Overview & Reviews

With so many entry-level luxury car choices from Germany, Japan and America, it's easy to overlook the Swedish Saab 9-3. Once upon a time, it was a great match for buyers looking for a spacious, safe and comfortable automobile with a proven safety record and a distinctly modern attitude. Actually, for used buyers, that's still the case, but new car shoppers looking for an entry-level luxury sedan will find the 9-3 now noticeably behind the times.

Though the unique and practical 9-3 hatchbacks were discontinued after the 2002 model year, the 9-3 family continues to be offered in multiple body styles: a four-door sedan, two-door convertible and four-door wagon, the latter called SportCombi. All utilize a small-displacement turbocharged engine that extracts decent power while salvaging respectable fuel economy.

Among the Saab 9-3's chief shortcomings are its lone, underwhelming engine choice, comparatively cut-rate interior quality, somewhat cramped cabin and an aging design that's lacking many increasingly common features. So, it's easy to overlook the 9-3 for a new-vehicle purchase, and that's probably not a bad thing.

Current Saab 9-3
Today's Saab 9-3 is sold in three body styles: sedan, SportCombi wagon and convertible. Each is broken into 2.0T and Aero trim levels, while the SportCombi is available in an additional all-wheel-drive trim known as 9-3X. Sedan and SportCombi models feel spacious, with low floors, upright windows and seating for five, though three in the rear seat can be tight. Legroom in particular is a sore spot. Convertible models have a rear seat for two adults of small-to-average size. Cargo room in all models is generous.

All 9-3s are powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder that produces 210 horsepower. Front-wheel-drive 2.0T models come standard with a six-speed manual and are optional with a five-speed automatic. This is standard on the front-drive Aero. A six-speed automatic is standard on all-wheel-drive models, but any 9-3 with a standard automatic can be equipped with a no-cost optional manual.

The 9-3X gets an elevated ride height, an electronic limited-slip differential and different exterior and interior trim to make it a more all-terrain-suitable wagon. The front-wheel-drive Aero features a sport-tuned suspension, while the Aero XWD (sedan only) gets a limited-slip differential and a self-leveling suspension.

Inside, dramatic two-tone color schemes with lots of matte-black finishes create an intense, distinctly Scandinavian ambience -- though its look and materials are not as upscale as competitor luxury cars or even some run-of-the-mill family sedans. Longstanding Saab-isms remain, including a floor-mounted ignition switch and a "Night Panel" button that darkens all non-essential dashboard lights to reduce eye fatigue. However, the climate and audio controls are now generic, ergonomically friendly GM units.

Editorial reviews have praised the Saab 9-3 as one of the better-handling front-wheel-drive cars on the market, while taking note of its comfortable front seats and cavernous cargo areas, even in the convertible. The Aero in particular, although expensive, has a lightweight, agile feel missing from many of its competitors. Its low-powered engine, though, gives it a distinct disadvantage in a class where 300 hp is a common output. While the 9-3 isn't a bad car, you can definitely do better nowadays.

Used Saab 9-3 Models
Shoppers interested in a used Saab 9-3 should note that the vehicle has changed some since its introduction for 2003. Originally, the vehicle was available in three trim levels. The base Linear and more luxurious Arc shared a turbocharged 175-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and nearly identical styling. The Vector wore sportier clothes, rode lower and offered a 210-hp version of the same engine, which was also optional on the Arc. The 9-3 Convertible appeared for 2004, followed by the SportCombi wagon for 2006. Vector models were renamed Aero for 2005.

For 2006, the base Linear trim level and its weak motor were dropped, while the Arc was renamed 2.0T and gained the 210-hp engine as standard. The Aero received the 2.8-liter turbocharged V6 that year good for 280 hp. Six-speed manual and automatic transmissions were available. All 9-3s got an interior freshening for '07, including less bizarre, GM-sourced climate and audio controls. The all-wheel-drive Aero sedan and wagon arrived for 2008, along with the limited (for-2008-only) "Turbo X" edition. It featured 18-inch wheels, black paint, a lowered and firmer suspension, self-leveling rear shock absorber, larger brakes, black leather seats and faux carbon-fiber interior trim.

For 2009 only, the 9-3 lineup was expanded to include a dizzying number of trim levels for the various body styles and engines. They were gone the following year when the 9-3X was introduced and the Aero's turbo V6 was unfortunately dropped from the lineup. The current transmission availability dawned at this time as well.

The original Saab 9-3 debuted in 1999. Less a new model than a new name, the 9-3 took over for its Saab 900 predecessor and featured a mildly upgraded interior and revised chassis turning. Other than that, this 9-3 was pretty much the same as the 1994-'98 years of the 900. It was available in three body styles: a two-door hatchback, a four-door hatchback and a convertible.

The first-generation 9-3 is considered one of the last true Saabs. Designed before General Motors took over Saab in 2000, the 9-3 possessed all the eccentricities and quirks that Saab-o-philes consider sacred: temperamental keyholes in the floor, rounded, jet-fighter-like wraparound windshields and bustle-back styling on the hatchbacks.

Early 9-3s were offered with lively turbocharged four-cylinder engines. In 1999, base models produced 185 hp, while next up the ladder were the SE models with 205 hp and 9-3 Viggen models with 230. By 2002, base models were dropped, leaving the SE as the entry-level 9-3.

The most extroverted of the original 9-3s was the convertible. One of the first convertibles to offer a completely one-touch power top, as well as the ability to open and close all four windows with one button, the Saab 9-3 convertible also boasted one of the largest trunks in its class and a generous amount of side glass for good outward vision.

First-generation 9-3s generally provide a decent amount of feature content and safety. Their body structures are built to last, but due to spotty assembly quality, their interiors may not be. Editors at the time couldn't overlook the original 9-3's numerous shortcomings, but nonetheless were smitten by the 9-3's charm and dare-to-be-different packaging. As long as a broken-in 9-3 isn't a broken 9-3, it could be a compelling used car option -- just be prepared for the generally high maintenance and repair costs that come with owning a European import.

User Reviews:

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  SAAB 2003 LINEAR - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By JAT8 - January 16 - 2:00 am

  Car is well designed,looks good,is fun to drive and a great value.

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  Im suprised they dont sell more - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By newsaabowner - January 13 - 10:06 pm

  Im new to the SAAB world. I am a car nut. I considered this car based on price. If I could have afforded it, I would have gotten the 325i. I didnt want an accord or a camry. In terms of price, this is a similar car to an accord with leather when you calculate the lease. But the saab gives you soo much more. You cant beat the safety items on this car..large tire, large brakes, stability control, traction control, #1 in safety both side and frontal. This car is small on the outside, huge on the inside. I got the manual 5 speed. Its a nice stick...not as nice as the bmw, but nice. I am tremendously happy with this lease and Id do it over and over again. Very zippy on the highway!

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  Great Car, some problems - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By TRudd - January 13 - 9:10 pm

  I bought this car with 50,000 miles on it from a dealership and was the 2nd owner. A day after I bought it, the head gasket went out. The dealership paid for labor, I paid for parts ($300). Needless to say, this should not happen with a car that has 50,000 miles on it. After the repairs, I havent had any problems... yet. I love this car, a little more interior noise than my Honda Accord - but much more fun to drive, better looking, and gas mileage wasnt all that different (28 mpg/hwy with the Saab; 28-29 mpg 97 honda accord 4 cyl).

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  hot to trot !! - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By kellee - January 12 - 2:10 pm

  This car is an absolute dream!! People comment on the beautiful lines, especially with the top down. Peppy, fabulous European design, interior is very functional and roomy. Drove the BMW M3, Audi A-4 convert., Volvo and more. This is the best, for the money, that I drove. Sporty, peppy and a real cutie. The A/C takes NO time to cool down and that is key in Texas!!

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  Very fun to drive. - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By hbueain - January 11 - 3:53 pm

  Got the car with red metallic paint, looks great on the road. Very fun to drive, its 4 cylinder feels faster then my V6 Mercedes. Back seat is a bit too stiff, not very comfortable. Very neat interior finish, and the new dash is very easy to use. All the controls including the radio are very easy to reach and easy to read as well. The wide-angle rear view mirror really helps. Overall a great car.

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  These cars are LEMONS!! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Funstuff - January 11 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my 2003 Arc 24 hours and hate it.So far the Air Bag malfunction light has come on,the parking assist system has failed, the back up lights dont work, the hi beams dont work and the 6 disc cd unit failed. They have reprogrammed the computer, replaced the entire front headlamp unit, replaced the CD player and claimed they corrected the air bag situation. (Remember, all this in the past 24 hrs). On my way home after 2 1/2 hrs at the dealer, the air bag malfunctioned again!! Never Again!!

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  Incredible sedan ! - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Santanu - December 27 - 6:23 pm

  I tend to buy cars that are uncommon, Saab was a natural choice, knowing their history also made me curious. When I test drove a Saab 9-3, I couldnt believe people havent "found" this car yet. Saab 9-3 is the most ergonomically designed car around. Extremely well designed car, so beautiful and stylish outside and inside... my friends (having M3, 5 series, Merc etc) were wanting to get rides in it for a month! You will feel the difference the moment you sit in the drivers seat. You feel euphoria when "turbo" kicks in. Incredible dash, controls, cool features and very comfortable seats. Huge trunk and glovebox. Officially safest (not Volvo) vehicle on road today... sidebags galore. Just love it.

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  The best used car you can get for your money. - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By zidjan - December 25 - 12:16 am

  I started with saab 10 years ago, bought the 1999 model but has tons of issue. Sold it cheap and I ended up with the 2002 model se at 80K miles. Nowthe car has 120K and had no problems at all. Its all been fun with this car...205 hp and gets 30mpg hwy miles driving 65-70 mph. So my conclusion to new buyer out there, research the history of the car, if the car has always used synthetic oil and been taken care of well, chances are youll have a good reliable car...but if anything points out that this car has not been care well then buyers beware. NEVER Buy this car if you are going to treat it like a Honda or Toyota. Youll reap what you sow.

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  Uncomfortable Seats! - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By NOVA SAAB 9.3 Owner - December 21 - 8:23 pm

  Maybe I just got a lemon. The seats on this otherwise wonderfully fine convertible are HORRIBLE. I really dont know what to do and I grimace every time Im about to get into the car. Just for this reason, I recommend nobody consider this car.

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  Blast to Drive - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By Garry Neel - December 19 - 6:50 pm

  Ive owned a 9.5 Areo in the past (which I loved), but this is like nothing Saab has ever offered. Quality is outstanding, not one problem so far; performance is amazing, especially for the price. The six speed manual transmission really adds to the true sports car feel and driving experience/control.