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:

• 

  Great car, great price - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By burt - April 7 - 4:43 am

  We have had absolutely no problems with this car through the first 41K - a first for me with new cars. It is responsive, comfortable and fuel efficient. If I had to find any knock on the car it may be that it does not idle as smoothly as a BMW, Toyota or Nissan. I would buy this car again.

• 

  What high hopes......What a mistake! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By bd - April 4 - 1:46 pm

  I searched for a used Saab to replace my 02 Passat and found an 03 9-3 Linear w/Touring Package. The car was beautiful, and had all the difficult to find bells and whistles I was looking for in the Linear. However, as we all know, looks arent everything. The car has been at the dealer 10 times in 5 months. It takes forever to get parts and the techs are terrible at diagnosing problems. Saab North America could care less about customer service, their reputation, or dealer service standards. Tomorrow, the Saab is going away in favor of the 06 Passat. Word of advice, stay away from used or new Saabs until they start building quality w/ a decent residual

• 

  stay away from this car - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By Anna - April 4 - 4:30 am

  I must say , it is a great car if it is drivable. Everything in this car broke, starting with trunk lock and ending with the engine. The extended warranty for oil sludge is the biggest scam. The Saab admits that there is the problem but at the same time they the requirement for the warranty is all oil change receipts from the beginning. I am the second owner of this car. I am missing only 2 oil receipts from the first owner ( 20,000 & 30,000 miles). The Saab Corp. refused to replace my engine because I am missing these 2 oil receipts. The worst service ever. After thousands of $$ I spent on this car , it is a junk now worth $0. I am preparing for a law suit now. Stay away from Saab

• 

  BEST CONVERTIBLE CAR! - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By JEAN - April 1 - 10:00 am

  JUST PUT A SMILE IN YOUR FACE! GREAT CAR,NICE STYLE,ROOMI,PEPPY,A LOT FUTURES FOR YOUR BUCKS!

• 

  Very good and very pleased - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By Guintama - March 31 - 5:46 am

  Now, I am not saying that there are not better vehicles out there, because there are. Yet this does not deign the 9-3 of its distinction of being a great if not superb near-luxury vehicle. I have own(ed) VWs, BMW, Cadillacs, and none of them have performed as well as the Saab for the price point, nor, being owned by GM. I am very pleased with the interior finish, if it is a little watered down unlike the older, more genuine Saab, this one should still function in a few years. The engine is great, a lot of fun to drive with its tight steering and great cornering. Highly recommend it over all other cars for under $30,000.

• 

  A great car, but some complaints. - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By volunteerals - March 22 - 3:06 am

  This car has been really excellent, but not perfect. As the first new car I bought for myself out of college, I wanted something that would last me for years, get good gas mileage, and was fun to drive. So far, so good! The gas mileage is pretty good, I average about 28 mpg in the winter. The styling is nice, but the interior is a little bland. My biggest complaint would have to be the brakes. I had to replace them far too early in my opinion, and was told that Saab had changed the braking ratio without changing the brakes. Not cool. The top speed in first gear is also quite low, little oomph until 2nd. Otherwise, none of the problems others have had, such as electrical and whatnot.

• 

  Great Car and Fun! - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By GJSPINELLA - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Throttle response especially at low rpm is amazing, handling and braking is also most most impressive. Communting fuel economy often is 30 mpg plus.

• 

  stus saab - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By stueat - March 21 - 10:00 am

  great pick up, fun to drive,

• 

  Cant wait to get it in convertible! - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By SaidNoori, LA, CA - March 21 - 10:00 am

  At first I hated it because I didnt know how to drive stick shift; the dealership didnt have it automatic in the color I wanted. Took me almost 3 months to master the manual and now I LOVE IT! My previous car was a C class MBZ and had constant electronical problems and had to take it for service literally every month. My Saab is truely reliable, very sporty, fun to drive, unique looking, and I just love it. I cant wait till my lease is over in 2 years so I can get it in convertible. I was always intrigued by Saab and people who never drove a Saab discouraged me to get one. Im happy with my choice and Ill be driving Saab for many years to come.

• 

  Linear 9-3 Saab with Touring Package - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Saabnewbie - March 21 - 10:00 am

  New to Saab family and so far loving it. Former Volvo S70 owner and glad that got rid of it. We looked at BMW, VW and Volvo, but nothing came close to the performance and look of the car. I love the fact that there are not many out there. Unlike BMWs. This Saab is great to drive especially when cornering. Exterior is beautiful and smooth. The door handles can be painted or made of non-fading plastic. My 9-3 has the Touring Package upgrade with the 17" wheels which should be a must! I do have the clunking noise when backing of the driveway or just starting to roll when starting the car, according to Saab technician, the noise is due to the self adjusting brake and anti-lock brake system.