One of the main selling points on the 2009 Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan is its top ranking in safety features by the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. For the past five years, the 9-3 Sport Sedan has dominated the top of the list in safety, which is extremely rare for a self-proclaimed luxury vehicle. In front and side crash tests, the Saab 9-3 has the highest rating, while the Saab 9-3′s unique head restraints give the 9-3 an advanced system for keeping driver and passengers safe in a rear-end collision. This system is now referred to as SAHR (Saab Active Head Restraints), and is now a standard feature in all current Saab models.

The 2009 Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan basic model includes a 210 horsepower 4-cylinder engine, which can be designed in either a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission (in front-wheel drive models). For an all-wheel drive model, a six speed automatic transmission is available. For the 2009 Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan Aero, a 280 horsepower V-6 engine is included.

Even with these features, the 2009 Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan is outshined by vehicles such as the 2009 Acura TSX, both in standard features, overall performance, and price. The 2009 Saab 9-3 Sport sedan is also slightly lacking in stylistic refinement, being a bit sub-par in overall visual appeal. Though the top-rated safety status of the 2009 Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan may be a good reason to purchase this car, as far as price, there are some better options available.

Related items

• 2009 Saturn Vue Hybrid

Saturn has made drastic improvements in the 2009 Vue Hybrid. The 2009 Vue Hybrid has approximately a 20% better fuel economy system than the previous 2007/2008 Hybrid Vue models. This is because Saturn has adopted GM’s dual-mode hybrid system, which is much more efficient. The dual-mode hybrid system utilizes two variable electronic modes, which give the 2009 Saturn Vue Hybrid greatly increased fuel economy. Two separate 55 kW electric engines assist in powering the vehicle, along with a 1.8 kWh, 300V nickel-metal hydride battery pack.

In addition to the two electric engines, the 2009 Saturn Vue Hybrid also has a 3.6 liter, V-6 engine. This improved V-6 engine gives the 2009 Saturn Vue Hybrid approximately 50% better gas mileage than other (non-hybrid) models with a V-6 engine.

A common customer complaint with previous versions of the Saturn Vue Hybrid was the imprecise steering controls. Saturn has taken steps to improve this in the 2009 Saturn Vue Hybrid, with increased stability features and an improved steering system. While the steering is not as precise as some other hybrid models, the 2009 Saturn Vue Hybrid is incomparable as far as an affordable starting price.

The 2009 Saturn Vue also comes with several standard safety features. These features include rollover detection, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, tire pressure monitoring and electronic stability control. Six separate air bags are also included as a standard feature, and give the 2009 Saturn Vue Hybrid a decent safety rating.

Related items

• GM Tried To Save Saturn?
• 2009 Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan