Saab convertible drivers weather the storm, top down

The results of my latest unscientific motoring survey are in, and they’re pretty interesting--at least to me.

But first, some clarification. My so-called surveys are not to be confused with the highly regarded, scientific studies Consumer Reports is known for, run by the esteemed professionals in our National Research Center.

No, mine are conducted by making observations along a randomly selected group of roads I like to call my daily commute. In the interest of science, I sometimes include a trip to the grocery store on the way home.

That said, on to the results:

Saab convertible owners seem to spend more of their time cruising with their tops down than drivers of other ragtops, especially in the early days of spring here in the northeast. A sunny day with temperatures in the 40s will find Saabophiles motoring happily along with the wind in their woollies and tuques, presumably with heated seats and capable Swedish heaters cranked all the way up. It’s as if their cars’ Nordic roots have rubbed off on them.

Drivers of convertibles from other makes often seem to be seeking more of a sense of style than seeking to engage their own senses, and prefer to motor around with tops and windows sealed shut.

You have to admire the Saab owners’ carefree spirits, even as their chosen marque faces an uncertain future. Both parent company General Motors and the Swedish government have ruled out helping to save the carmaker, although GM has pledged to share technology with the company for five years--assuming either of the two are around to share anything.

Maybe it’s just as well that GM has lost interest or funding to keep Saab going. Saabs, much like their owners, have always been a bit quirky. That quirkiness, along with innovative engineering that included early adaptation of front-wheel drive, turbocharged engines, and emphasis on designing for safety, was always part of the Saab appeal. And both the quirkiness and the engineering have been watered down since the General stepped in.

Perhaps if the brand can be sold to investors who put a priority on bringing back some of that innovative spirit and distinctive personality, there’s a future for Saab.

Time will tell. For now, ride on, Saab fans. And keep the top down or moonroof open, whatever the future brings.

--Jim Travers

Comments

[C Gastineau]

It'll be fun to see IIHS do this roof crush test and see what CR means by Saab's "emphasis on designing for safety".

[Chris Keck]

Dear Mr/Ms Gastineau,

Please be advised that the IIHS has already rated the Saab 9-3 convertible a "Top Safety Pick". Now, wasn't that fun?

[Jörgen Trued]

Gastineau. Saab convertible is one of two convertibels with top rating. You will not find a safer vehicle!

[Brett M.]

Nice article. I am driving my second Saab now, a 2004 9-5 Aero. While not a convertible, I drive with the windows down and sunroof open as much as possible. I love the fresh air, and the sound of the turbo spooling up as I mash the gas pedal and am thrown back into my seat. Saabs are such great cars, and this article is spot on regarding GM "watering down" Saabs innovative past and quality engineering. It's really too bad that GM has focused so much on quantity rather than quality. Saab drivers do not want to see a Malibu stereo head unit or an HHR climate control panel in their $42k cars. I have confidence in the brand though that if they survive the next couple years they will be great again.

[Paul]

I offer my own example to support this highly unscientific study. I drive my Saab 9-3 Viggen with the top down at any chance I get, night or day, in 40 degree weather, or even in a light rain, if the views are worth it. The heated seats and climate control system are very effective in keeping driver and passenger warm.

[C Gastineau]

Fans of Saab covertibles: Going forward, to become an IIHS Top Safety Pick, vehicles will have to withstand four times their own weight in the roof crush test before the roof collapses 5 inches. How is any convertible going to manage this?

[Chris Carrier]

Perhaps there will be a IIHS category for convertibles. After all, people will continue to buy convertibles and they deserve to know the safest choices among them.

Seriously, Debbie Downer, it's an article celebrating Saab convertibles and the spirit of the people who drive them and you comment about "crush tests?"

Chris

[Ron]

cg-- who knows, may be that's why the saab air top mechanism's been kept top secret. i'd wondered why that could be-- thanks for bringing up the idea.

[Derrick G]

I imagine either convertibles will be exempt from that test or that the Institute will no longer assign a Top Pick rating to convertibles. I'm going to bet on the former, since they realize some people are going to buy a convertible regardless.

[C Gastineau]

Fans of Saab covertibles: For convertibles, Saabs (like Volvos) are as safe as they come. But I hope IIHS doesn't exempt convertibles from this test for Top Safety Pick consideration. NHTSA caved in on this. Hopefully IIHS won't too.

[Brenton]

C Gastineau,

You may have failed to noticed the rollover bars that pop up when a rollover is imminent. These rollover bars are common on most higher end convertibles now days.

[Dean]

I'm a loyal fan of Saab and hope some Swedish investors would save Saab, and bring it home to Sweden where it belongs. I'm hearing news that Chinese investor are interested, if that happens - it's gameover.

[Rune Moberg]

Gastineau, SAAB recently posted a video of their event up north when they let a bunch of journalists have a go in the 9-3x. One of the clips shows a member of the SAAB performance team drive a convertible on two wheels at a 45-60 degree angle. If you look carefully, I think you will spot the rollover bars have been deployed.

I do not think they would subject their drivers to this unless it was completely safe to do...

[Anna]

I am a two-time Saab convertible owner (900S and 9.3 Arc.) Perhaps the reason we drive so much with the top down is because it's easy to do - one button and about 26 seconds (yes, I timed it so I could judge if I had time to lower the top at stop lights.) I only wish GM/Saab/Next Owner would put the weather band radio frequency (the 1997 900S had the WB button!) back in these cars to know what the weather will be doing during the drive.

[Joanne Hirshfield]

I am driving my fifth Saab - third convertible. Is there anything that Saab lovers can do to keep this company viable?

[maureen Dowds]

I am considering buying my first Saab, a 2009 9-3 Aero convertible. Afraid to make the jump. can anyone help me out here? Would appreciate comments on reliability and dependability?
Also, Sales rep said the actual MPG is much better than the sticker of 15/25. Any comments?