New model name, replacing 900 in the Saab line-up. Initially started out being a revised second-generation 900, but by 2002, GM had introduced a new 9-3 on its Epsilon (Opel Vectra C) platform. Saab had suffered under GM—as dynamically competent as the 9-3 was, it was never marketed well against other junior executive saloons. Post-GM, there was talk of the 9-3 finally being succeeded in the early 2010s, but with Saab’s collapse, it never came to fruition. The car lived on at NEVS in China.

• Saab 9-3 (1998–2003)
• Saab 9-3 (2002–14)

Marque: Saab | Predecessor: Saab 900

q.v. Senova D50, NEVS 9-3