2000 Saab 9-3 Viggen - Stealth Fighter

Eurotuner magazine published an article about the Saab 9-3 Viggen in their September issue. It is difficult to find stories and articles with all the other problems going on with the company these days. So it is nice to see an article about a Saab for a change.



This unassuming Saab walks quietly but carries a 400whp stick.

Although many enthusiasts may dismiss Saab as quirky or undeserving of serious respect, take one ride in John Aldridge’s ’00 Viggen and its fighter jet roots become immediately apparent.

A decade before Saab began producing cars in the ’40s, they made airplanes — a business they still practice today. Through the years, Saab has produced many cutting-edge examples, with the single-seat 37 Viggen attack fighter as possibly the most impressive creation. The Viggen (meaning Thunderbolt in English) quickly earned a sinister reputation and the “take no prisoners” rep inspired the company to badge its fastest production car with the same moniker — a factory fastback that still holds the title of the baddest Saab to roam the earth.

Sadly, only 4600 9-3 Viggens were produced during its five-year tenure (1998-03) before the 900-based chassis was replaced by the current 9-3 platform. But during its time in the limelight, the Viggen was a healthy alternative to sporting FWD cars. It came with a 2.3L turbo four-cylinder, for example, making 225hp (230hp in later years) and a stout 258 lb-ft.