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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  A blast to drive, but at a cost - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By perks77 - August 10 - 3:20 pm

  I had fond memories of my 83 Saab 900. That car was a tank and simply refused to be driven into the ground. My 05 9-3 has all the gutsy handling the old models did (and then some!), looks great, is quite comfortable and is surprisingly roomy for a car of its size. For a little 4-banger, it really zips along once the turbo kicks in! However, Ive had the car in the shop REPEATEDLY for random electrical and mechanical problems that simply should not happen at 30K miles. Some of the interior finish is cheaply done and parts have decided to fall apart at random. This has left me so disappointed that I plan to trade it in as soon as possible.

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  VIGGEN! - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By Champ - August 7 - 3:53 pm

  The Viggen has been a great car. Great performance all while obtaining great gas mileage. Front seats are a dream to sit in. In all climate areas, make sure to put the Continental Extremes on this car. This tire is great in snow, water and still is Z rated for performance. This car is highly recommended. This car was built in the same plant as the Porsche Boxter.

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  Happy Again - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Voelkner - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Previously owned 99 9-3. The 04 is a completely different car. Higher levels of refinement from the exterior look to the interior materials and design. This 9-3 has grown up.

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  Pretty Happy - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By DCISCouts - August 5 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 9-3 in October of 2001. We got no snow, so I didnt get to test out the TCS. I love the exhilerating performance!!

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  Sixth Saab - best ever - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By brandedsaab - July 27 - 12:06 am

  Great car and so much fun to drive - comfortable, fast. Engine purrs. Top goes down and up quick. Just under 2K miles - no problems at all. 22.4 mpg - and not broken in yet, and city driving.

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  Great dynamics - shame about build - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By ChasB - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful driving dynamics. Shame about the details. Too much electronic control. Changing the band on the radio is a major job. Door locks problematic. Stalling problems & stability control warnings. Back to the dealer 4 times in 4000 miles.

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  saab convertble - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Joel Klein - July 23 - 10:43 am

  This is my 11th Saab cobvertible and these feels the best

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  Stalwart - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By bcollier - July 18 - 2:26 pm

  After 8 largely trouble-free years I felt its time to give this car its due on Edmunds. Its best features are the fun factor - great responsive motor and handling, classic styling (the newer cars have become too homogeneous), and reliability which is surprising for Saab. There have been a couple costly part replacements, but over time thats to be expected. Its certainly been more reliable than our 05 Toyota Sequoia. After 8 yrs my eyes have begun to wander to possible replacements (e.g., M3), but the Saab keeps running strong, and if I "traded up" I suspect Id miss the Saab more than Id like the newer car.

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  Another Saab - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Trevor - July 17 - 8:40 am

  This is the second Saab Ive owned. Once you own one of these things you will never let go. Everyone who sits in it is blown away. Id take it in a heart beat over all of its competitors, 300c, Audi A4, Volvo s40, this car is way more fun to drive than anything else out there. Until my first time driving this car I had never seen a smile on someones face from driving, or riding in a car before. Now I grin every time I sit in my car, and so does everyone else, literally.

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  SAAB=FUN+QUALITY+STYLE - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Sam Jam - July 12 - 10:00 am

  the car that will never let you down...