convertible delivers.

The Saab 9-3 Convertible, or 9-3 Griffin, as it is more commonly called, is available as a two door soft top convertible. With a manufacturer's suggested retail of $44,000, this is not a vehicle in everyone's budget, yet is much more affordable than most people assume that it will be. For the price, you get a lot more than you would expect.

The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine has been redesigned, and now delivers an impressive 258 horsepower and 220 pound-feet of torque. It comes with a six-speed automatic transmission (with overdrive), but a manual six-speed transmission is also available. It's zero to 60 mph time is a respectable 7.6 seconds. For those who watch their gas mileage, the Saab 9-3 convertible returns 20 miles per gallon in the city and 23 miles per gallon on the highway. To some, these numbers may not seem all that outstanding, but for a convertible, it falls in line. You may also be interested to know that the 9-3 Convertible actually can tow up to 3,500 pounds. This is not a figure you will see on most convertibles.

The 9-3 is not very big, but it offers more room than you would think. The driver and front passenger are granted all the head, shoulder and leg room anyone could possibly need. In the back, adults can squeeze it, but not a lot of comfort would be received on a long ride. The rear seat is more appropriate for children. As far as cargo space goes, you will likely be blown away with just how large the trunk on this vehicle is.

As one would expect from a Saab, the 9-3 Convertible has all the safety features that you need, including antilock brakes, child seat anchors, emergency braking assist, engine immobilizer, dusk sensing headlamps, stability and traction control, emergency interior trunk release, tire pressure monitoring and a whiplash protection system in the front head restraints.