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Saab 9-3

2003-11 models

MODERATE OVERLAP FRONT TEST

OVERALL EVALUATION: Good

Structure/safety cage	Injury measures				Restraints/dummy kinematics
Structure/safety cage	Head/neck	Chest	Leg/foot, left	Leg/foot, right	Restraints/dummy kinematics

Important: Frontal crash test ratings can be compared only among vehicles of similar weight.

Good Good Acceptable Marginal Poor Poor

Test details:

The Saab 9-3 was redesigned for the 2003 model year.

The frontal offset crash test ratings also apply to the station wagon version of the 9-3, known as the SportCombi, beginning with its introduction in the 2006 model year.

Restraints/dummy kinematics — Dummy movement was well controlled. The side curtain airbags deployed, as intended by Saab (even for frontal impacts). After the dummy moved forward into the frontal airbag, its head brushed the side airbag and its fabric cover. The dummy continued to rebound into the seat without its head coming close to any stiff structure that could cause injury.

Injury measures — Measures taken from the dummy indicate a low risk of any significant injuries in a crash of this severity.

Watch crash test footage for this vehicle on YouTube Tested model year and trim level only; see "Tested vehicle specifications" below

Left to right:

Action shot taken during the frontal offset crash test.
The dummy's position in relation to the steering wheel and instrument panel after the crash test indicates that the driver's survival space was maintained well.
Dummy movement was well controlled. During rebound, the dummy's head hit only the deployed side curtain airbag, its fabric cover, and the head restraint. .
There was little change in the position of the dummy's feet following the crash test. Injury risk was low.

Additional features:

Side airbags: front and rear head curtain airbags and front seat-mounted torso airbags
Electronic stability control
Antilock brakes
Daytime running lights

Tested vehicle specifications:

2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4-door
Class: Midsize luxury/near luxury car
Weight: 3,322 lbs.
Side airbags: front and rear head curtain airbags and front seat-mounted torso airbags
Wheelbase: 105 in.
Length: 182 in.
Width: 69 in.
Engine: 2.0 L turbocharged 4-cylinder
EPA ratings: 22 mpg city | 31 mpg highway

See all test results for Saab 9-3

Last updated: January 12, 2011