2004 Saab 9-3 Convertible Road Test

On the positive, the 9-3 convertible hangs onto every curve with religious fervor, turning in sharply when entering a corner and exiting

The 9-3 starts with a very rigid body structure, which allows the convertible to hang onto every curve with religious fervor. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press)

with a dynamic balance that defies the suspension's comfortable ride quality. After all, to handle this well a car should have a rigid suspension set up, right? While that is one way to overcome other shortcomings a car may have, the 9-3 starts with a very rigid body structure and therefore can allow for greater suspension travel than a car that flexes more. More suspension travel, as long as it is effectively damped, works wonders at flattening out road surface irregularities.

Granted, the 9-3 convertible is no BMW M3 or Porsche 911 convertible, but it's also not priced anywhere near as far upmarket as its German counterparts. Rather, the

The interior of the 9-3 is nicely detailed, with soft-touch plastic surfaces and high-quality materials. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press)

Swede starts life at $56,500 and if all options are added ends up costing $63,420, before freight and taxes of course.

For that money you get a nicely detailed cabin, with soft-touch plastic surfaces, high-quality leather seats, a half-wooden, half-leather steering wheel with matching faux wood lower console trim, and the requisite brushed aluminum bits and pieces. Actually, my favorite detail is of the latter variety, a beautifully finished chunk of solid brushed aluminum situated at the top of each front seat. More than just decoration, the handy handle allows effortless access to the rear seats when lifted. Once in the back, providing the driver or front passenger isn't on the long side, there's ample room for two adults.