The Saab 9-3 Convertible is the soft-top version of the sportiest model to be built off General Motors' global “Epsilon” platform. It shares underpinnings with the Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura. However, the 9-3 Convertible carries Saab-exclusive styling and components, and it preserves traditional Saab quirks like the ignition key location between the two front seats.

The convertible comes with a particularly well-finished fabric top that provides ample protection from the elements, as you might expect from a country that endures severe winters.

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The Saab 9-3 Convertible is available in two trim levels, 2.0T and Aero, with similarly styled sedan and “SportCombi” wagon versions also offered (reviewed separately, although most mechanical details are the same). While the current generation dates back to 2003, it received a moderate redesign for the 2008 model year. The car received a more-aggressive-looking appearance with styling cues inspired by the 2006 Aero X concept car. It also added a number of standard features and refinements.

Saab 9-3 Convertible Vehicle Summary

The base Saab 9-3 2.0T Convertible comes powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that generates acceptable acceleration with reasonably good fuel economy. The Saab 9-3 Aero, meanwhile, introduces a 2.8-liter V6 that uses variable intake valve timing and a twin-scroll turbocharger to generate about 25 percent more muscle, with added torque for quick launches and strong highway passing abilities.

The Saab 9-3 Convertible offers a slick-shifting, six-speed manual transmission as standard equipment, which is recommended for driving enthusiasts. Most commuters, on the other hand, will likely prefer an automatic, which is a five-speed gearbox on the 2.0T and a six-speed with the Aero. Both allow manual gear selection for those who like to have it both ways.

A sport-tuned suspension and standard stability control system ensure crisp and secure handling with a relatively calm ride. The Saab 9-3 Convertible lands somewhere between the convertible versions of the BMW 3 Series (more sporty than the Saab) and the Audi A4 (less sporty) in terms of overall performance. The Aero emphasizes handling over ride comfort and leans more toward the BMW in this regard. The Saab 9-3 Convertible boasts better structural rigidity than many open-top cars, which means it shakes and rattles less over bumps.

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Auto safety is a proud Swedish tradition. The Saab 9-3 Convertible upholds the tradition, with standard four-wheel antilock disc brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, traction control, active head restraints and front side airbags. Pop-up roll bars located behind the rear-seat headrests deploy automatically if the car starts to flip. Unlike the sedan and wagon versions, and competition like the Audi A4 Cabrio, all-wheel drive is not offered on the 9-3 Convertible.

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The Saab 9-3 Convertible has a tidy, leather-clad cabin. It is sufficiently spacious up front, though it offers less rear-seat room than the sedan and wagon versions. Entry into the smallish backseat is more difficult as well, at least with the top up. Standard features include GM's OnStar communications/safety system, XM satellite radio and rain-sensing wipers. The Aero adds items like high-intensity cornering headlamps that pivot to illuminate curves. Despite the additions, the Saab 9-3 Convertible eschews many of the latest high-tech gadget features.