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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  Love It! - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Philadelphia Phil - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Test drove the Audi A4, but not available w/manual trans. Beautiful interior, though, much nicer than the Saab. BMW 3 Convert. overpriced. This is my 3rd Saab, the last being a 9000CD (a lemon). I appreciate the somewhat subtle look of the car, it doesnt scream "look at me".

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  2003 Arc - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Goren - June 30 - 2:00 am

  smooth ride and impressive accelarion with the 3 and 4 gear.

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  Get one before they are gone! - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By seanbarrett02 - June 28 - 10:00 am

  I got this car a few weeks ago and it is the best car for the money. It has the type of luxury and comfort that you would expect from a $40k car and the performance to match it. There arent many left as they are clearing the inventories for the new 2003 model, so get yours now.

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  Its been great! - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Dave Hecht - June 27 - 3:26 am

  After 6,000 miles, the car has been absolutely perfect. Nothing has gone wrong. It has averaged 28.1 MPG with only one long trip. It handles well and is very distinctive... gets lots of looks at stop lights. It is more comfortable than I would have expected and rides much better than I though. My last car was a 2002 BMW 525i so that was a tough car to follow. It is my 3rd Saab in the last 20 years... the best of the bunch.

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  I really like it - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By MyblueSaab - June 20 - 9:23 am

  I have come to really like this car. I used to own an Acura and had to sell it to fit our new baby and her gear!! This car has done wonders. I can load and entire weekends worth of gear for my baby, my wife and myself and still not have to overflow into the cabin. The Trunk is a cavern. I can set the cruise at 75mph and get close to 30 mpg. I could go on and on but the list is too numerous. All in all this car is not more than I needed, but has turned out to be more than I expected.

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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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  The Truth - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By True Saab Owner - June 11 - 2:00 am

  I must rebut the misinformation in some these 9-3 reviews. The 9-3 is built on a new platform only used by Saab and Opel as of yet. The only truth about GrandAm connection is that GM plans to build it next-gen GrandAm on the platform to cut costs. Volkswagon and Audi do the same. Anyhow, I like the way the the 9-3 drives - nice handling and comfortable seats. I think the Linear has plenty of power for everyday driving and compares favorably to the A4 and 3 Series base models. The real story is that the Saab has leather interior standard. If you make a true comparison (option for option) the 9-3 will save you at least 5K over a A4 or 3 Series.

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  My First Convertible - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Ron - June 7 - 3:36 pm

  Briefly, this is a well-built car with a great fit and finish. The trunk will hold 2 golf bags with the top up and 4 passengers comfortably. Along with its 5 star safety rating, convenient controls and good looks, what else would you want in a convertible?

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  So far, so good... - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By guygabriel - June 5 - 10:00 am

  Ive been driving my new 9-3 Arc for just over a month and so far Im very impressed. I have always owned Honda and Acura automobiles prior to this car. And, in fact, I was going back and forth between the Saab and the new Acura TSX. I also looked very closely at the Audi A4 and the BMW 3 series. It was a very tough, but I think I made the right choice. I have never experienced a better-handling automobile; especially in the rain. The car feels like its glued to the road.

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  You will love XWD - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By AeroXWD - May 26 - 10:03 pm

  I purchased this car after my 2007 9-3 2.0T was hit from behind and subsequently totaled. I loved my 9-3 but also thought it would be a good idea to keep an open mind and look at some other cars. I drove an A4 which was slow and expensive with the options I wanted. The 3.2 V-6 felt simply lethargic. I drove a 335i BMW walked away feeling it was overpriced. The new C300 and C350 handled great but I was really unimpressed with how awful the seats and interior materials were for a Benz. The Aero XWD was a blast. Excellent seats, 280 hp turbo engine. I love my new Aero XWD. I have developed a lead foot and find myself at high speed on many occasions. Its the best Saab Ive ever had.