Photo: Saab 9-3 by Nevs, Attribution, via Wikimedia Commons. It shows the model, not always this exact version.
Saab · model year 2012
2012 Saab 9-3 Convertible
Compact · Front-Wheel Drive · Gas · EPA class: Compact Cars
Where it places
The CarCody take
The 2012 Saab 9-3 Convertible is a compact car with front-wheel drive, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, and a six-speed automatic. It returns 18 MPG city, 28 MPG highway, and 21 MPG combined. The EPA estimates $3,200 in annual gasoline cost and 423.19 grams of tailpipe CO2 per mile.
Good to know
- Compact convertible body
- Front-wheel drive
- 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
- 28 MPG highway rating
- Automatic S6 transmission
Watch for
- 18 MPG city rating
- 21 MPG combined rating
- $3,200 EPA annual fuel estimate
- 423.19 grams of CO2 per mile
Who it suits. Drivers wanting a compact convertible with front-wheel drive Mixed driving where 21 MPG combined fits the budget
The 2012 Saab 9-3 Convertible makes sense for someone focused on a compact, front-wheel-drive convertible with automatic operation. Its 21 MPG combined rating is workable for mixed use, but the 18 MPG city figure can raise fuel spending in stop-and-go driving. Highway trips are rated at 28 MPG. The EPA's $3,200 annual fuel estimate gives the clearest budget marker, while 423.19 grams of CO2 per mile describes its tailpipe output. Compare those numbers with the EPA figures of any other car you are considering.
What it is
The 2012 Saab 9-3 Convertible is a compact car with front-wheel drive. Its powertrain pairs a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an S6 automatic transmission.
The EPA lists gasoline as its fuel and FFV as its alternative-fuel type. Its defining combined rating is 21 MPG. See more Saab cars.
The numbers
EPA ratings are 18 MPG in city driving and 28 MPG on the highway. The combined figure is 21 MPG.
That spread reflects how driving conditions change fuel use: stop-and-go city miles rate lower, while steady highway miles rate higher.
What it costs to run
The EPA estimates yearly fuel cost at $3,200. The estimate uses the car's 21 MPG combined rating and gasoline fuel.
Tailpipe emissions are listed at 423.19 grams of CO2 per mile.
How it compares
Within its own EPA figures, the 9-3 Convertible's 21 MPG combined result falls between 18 MPG city and 28 MPG highway. Those are the figures to weigh against another car's matching EPA ratings.
No other model figures are provided here, so a direct MPG comparison is not possible from these facts alone.
Who it suits
This car suits a driver who wants a compact convertible with front-wheel drive and an automatic transmission, while accepting a 21 MPG combined rating.
Its city and highway figures help set expectations for mixed driving: 18 MPG around town and 28 MPG on longer highway trips.
Trade-offs
The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and automatic transmission are paired with front-wheel drive in a compact body. Fuel use is rated at 18 MPG city and 28 MPG highway.
The EPA's $3,200 annual fuel estimate and 423.19 grams of CO2 per mile put a clear running-cost and emissions figure on this gasoline-powered convertible.
Verdict
Choose the 2012 Saab 9-3 Convertible if its compact convertible body, front-wheel drive, and automatic gearbox match how you drive. The central number is 21 MPG combined, with a notable gap between city and highway use. Budget around $3,200 a year for fuel under the EPA estimate. Its 423.19 grams-per-mile tailpipe CO2 figure also matters if emissions are part of your decision.
Every figure on record
- Combined MPG
- 21 MPG
- City MPG
- 18 MPG
- Highway MPG
- 28 MPG
- Annual fuel cost
- $3,200
- Tailpipe CO₂
- 423 g per mile
- Model year
- 2012
- Body
- Car
- EPA size class
- Compact Cars
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Engine
- 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo
- Transmission
- Automatic (S6)
- Fuel
- Gasoline
Questions
What is the 2012 Saab 9-3 Convertible's combined MPG?
The EPA combined rating is 21 MPG.
What are its city and highway MPG ratings?
It is rated at 18 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway.
How much does it cost to fuel each year?
The EPA annual fuel-cost estimate is $3,200.
What engine and transmission does it use?
It has a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an S6 automatic transmission.
Is the 9-3 Convertible front-wheel drive?
Yes. The listed drive layout is front-wheel drive.
What fuel does it use?
The listed fuel is gasoline, with FFV shown as the alternative-fuel type.
How much tailpipe CO2 does it emit?
The EPA figure is 423.19 grams of CO2 per mile.
More Saab model years
2012 Saab 9-3 Convertible
24 MPG · $2,800 fuel a year 2012 Saab 9-3 Sedan AWD
22 MPG · $3,050 fuel a year 2012 Saab 9-3 Sedan AWD
23 MPG · $2,900 fuel a year 2012 Saab 9-3 SportCombi
21 MPG · $3,200 fuel a year 2012 Saab 9-3 SportCombi
24 MPG · $2,800 fuel a year 2012 Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan
22 MPG · $3,050 fuel a year 2012 Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan
24 MPG · $2,800 fuel a year