saab

Saab 9-3 Gas Mileage

by

While the long-running Saab 9-3 doesn’t top the charts when it comes to gas mileage, it is capable of producing respectable numbers when driven conservatively.

The 9-3 is well-outfitted. All current 9-3s are equipped with traction control, electronic stability, anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes, and six-speed manual transmissions as standard equipment. An electronically controlled five-speed Saab Sentronic automatic is optional in the 2.0T, while a six-speed Sentronic is available in the Aero; both offer manual gear selection.

2009 Saab 9-3

The 9-3 is available with three engine choices, all of which are intercooled turbos. The 9-3 2.0T is equipped with a 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine that produces 210 horsepower (HP) and 221 foot pounds of torque. The 9-3 Aero is fitted with a 2.8 liter six-cylinder engine that prodices 255 HP and 258 foot pounds of torque. The Aero’s Cross-Wheel Drive (XWD) option takes the six up a notch to 280 HP / 295 foot pounds, and ratchets down the gas mileage (as is the case with all AWD vehicles).

Read more

Saab Gas Mileage: 1979 – 2008

by

Saab gas mileage ratings have remained relatively steady over the years, with highway ratings that top out in the mid-to-high twenty mile per gallon (MPG) range.

The 2.0 liter equipped 9-3 Sport Sedan (shown below) holds the current high spot in the Saab lineup, scoring 19 MPG city and 29 MPG highway. While those numbers may have been sufficient while gas was cheap, the future is clear. Saab needs to begin offering a fuel-efficient diesel option in America, as quickly as possible.

saab 9-3

Over the years, Saabs have flirted with and have exceeded the 30 MPG milestone (although under the older EPA testing standard). 1984 appears to be the high water mark, with the 2.0 liter equipped Saab 900 hitting 37 MPG when fitted with the five-speed manual transmission.

In the UK, Saab offers the 9-3 with three diesel engine options, with the most powerful of the trio delivering 8 second 0-60 times and 50.4 miles per Imperial gallon combined (in a six-speed manual equipped Saloon) … that’s the equivalent of roughly 42 MPG here in the States.

Read more