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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  Run, dont walk, away from this car. - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Cambridge - April 18 - 3:20 pm

  Extremely expensive to repair! When buying, I would strongly suggest you have all the records for repairs and maintenance. Prior to buying, I had a reputable mechanic review the car and it appeared to "look" good but he was honest - "without records he was guessing." A car that has documentation on repairs and maintenance is extremely key. Bought this car used from a dealer without documentation and have spent nearly $1500 (in a calendar year) on items that should have been repaired or replaced as apart of routine maintenance. People swear by this car but thus far this has been a giant albatross. Would never buy another. The plus - I found a good mechanic.

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  Two Years and Still Love It! - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By TRT - April 18 - 10:50 am

  I am just now adding my review after two years into my three year lease and I still love this car. I find the car to be a great performer and very comfortable. I tested the BMW 3 series, the Audi A4 and the Infiniti G35 and have never had a second thought about my decision. A couple of minor things (mostly electronics related) have caused the car to go into service but with the warranty and free scheduled service it has been an easy car to live with. I find the car to be quite handsome in the euro way and is unique on the road. Many friends who own BMW 3 series comment how they get tired of seeing themselves at every street corner. A solid buy/lease.

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  Excellent Choice - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Builder - April 18 - 10:00 am

  After looking at all the competition, the Vector is by far the best value and the most fun to drive. It looks great and performs well ahead of more expensive competition.

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  Nice, Nice, NIce - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By henry - April 16 - 9:03 am

  We have been looking for a convertible which I fit into. I am 69" and am able to drive and ride comfortably. The car is one of my favorites for styling & perfomance. 2.0 liter is amazing bullet proof and the auto shifts smooth and is fun to drive. If you want a nicely priced used convertible the Saab is 2nd to none.

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  Inconvenient - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Michelle - April 15 - 1:03 am

  I love to drive this car. It is fast, it responds well, and is very comfortable. However, I have had many problems since day 1. It came with a bad battery which died the day after I bought it. There was a recall on the coolant tank which I wasnt informed about; had to wait until my hood was smoking to find out. The saab service agents dont care and fail to inspect my entire car when I bring it in, so I have to keep going back. Speakers are fuzzy. Just replaced another battery and a corroded switch. Seems like there is always something wrong with it. I now have to replace the front and rear break pads and rotors at 36,000 miles.

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  Love this car! - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By Michael Mehring - April 11 - 6:56 pm

  Too bad Saab doesnt sell here in the US anymore. Id buy another one in a heartbeat.

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  Lets hope it keeps up - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Daan - April 11 - 2:00 am

  I plan on racking up miles fast so it will be interesting to see how she holds together. I plan on being in it for the long haul, so we shall see how we look in after six years and 150,000+ miles. The first 500 miles have been a delight and a refreshing change from the 3-series BMW I traded in. There is a learning curve to go through with the many functions, but it is user friendly. I suggest learning these functions in your driveway and not on the road…Thus far the experience has been great.

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  Zoom - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Mysaab - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Nice car - fast and good looking! Backseats are pretty useless.

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  Read this before you buy!! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By MikeCo - April 11 - 2:00 am

  This is my second review of this car on this forum. Im now up to 8200 miles and the car has spent a total of 7 days at the dealership for different electronic glitches and engine issues. Also, I got into a minor fender-bender and it took five weeks to repair because Saab couldnt provide a tie- rod. Needless to say, parts can be difficult to get for this fairly new model. By far, the least reliable car I have ever owned. I took off the standard 16" Pirelli tires because they were terrible and upgraded to 17" Sumitomos. Big improvement. Please email me if youd like any other info. on this model. There are much better cars out there.

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  V6 Turbo Power - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By Pete - April 8 - 8:13 pm

  My first Saab. I looked at BMW, MB, Audi but purchased the Aero because it was better priced, less "common," and the performance is equivalent (especially with the V6). Excellent dealership service, very few issues over the past 18 months (defective battery shorted), and it turns head in the dark Fusion Blue. Glad to see Saab has been purchased and will continue on!