We all like to think of Saab as a car company that thinks. I think there's a couple things they should think about. I am curious to know if others agree, or am I out in left field by myself. Two ideas:

Idea #1: A 9-5 convertible that is done properly (for a change). I was disappointed in the quality of the 9-3 convertible conversion, and think that Saab might have a thing or two to learn from the folks who did the 2001 Chrylser Sebring (of all people!). But more than that, I question the size of the platform. All the sudden, only Euro-brand convertibles are all based on small platforms (BMW 3-series, Mercedes C-series based, etc). What about a mid-size convertible? If Saab did a Chrysler-quality (egad!) convertible based on the 9-5, they would *own* an entire segment: upclass concertibles for people who don't want a little car.

Idea #2: Do a 9-5L. Most of the people I know who buy SUVs don't like SUVs but buy them anyway just to get a back seat for which they don't have to apologize. The 9-5's back seat is about as room as the competition's, which is to say that it's roomy enough to survive. To get a sedan which can swallow 4 tall-ish folks in Actual Comfort (not just "good enough to put up with for 20 minutes"), one has to go to a large platform (740L, A-8L, S-Class). But the space problem isn't width (which would mandate a large platform); the 9-5 is plenty wide enough. Saab could stretch the 9-5 platform, add about 6" of rear seat room, still have a car that fits within the European 5-meter standard, and be the only game in town for people who want a mid-size Euro sedan that gives 4 adults Actual Comfort. (If they made a 9-5L wagon, I'd wait in line for years to get one!)

Am I on the lunatic fringe about these things or would others want these too? Thanks...

• Should Saab do this (or is it just me)?, russdog, Mon, 25 Jun 2001 13:01:24 <-- Viewing This Message
  • Re: Should Saab do this (or is it just me)?, waSAABi - Seattle, Tue, 26 Jun 2001 21:52:14
    • Re: Should Saab do this (or is it just me)?, russdog, Thu, 28 Jun 2001 20:37:34
  • My opinion, Ilkka, Tue, 26 Jun 2001 04:45:47
  • Re: Should Saab do this (or is it just me)?, Neil, Mon, 25 Jun 2001 21:04:40
  • Re: Should Saab do this (or is it just me)?, Gary, Mon, 25 Jun 2001 17:12:23
  • Re: Should Saab do this (or is it just me)?, David & Julie, Mon, 25 Jun 2001 13:10:21
    • Re: Should Saab do this (or is it just me)?, russdog, Mon, 25 Jun 2001 13:45:49
      • boarding school..., David & Julie, Mon, 25 Jun 2001 13:57:31

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