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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  arc 9-3 - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By fishtank - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my car almost a year and for the most part I like it however, Im reminded daily that I hate the 6 speed transmission. The shift from 1st to 2nd is very slow and I often catch the teeth on the snycros. I read in one car magazine that the Audi A4 with less power was faster from 0 to 60 because of the slow shift. Im at a loss as to why the traction control has come on so often, and on one road I turn it off so it doesnt come on. At night it can be scary when you cant use your brights on a real dark road because of traffic. The dont shine far enough. These Thule roof racks are only available at a saab dealer.

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  Saab versus Volvo - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By architosh - October 31 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Saab. Have Volvos and love them. Saab 9-3 is so far a really good car. I considered the Volvo S-40 2004 but went for the Saab 9-3 Linear with extras. Its more care physically and with more goodies. The car is fast and quiet (under 3000rpm at 90mph) with stable ride and good road holding. Turbo reacts quicky and smoothly. Great interior with good build.

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  Great car - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By neil martin - October 29 - 1:53 pm

  I love this car. It is fun to drive yet luxurious at the same time. I have never had any trouble with it and I love the way the turbo kicks in when you stomp on it. It is not extremely fast or anything but it feels great on the road and has great low end torque. It handles great too for only sixteen inch wheels and when I buy a new car it is definitely going to be a saab. Thank you for reading this.

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  Great value, excellent performance. - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Colorado Saab Owner - October 28 - 10:10 am

  I had no intention of owning a Saab until I stopped to take a look at a 9-3 Sportcombi at a local dealership. I have owned Volvos for over thirty years, but never a Saab. The 9-3 Sportcombi comes in at about $10,000 less than a Volvo XC 70 wagon. Yes, the Saab has less room and is slightly smaller, but it also gets significantly better mileage and is noticeably more nimble. This car is a real sleeper -- when you look at what you get for the money its pretty hard to beat. Im thinking of getting a second one to replace my Ford van. Also, there is virtually no turbo lag, and a lot of get up and go when you need it. Mileage is outstanding for a car of its size.

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  Love the 60th Anniversary - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By howie93x - October 26 - 9:13 pm

  Ive owned my 9-3 for 14 months and have put 45k miles on it so far. It has a total of 85k. I had a few minor issues covered under warranty when I first picked up and since then it has been flawless. This Saab drives very cleanly and is very fun to drive. My BMW friends are always impressed with the comfort and also with the performance. The Saab is built for safety, function, and fun to drive. I thoroughly enjoy driving this car, especially on my once weekly trip over a very winding mountain road. This is my 3rd Saab and 7th overall car. So far it has been the most reliable car I have owned.

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  Earned Respect - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By saabtech - October 26 - 6:14 am

  I had never planned on buying a Saab and in fact all I could remember at the time was how ugly the older Saabs looked. A friend of mine had a 2005 Saab 9-3 and the first time I rode in it I was truly surprised. It was far from the hatchback design of the S900 and it was quick and had nice fit and finish. This began my passion for these cars. I have driven a 2005 9-3 2.0T a 2006 9-3 aero, and two different 2008 9-3 2.0T. All the cars I had were great although I did experience less than stellar performance in the Pirelli and Continental tires that they were putting on the cars until 2008 when the TMPS sensor option was included. I have been very pleased with the reliability of all the cars I owned and feel that the 2008 and up Model Years to have the best long term reliability. This is why I went ahead and purchased one after my lease on my first 08 9-3 ended. The overall fuel efficiency of this car is excellent and seems to beat many other makes for the power output that it gives. I worked for VW and Audi and have driven many of their cars and just don’t feel that their 2.0T has as much power as the 9-3. Even though the 2.0T for Audi and VW has been rated very high I know internally that there are still issues with oil consumption and slug in models that this engine has been used in, and that’s why I would never purchase anything containing their 2.0T. The new styling in 08 really for me was a winner. I had appreciated the older design, but wasn’t a fan of all the plastic rubbing strips and trim that was visible on the outside of the car. I was happy to see that the facelift was focused on the outside and left the interior relatively untouched. The only thing that I wish had been standard on the 2.0T is visible sports exhaust, and xenon option. I really enjoy the interior and the only thing I would have like to see is a little less plastic and more leather covered surfaces like on the door handles and the front panel that surrounds the radio and instrument cluster. The leather I’ve noticed stays in good condition if you maintain it, however if you don’t after about 100,000K the driver’s seat gets pretty rough looking. In older VW models that have leather it holds up much better probably due to several seemed portions on the seat bottoms rather than one large piece that tends to get stretched like in the 9-3.

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  Too good to be true - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Jessica - October 22 - 9:16 am

  I leased this car the first year it came out (I have since been told this was a mistake) because the price was right and because it came with free maintenance for 3 years. Within the first 5 months of owning the car, it started giving me problems. My lease is up this month, and I couldnt be happier. The car is too technologically advanced for its own good, so although it has great "extras," the electrical malfunctions are numerous. Ive have problems with everything from the engine light, windows, radio and locks (they lock and unlock while Im driving on their own) to the gear shift box, in addition to several recalls. On average, the car is in the shop every 4-6 months.

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  First Saab - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By HCP - October 17 - 10:00 am

  This is our first Saab and boy are we impressed. I can usually drive 5-6 hours and I tire out .... took this on a 450 mile trip and I never tired and Im not small either - 61" and 220. I previously did a lot of braking on the PA Turnpike with our SUV but not with this 9-3 which handled the curves excellently. Ran this first trip fairly hard at 75 mph thru the mountains and still averaged 33-34 mpg. Were so satisfied with the car and the dealership that my wife and I have decided to trade in our loaded Chevy SUV and get a 9-5 so weve really become a Saab family.

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  I feel the need--The need for speed - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By telrod - October 13 - 6:36 am

  Ive had Porsches, Bmws, et al, ad nauseum but this is the first manual Ive had that I need to check the tach to see what gear Im in. Its that quiet and that smooth. When I first bought it Id be going along the freeway at 60 and notice that the tach was at 5000 and I was in 2nd gear. The gears are VERY long in this car. The Viggen drivers seat is the best, most comfortable seat anywhere including Buster chairs and couches at home. Ive gotten used to the torque steer which adds a quirky challenge to stay earthbound. It reminds me of the fishtailing 1980s Porsches Ive had, about which the reviewers used to say, "Fishtailing off a cliff is part of the 911s charm"

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  Great car at Great Value - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By tk421 - October 12 - 10:00 am

  The car get 30 mpg at 100 mph. I love the turbo and zero torque steer. The value is great and the interior is fun. I like the safety and the sporty feel.