90EV-19000Saab 900 (1994-97)9-39-5Ursaab9292B93

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Saab 9-3 history
Saab 9-3 technical specifications
Saab 9-3 model year changes
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Saab 9-3 History
Model Years 1998 on

Saab 9-3 Convertible MY2000 (Saab Publicity Photo)
Saab Publicity Photo
© Saab Automobile AB

The Saab 9-3 was launched in 1998 essentially as a rebadged Saab 900 (1994-1997 model). There was very little to tell them apart externally, except for a redesigned grille (more similar to the recently launched Saab 9-5) and the relocation of the third "high-level" brakelight from the boot ridge to the top of the rear screen. This made brakelight visibility easier to traffic behind, therefore safer.

Internally, the 9-3 acquired the innovative SAHR or Saab Active Head Restraint system - as introduced as an industry first on the Saab 9-5. Therefore, the design of the head restraints differs slightly from the Saab 900 (1994-1997 model).

It was under the body that the changes had been made on the 9-3. Over 1,100 changes including suspension in an attempt to tighten up the handling characteristics of its predecessor, the Saab 900 (1994-1997 model), for which these new General Motors influenced Saabs had been much maligned by the auto press.

Saab 9-5 -->