38/100
2003Subcompact CarsPremium

2003 Saab 9-3 Convertible

EPA ID: 18439
18
City MPG
21
Combined MPG
21MPG· Average
27
Highway MPG

Fuel Economy Overview

The 2003 Saab 9-3 Convertible achieves an EPA-estimated 21 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 18 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 2L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine paired with a automatic 4-spd, this subcompact cars features Front-Wheel Drive drive.

In terms of environmental impact, the 2003 9-3 Convertible produces approximately 423 grams of CO2 per mile. This figure is measured under standardized EPA test conditions and represents tailpipe emissions only. For context, the average new vehicle sold in the United States produces approximately 400 grams of CO2 per mile, meaning this 9-3 Convertible has higher-than-average emissions in this regard.

The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $3,300, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices. Compared to the average new vehicle, you would save $5,750 over a 5-year period. This calculation accounts for differences in fuel consumption efficiency and provides a practical measure of long-term ownership costs attributable to fuel economy.

Energy DNA

Vehicle ClassSubcompact Cars
Fuel TypePremium
Engine2L 4-cyl
AspirationTurbocharged
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd
Drive TypeFront-Wheel Drive

Green Scorecard

CO2 Emissions423 g/mi
Start-Stop SystemNot Equipped
GHG Score-1/10
Smog RatingN/A
Est. Annual Cost$3,300
5-Year Cost DeltaSave $5,750

Personalized Commute CalculatorEPA defaults to 55% City / 45% Hwy

55% City45% Highway

Adjust the slider to match your daily driving habits. City driving involves stop-and-go traffic under 45mph, while highway driving represents sustained speeds over 55mph.

Your Real MPG
21.2
Impact vs EPA
$-21
/ year
💨

Aerodynamic Speed Penalty

EPA highway tests average roughly 48 mph. Driving at 75 mph increases aerodynamic drag exponentially. Expect your real-world highway fuel economy to drop by roughly 15-20% at interstate speeds.

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated Monthly Cost
$546/mo
Includes estimated depreciation, fuel, insurance, and state fees over 5 years. Does not include loan interest.
15,000 mi
Value Depreciation
Est. value lost over 60 months
$12,500
38.1%
Fuel & Electricity
Based on National Average rates ($3.50/gal)
$12,500
38.1%
Estimated Insurance
Based on vehicle class risk profile
$7,375
22.5%
State Registration Fees
Based on National Average DMV base rates
$400
1.2%
Total 5-Year Cost$32,775

Recall Intelligence

Campaign #11E009000·2011-02-22
critical
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

TI AUTOMOTIVE IS RECALLING CERTAIN FUEL PUMPS, PART NUMBERS TU456 AND TU303, SOLD UNDER VARIOUS BRAND NAMES AS AFTERMARKET AND REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE MOTOR VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP MAY SEIZE, STOPPING THE FUEL FLOW TO THE ENGINE CREATING A STALLING CONDITION.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR SHOULD THE ENGINE STALL WHILE IN USE.

Remedy: TI AUTOMOTIVE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND WILL REPLACE ANY DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP WITH A NEW OR REWORKED FUEL PUMP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 22, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TI AUTOMOTIVE AT 1-866-867-3759 OR LOG ON TO WWW.RECALLRESPONSE.COM.

Campaign #07V087000·2007-06-13
critical
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL PUMP RETAINING TABS HOLDING THE FUEL LINES WERE DAMAGED DURING PRODUCTION.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: OVER TIME, THIS COULD CAUSE THE FUEL LINES TO LOOSEN FROM THE PUMP RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE. IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WERE PRESENT, THE FUEL MAY IGNITE RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL DEVELOP A SECURING BRACKET THAT WILL SECURE THE FUEL LINES TO THE FUEL PUMP EVEN IF THE PLASTIC RETAINING TABS SHOULD BREAK. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 13, 2007. THIS IS AN EXPANSION OF PREVIOUS RECALL CAMPAIGNS - SEE 04V557 AND 06V126. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.

Campaign #05V236000·2006-03-17
critical
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

CERTAIN SPORT SEDAN AND CONVERTIBLE PASSENGER VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH A VACUUM PIPE CHECK VALVE FOR THE BRAKE BOOSTER THAT MAY FAIL FROM EXPOSURE TO ELEVATED TEMPERATURES. THIS COULD RESULT IN SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER BRAKE ASSIST, USUALLY WITH LITTLE OR NO WARNING.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: IF THIS CONDITION WERE TO OCCUR WHEN MINIMUM STOPPING DISTANCE IS REQUIRED, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW REDESIGNED CHECK VALVE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 17, 2006. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.

Campaign #04V226000·2005-01-24
critical
Component: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR

SOME SPORT SEDANS WERE BUILT WITH SEAT BELT RETRACTORS THAT WERE DAMAGED DURING THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS. IF DAMAGED, OVER TIME, THE AUTOMATIC TENSIONING SYSTEM (ATS) CABLE IN THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR COULD BREAK CAUSING THE BELT WEBBING TO NOT RETRACT.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, A FRONT SEAT OCCUPANT MAY RECEIVE MORE SEVERE INJURIES.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR ASSEMBLIES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 24, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.

Campaign #04V540000·2004-01-15
moderate
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE ENGINE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM SOFTWARE MAY CAUSE ENGINE HESITATION OR STALLING.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: IF THE VEHICLE STALLS AS A RESULT OF THIS CONDITION, IT CAN BE RESTARTED IMMEDIATELY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE ENGINE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.

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Looking for comprehensive historical data?

NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crash History) and broader generational safety trends are aggregated at the model level rather than by specific engine configurations. View the complete historical data profile for all Saab 9-3 Convertible configurations.

View Model History

Similar 2003 Subcompact Cars Alternatives

Fuel Cost Analysis

Annual Fuel Cost$3,300
vs. Avg Vehicle (5 yrs)Save $5,750

Based on 15,000 miles/year and current fuel prices.

Efficiency Breakdown

City18 MPG
Highway27 MPG
Combined21 MPG

Estimated Lifetime Carbon Footprint

(Based on 200,000 miles driven)

84.6 metric tons CO₂
Equivalent To:
🌳 105 tree seedlings grown for 10 yrs
✈️ 7.1 cross-country flights/yr

Data Provenance

Data directly from the EPA National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory. The combined rating is a weighted average (55% city, 45% highway). For official figures, visit fueleconomy.gov.