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Swede Speed: 1999-2002 Saab 9-3 Viggen
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I feel the need...the need for speed!
Most people are aware that Saab has always been a little “out there” with regard to its products. What many of those folks may not be familiar with is Saab’s rich sporting heritage. Beginning with the rally heroics of the insect-like 96, and continuing through the feisty 99 Turbo and 900 SPG, the carmaker certainly has a penchant for creating some thrilling cars. But those aforementioned machines all pale in comparison to the most raw and rowdy front-drive Saab ever built: the epic 9-3 Viggen.
Essentially a lightly facelifted version of the second generation 900, the first generation 9-3 arrived for the 1999 model year, retaining the same three-door hatchback, five-door hatchback, and convertible body styles. But 1999 didn’t just bring with it a new nomenclature for the junior Saab; it also marked the arrival of the Viggen, which is derived from the Swedish word for “thunderbolt” and is also the name of a fighter jet from the (now unrelated) Saab aircraft company. At its core, the 9-3 Viggen uses the classic muscle car formula: stuff the engine from the company’s larger car line into the body of the smaller line. In Saab’s case, the engine from the big car – the 9-5 – was a turbocharged and intercooled 2.3L DOHC inline-four. Additionally, Saab engineers upgraded to a different turbocharger, as well as beefing up some of the internals and reprogramming the ECU, all of which yielded 225hp (230hp on 2000-’02 examples) and 258 lb./ft of torque (though peak torque was electronically limited in lower gears and reverse to squelch torque-steer). The sole transmission offered was a 5-speed manual mated to a heavy-duty clutch and pressure plate. Other upgrades included a lowered and stiffened suspension system, stronger halfshafts and CV joints, larger brakes, a subdued lower body kit with revised rear spoiler, sport seats, Viggen badges, and 17-inch alloy wheels. The first-year Viggens were only offered as three-doors painted in Viggen-exclusive Lightning Blue, while the final three years saw the other two body styles and additional colors added to the portfolio.
So what will it take to own a rare (Less than 3,000 9-3 Viggens were made altogether.) slice of hot hatch Valhalla? Viggens with exceptionally high mileage and/or some problems that need addressing can be had for $7,000 or less, but really nice ones can go for $15,000 or more. My research indicates that Viggens are generally quite reliable with proper maintenance, but don’t hesitate to pick the brain of a Saab specialist before purchasing. Good luck with your search.
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