Perhaps you've seen its jet-filled TV commercials over the years, or you're just familiar with its current tag line - "Born From Jets" - but Swedish automaker Saab started life as an aviation company some 60 years ago. Following WWII, Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget (SAAB), in an attempt to diversify its product portfolio, gave 16 engineers license to produce the company's first automobile. Thus, on June 10, 1947, the original Saab 92 production prototype was unveiled to the Swedish media, marking the birth of the automotive division of Saab.
To celebrate its diamond anniversary, Saab is offering 60th Anniversary Editions of its 9-3 and 9-5 models for the 2007 model year, all of which are arriving at dealerships now. The 9-3 special editions-available in sedan, wagon (SportCombi), and convertible body styles-are based on the base 2.0T trim, and feature a 2.0-liter 210-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder mated to a standard six-speed manual or an optional five-speed automatic. Saab wanted to make value a big part of the 9-3 equation, so using the upscale Aero models, which are powered by a 2.8-liter turbo V-6 and start at $33,545, were ruled out. As such, the 9-3 Anniversary Editions come equipped with new five-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels, dark walnut trim, black floor mats with grey binding, premium audio with XM Satellite Radio and a six-disc changer, dual-power front seats, front fog lamps, and black leather sport seats with grey inserts and "SAAB" embossments. Further, the 9-3 sedan and convertible get a body-color trunk-lid spoiler. Prices for the 9-3 Anniversary Editions are $28,820 for the sedan, $30,065 for the wagon, and $40,065 for the convertible.
For the 9-5 Anniversary Editions, available in sedan and wagon body styles, Saab opted to start with the premium Aero versions, which come with a sport-tuned suspension, leather sport seats, metallic interior trim, and a complimentary two-day package at the Saab Aero Academy at the Road Atlanta race course. On top of that, the 9-5 anniversary package adds all of the goodies from the 9-3s as well as a Visibility Package, which consists of Saab Parking Assistance, rain-sensing wipers, xenon headlamps, and auto-dimming outside mirrors. SportCombi models also get a chrome aircraft-shaped handle in the cargo floor and optional matte chrome roof rails. The sole power plant is a 2.3-liter 260-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder that can be paired with a five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic. The 9-5 Anniversary Edition sedan retails for $38,130 while the SportCombi goes for $39,130.
All Anniversary Editions can be painted in a special Ice Blue metallic exterior finish, or customers can specify one of six other metallic exterior colors at no extra charge.
On a recent drive in San Diego, we had a chance to sample Anniversary Editions of both the 9-3 and the 9-5. Seeing that they're mechanically identical to non-Anniversary Editions, the examples we tested didn't deliver any surprises dynamically, which is to say that they offer brisk acceleration, minimal turbo lag, and commendable handling. While the manual transmissions are decent, their relatively long throws and rubbery nature make the slick automatics the better options. Inside, the Anniversary Editions sport the 2007 models' revised instrument panel and dash, the latter featuring three rotary knobs for the HVAC controls in place of the previous models' sea of buttons, turning the cockpit into an easier and friendlier place to reside.
Making the 60th Anniversary Editions even more attractive are Saab's excellent safety record, complimentary maintenance for 3 years or 36,000 miles, and GM's stellar 5 year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty. Not to mention that GM is currently offering $1500 cash back on '07 9-3s and 9-5s. So if you're looking for a Saab that's snazzy, special, and well-equipped, now appears to be the time to turn on the afterburners.