In Reply to: Real Saabs......Take your Nader hat off, please..., Mike Lynch [Profile/Gallery] , Fri, 21 Oct 2005 16:18:11

You missed my point entirely. I'm not saying that new Saab cars are crap. Far from it - they are fine - I even own one from 2003.

The problem is the new 9-3s, while well built and powerful, do not feel like or drive like the older models. In the older Saabs, you felt connected with the road - alot of wheel feedback - a great interactive driving experience that is unmatched, particularly for front drive cars. The cloth seats were superb and the materials top notch - sturdy and practical.

I fell in love with Saab in the early 1980s and was mesmerized by them, and finally was able to get one in 97. Those early 80s models set the standard for me for what it means to be Saab and drive Saab. My 97 still has that feel (to a degree), but my 2003 doesn't. It just isn't the same. And when I get to chose which car I'm driving, I always pick the 97 over the 03.

And it may be true that GM saved Saab from extinction, but that doesn't mean they eliminate what made Saabs so cool. How can I feel confident about Saab's future when the only aspect of Saab that the Detroit execs seem to notice is the location of the ignition key? Is that all they think that Saab means? Who buys a car because the ignition is between the seats - are they serious? And if the honchos calling the shots have such a superficial understanding of the brand, what future is there?

I sat in a new Volvo at a recent car show, and was blown away by how great it was. But since I'm a Saab man, I have loyalty to it. But when they get rid of the models that were the source of my affection (3 dr hatch), and leave me with sedans that I don't really care for, maybe it will be time for me to move on once I use up my 97. I'm hoping Saab introduces something cool in a few years, because I will not buy another 9-3 sedan (or another sedan period.)

posted by 67.80.63...

• WSJ Saab article, Henry, Fri, 21 Oct 2005 04:27:11
  • Re: WSJ Saab article, Steve T., Fri, 21 Oct 2005 08:00:17
    • SUV troubles......castrated like hell!...., Mike Lynch , Fri, 21 Oct 2005 12:49:59
      • Well Mike, how are Saabs selling out there?, bill h., Fri, 21 Oct 2005 13:07:50
        • Re: Well Mike, how are Saabs selling out there?, Henry, Fri, 21 Oct 2005 16:16:20
        • Killer year....., Mike Lynch , Fri, 21 Oct 2005 15:45:17
        • Re: Well Mike, how are Saabs selling out there?, Steve T., Fri, 21 Oct 2005 14:17:52
          • Real Saabs......Take your Nader hat off, please..., Mike Lynch , Fri, 21 Oct 2005 16:18:11
            • Re: Real Saabs......Take your Nader hat off, please..., Steve T., Fri, 21 Oct 2005 17:59:46 <-- Viewing This Message
              • No sedans, 9-5 SportCombi for you next?..., Mike Lynch , Sat, 22 Oct 2005 12:17:48
  • That raises two very interesting questions ->, michael p, Fri, 21 Oct 2005 07:23:52
    • Re: That raises two very interesting questions ->, Henry, Fri, 21 Oct 2005 08:24:44

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