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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  Best Car Ive ever owned! - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By boomer47 - July 10 - 5:46 pm

  I bought my Saab new in 2006 after quite a bit of due diligence and it has been best vehicle I have ever owned. It is fun to drive, economical, reliable, and very functional. Its great in the snow and the turbo gives it great acceleration.

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  truly a saab story - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By SaabStory - July 7 - 12:40 pm

  I purchased the Saab 93 used and let me tell you. When I first got the car, the first thing that happened, was the Engine light coming on. This car only had 21k miles by the way. Took it to a dealership. Had it looked at 6 times in 4 weeks. The interior plastics were fading and had to be replaced 3 times. The door handle faded. Transmission slipped shortly after 35k miles. Finally the transmission died at 60k miles. I maintained the car well. even though saab has the "lowest maintenance in its class". Which I feel personally was misleading. I had to pay for a oil change and other maintenance that was covered under Saabs "free scheduled maintenance plan". I wouldnt buy another Saab.

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  At 150,000 miles it still drives new! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Brian in MA - July 6 - 11:43 pm

  I bought this car in late 2005 with 13,000 miles from the dealership. Everybody gives the 2003 a bad wrap because it was new, but the thing is that all the software fixes are in place and it drives great! I like this style compared to the 2008 and newer and will probably search for a low mile 2005 when I sell this. For the meantime I expect to get 250,000 - 300,000 miles out of this car. It does not vibrate and drives new even at 150,000 miles. This car features the pre-GM stereo which gets a bad wrap because of no BASS, however I added an Infiniti Basslink to the system in the trunk (wired to my front door speaker for BASS) and now people who ride in my car says it sounds like a club)

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  The Perfect Performance Package - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By mrwarmth - July 6 - 2:00 am

  This has the driving dynamics of a hotrod, yet the sophistication of a premium sedan. The engine is a monster torque mill that moves the car along much faster than its 210 hp/torque rating would suggest. Best part is - there is no torque steer, yet the steering is responsive and sharp. The ride is a little knobbly on harsh surfaces, but never uncomfortable. The car is poised and secure even in extreme turns with bumps. It holds a line like a limpet. Brakes are fabulous - they are "right now" when you need them to be, but progressive and easy to modulate otherwise.

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  unique styling gets lots of looks - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By D Williams - July 5 - 11:26 pm

  I had to decide between the SAAB and a Mustang V6. Ill never look back. As rare as it is in advertising these days, SAAB has stumble onto a truth. I think its something like "Most people who drive one, buy one." I agree. After driving the SAAB I didnt even go back to the Ford dealer.

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  If you can only have one car......... - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By John A, - July 5 - 10:00 am

  Car that finished 2001 UK Auto Club owners survey of two-year old cars in top reliability spot. Hauls e.g. a big wheelbarrow with the trunk closed. Pioneered many safety features and finishes on crash tests. Theyll think you paid more for it than you did. Tops out at about 143mph+ and fun-to-drive. More Saab owners are online than any other car and more own dogs than any other car. More people who test drive Saabs own them than all others. Owner loyalty shows Saab second to Porsche among Euro- car owners and 6th overall.

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  Wonderful car - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Keith - July 4 - 5:33 pm

  Beautiful, fun to drive, excellent acceleration, handles very well. Great stereo. Surely the most beautiful of the 4-seater convertibles. Excellent safety ratings. Stands out from the dime-a-dozen convertibles out there.

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  SAAB 93 - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Terry - July 4 - 7:33 am

  Excellent car and fun to drive, you really stand out from the crowd in this car.

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  Initial Opinion - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By Mid30crisis - July 3 - 2:36 pm

  I like auto transmissions, but a car like this needs a stick to fully enjoy the sportiness. It does seem to roll a bit (even with the ReAxs system). Brakes dont appear as tight on response although the pro reviews say the braking is great. The starter seems to take a while to get used to; havent determined if its a defect or just takes a half second longer for the ignition to kick. I like this car; great price point if you can get a good deal; if not, spend a little more on an Audi A4, Infiniti G35, or Acura TL.

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  Saab 9-3 Great Car - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Drew - June 30 - 3:20 am

  Bought this car to use to commute 100 miles a day to keep miles off my Audi. Have had two Saabs in the past and this one never fails to amaze me!!! I have over 147k on the odometer and it still starts, idles and runs like a workhorse. Original Turbo still pulls like new!!! Very durable interior/exterior, amazed at how well this car has worn. Only expensive maintenance to date has been clutch replacement at $800 US.