Saab: Opinion on US 2004 Saab 9-3 Aero

I just finished a 24 hour test drive of a US 2004 Saab 9-3 Aero fully
optioned out. It seems like a very nice car. Exterior styling is eye
pleasing. Interior is pleasant though I am not nuts about the
metal-brush interior trim pieces. The back seat room is a bit cramped
in leg room. I was surprised that the sport suspension with performance
tires seemed fairly compliant and yet tight in the twisties. I did a
load thump/bang when I hit a pot hole while accelerating; did the
suspension hit the stops?

I would be interested to hear comments from any owners of the 9-3 Aero
US model...

Dan

On 12/20/2003 5:17 PM, Dan wrote:
 

I should add that it had the 6 Speed MT and I was driving it in 23
degrees Fahrenheit weather. The shifter seemed OK, but I just read
about 6 Speed MT problems with grinding gears at www.saabcentral.com...