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 1 through 10 of 21.00

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  Glad to go from Volvo to Saab - 2009 Saab 9-3
  By Rob - August 13 - 8:00 am

  Much like one of the previous ratings, I too have had 5 Volvos and have watched their quality and reliability degrade over the years. Recently traded a 2006 S60 wrought with problems for a slick, black 2009 93 and I couldnt be happier. Same perks as other ratings - a blast to drive! great acceleration, comfortable, sporty, handles great, better MPG than advertised. I think Im now a Saab guy and will probably buy another if this keeps up. Very happy with this car.

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  Saab 9-3 excellent car for the money - 2009 Saab 9-3
  By pl - March 25 - 11:36 pm

  No one can drive this car and not appreciate the very smooth and adequately powerful turbo engine. Also, one of the safest cars on the road. As for gas mileage, its consistently been 22 in the city and 29 on the highway, so the 18-23 quoted in the review is odd. Very comfortable to drive. At 26k, its a steal. A great family car.

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  Better than a subaru? Time will tell. - 2009 Saab 9-3
  By jp-stl - June 11 - 7:10 am

  We purchased a 2008 93 for my wife two years ago so when it was time for my new vehicle I was comparing Legacy vs 93. The 93 was on a steep price cut due to GM selling Saab. Paid 22K. It has features which would have cost 7K on the Subaru. Now we have matching cars which should be good from a maint. standpoint since I will do it after the 3-yrs is up. My old Subaru was reliable. I hope this 93 will be, also.

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  What a bargain - 2009 Saab 9-3
  By ws - November 19 - 2:20 pm

  You cannot find a better combination of price, features and performance. No appreciable turbo lag, responsive handling good visibility and comfortable seats. Workmanship and quality of materials are good; dont know what Edmunds was describing - maybe we got lucky. We are getting over 25 mpg in mixed driving. We could not be happier with this car.

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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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  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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  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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  ok car for the money, very reliable! - 2009 Saab 9-3
  By chris_gallucci - April 11 - 9:14 pm

  Performance: great in snow! turbo lag is very high though Comfort: over roads freshly paved-perfect, anything else-horrid! Value: compared to other cars I have driven/ ridden around in it is not the best, seats are rock hard Fun to Drive: Oh yeah! Interior Design: great the first year it was out, but got old fast Exterior Design: they are like Chevy, they keep almost the same design for a few years, then finally get the idea that people want to see something new Build Quality: the best, except for a tank, I was behind a dump truck hauling logs (one lane road) it dropped a log 6" in diameter, I ran it over, the car suffered no damage Reliability: I can do everything at home (change oil, etc.)