Overview & Reviews

For 2009, Saab has expanded the 9-3's trim levels, while the 2.0T is now available with all-wheel drive and some of the Aero trim's performance enhancements. Much of the equipment is the same as last year, although Bluetooth phone connectivity is now standard on all models. Last year's limited-edition Turbo X sedan and wagon have been dropped from the lineup.

• Quiet cabin, precise steering, responsive all-wheel-drive system, supportive front seats, wide variety of body styles.

• Pricey, subpar interior materials and build quality, tight rear seat, too much body roll on Aero model, ride can be rough over bumps.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 21.00

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  2009 9-3 - 2009 Saab 9-3
  By Bill Adams - June 13 - 10:00 am

  Bought my Saab in Dec. 09 and got a steal of a deal. Took it on its first long trip last month 1,800 miles. Fuel economy was excellent (31.8-32.4) on regular gas with cruise at 80 mph. This car drives like a dream however the front seats really need work, our 2010 Jetta has superior seat comfort. This is well made car with a great engine and handling. Although this is my first Saab it may not be the last.

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  Gas Mileage - 2009 Saab 9-3
  By GET IT RIGHT - May 26 - 1:30 am

  The editor or writer has it totally wrong on gas mileage. Around town will be 20 - 24 , and highway is 29 - 32. Your listing of 18 - 23 is really not accurate. I think one of the better cars made. Saab never gets a fair shake from the press or internet outlets. Drive one and form your own opinion. Most people that have one, usually buy another.

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  Great Deals on SAAB right now - 2009 Saab 9-3
  By Jean - January 25 - 2:53 am

  I purchased a SAAB yesterday - first time buyer. I am extremely happy with the sales price. The cash rebates are amazing. Coming from a Mini Cooper S, the fun factor is not there since the Mini is so much fun. But the 4 doors and huge space in the trunk and backseat are nice to have again. I feel very safe in the car and it has some get up and go! But the best part is still the price!!

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  Wow - Great Deal on Great Car - 2009 Saab 9-3
  By RTP Econo Driver - November 2 - 1:36 pm

  Took advantage of SAABs troubles to purchase a 9-3 at 0.0% financing. Got the stripper model - no roof - manual passenger seat - 6 speed manual. Bright red. Great car. Downside - no heated seats - no fog lights. Upside - roomy. No matter what Consumer Reports said, build quality is top notch. Shifter little balky, but no worse than previous Audis. Clutch very easy. Turbo took a week to get used too, but concerns over torque steer overblown. Gas mileage is really good - surprisingly so. Went from a Cad CTS to a Mazda6 to cut payments and get more gas mileage - after 1 year - went to SAAB with - lower payments and better gas mileage!

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  A well-rounded car - 2009 Saab 9-3
  By Steve - November 27 - 7:06 am

  The 2009 9-3 performs well in every category. Excellent handing meaning just the right feedback from steering and feel of the road. The steering wheel is thick with thumb support that adds to the sense of control. A sense of control of the car in every situation - even in snow storms and driving rain. Comfortable seats that are appreciated more on longer driving trips. Easy to reach and understand dashboard - nothing too fancy like most higher end cars. Good views of the road. A safety record unmatched by most cars - check out the insurance loss chart on the IIHS site - Saab is either the safest or the top two or three safest cars on the road. Why? Re-read my comments.

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  Saab 93...With GM Warranty - 2009 Saab 9-3
  By rtp_owner - August 21 - 12:00 pm

  First (and Im guessing last SAAB). Very happy with this car. Purchased a "stripped down" model at the going out of business sale - did not get the BIG deals that others claimed to have gotten, but I did get a 0.0% loan!! 6 speed manual - overall car is very good. Its comfortable and good on long trips. I average 30 MPG COMBINED in the real world - pretty psyched about that - I will generally be in the high 30s on the highway. Thats great mileage. I dont play boy racer, and generally only go about 5 MPS above posted limits on the highway which probably helps my mileage. Back seat is tight. Fold down rear seats nice. Rear air vents are nice. GM warranty is nice.

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  Saab safety - 2009 Saab 9-3
  By wendy cordrey - October 4 - 10:00 am

  Lucky for me I purchased my 2009 SAAB when they were clearing them out. I love it and I must say that it has kept me safe. It has definitely stopped me from getting into 2 accidents within a 1 month period. Today, I was hit in the rear end by a SUV and the car and I did very well. I expected the rear-end to be crushed when I got out of the car. It was minimally damaged and I was shocked. Very impressive! I will buy another Saab in the future because I cannot put a price on my families safety.

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  More bang for your buck - 2009 Saab 9-3
  By John B. - June 15 - 12:00 pm

  Editorial reviews rate the SAAB 9-3 low compared to the competition in nearly every category but one - price. The sticker may be high but that doesnt reflect the actual price, which is much lower than the competition. If you are splitting hairs then perhaps the editorial reviews are correct, but for the everyday driver this is a fine car over-loaded with power, comfort, and features compared to other cars in its price range. When my wife and I went to buy a new car she was adamantly opposed to buying a SAAB because of the latest troubles - then she drove it. For the price we got ($23,000) there was no comparison to the Mazda, Honda, Subaru, or Nissan cars we looked at.

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  my headache... - 2009 Saab 9-3
  By antonio787 - April 16 - 10:39 am

  After three months of use my car started with a noise in the front suspension upon riding over street bumps. I made an appointment and my car was taken for service and repair March 22, 2010. Mileage: 4849. The car was ready the same day. First maintenance done. After a few months the noise in the front suspension started again. Also a new noise started at the drivers seat. I made another appointment. On June 7, 2010 the car was taken for repair again. Mileage: 8644. The car was seven days at the shop. out of shop June 14, 2010. The noise persisted at the suspension and this time was stronger. I took the car the 8th of July, 2010 for evaluation and a loosen knob at the bushing was found and fixed the same day. On September 20th, 2010 my battery died and they changed same day for a new one. Same day service. Mileage: 13344. This same day the car was re-evaluated by the mechanics because the noise in the front suspension and in the drivers seat decreased but were still present. Another appointment was done and the parts were ordered. Appointment was done for the first day of November, 2010. My car was at the shop until November 4th and the parts were never available, so they did not fixed the car. Only thing done was the maintenance check up. Mileage: 14969. Appointment follow up for parts previously ordered was given for November 15, 2010. I picked up the car Friday 19th of November. Still the car was with the same noise in the front suspension and at the drivers seat. On Monday 22 of November another visit to the shop was done. In view that this was a short week (due to Thanksgiving holiday) they gave me another appointment for service for the 29th of November. The service light was not reset and it was ON at all times. The 29th of November my car went again for service for another week. Mileage: 15799. When I picked up my car Friday 3 of December the car was still with the same or worst noise in the front suspension and at the drivers seat. Total of visits for the same problems: 6 Total of days in shop for repairs and evaluation: 20 days Problems unresolved: Front suspension noise and drivers seat noise I use my car on daily basis for work. For me is important to have a save car. This noises are obnoxious and persistent. Every time the car is in the shop they change a different part of the front suspension as if they were guessing what the car problem is. The front seat cushion has been replaced twice. The truth is that they have never fixed any of these two noises.

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  Very Pleased with New 9-3 - 2009 Saab 9-3
  By jbrooksws - February 9 - 11:13 pm

  Unfortunately I couldnt get the deals others have referenced - I purchased a laser red "stripper" model - no xenon - no roof - no Center Point - no park assist et al. I prev had an 06 CTS that was great - sold it last year to improve gas mileage and got a great Mazda 6 - but no soul. Saab is great. Mine has a stick - its a little bit fussy...exactly like Audis used to be so to me theres no issue. The clutch pedal action is light - pick up is good. Perfect seats and instrumentation - base level stereo is good. Stripper wheels 16 inch - look good on this car, and saves $25.00 per tire when its time to buy new rubber. I really like this car!