You learn a lot about a car after crossing a continent and experiencing every possible weather and road condition. About the only problem we ran into was on a stretch of the Trans-Alaska Highway where we drove through muck so thick it stuck to the wheels and suspension like quick-dry cement and threw the wheels out of balance. A lengthy stop at a car wash solved the problem.After 5782 miles in 96 hours and 15 minutes, we'll say without hesitation that the 9-3 took everything Mother Nature and we could throw at it. We were stiff, achy and glad to get out of the car and stand up, but the Saab 9-3 provided a sense of comfort and calm reassurance throughout the trip. We had hoped for more revolutionary styling, but there's no need to apologize for what Saab brings to market. If it gets the word of mouth it deserves, the new 9-3 should begin to expand the Swedish automaker's appeal to those who are looking for a car that's more than just fast and quirky.
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