2006 Saab 9-3 Aero Convertible

2006 Saab 9-3 Aero Convertible - This 9-3 Aero is a huge improvement over previous Saab ragtops in every way imaginable. Power from the turbocharged 2.8-liter Australian-sourced V-6 is smooth, sophisticated, and abundant, thrusting the 9-3 Aero to 60 mph in just 6.4 seconds, making it a bunch faster than the last Saab convertible we tested, back in December 1998. That car, with a turbo four-banger, needed 7.8 seconds to reach 60.

The torque steer and fairly vicious wheel fight that plagued older Aeros have been largely dispelled, replaced by a helm that is pleasingly devoid of driveline vibrations and course deviations at all but full throttle, when slight corrections are still necessary. But since the turbocharged V-6 engine is so flexible and responsive in use, excursions to the power peak are seldom likely to occur, and the steering is mostly calm and accurate.

With a body structure that is claimed to be three times stiffer than the 9-3’s predecessor, improvements in perceived solidity are significant, with no discernible windshield or cowl shake and only the slightest steering-column quiver over bad surface breaks. Much of this is due to a supplementary reinforcement that links the front, rear, and side structures for better support and crash protection. Rear hoops pop up automatically in the event of a rollover accident.