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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  Safety First - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By ThreeSaabs - March 20 - 2:36 pm

  Bought new in 2004 for my teen-aged daughter. Car has been great; economical, fun, very few problems. Dealer service has been superb. Car was in an accident this week; car totaled, but my daughter walked away uninjured. Passenger compartment was completely intact. Crumple zone at engine compartment absorbed all impact. All airbags deployed. I am incredibly impressed and thank the Lord she was driving a Saab.

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  mmmmmmm - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By mainecliffdweller - March 19 - 3:33 pm

  Just took delivery three weeks ago and have already put 3000k on my new Saab 9- 3 sport combi. With two 100lb dogs and me over 66" I was worried that the wagon wouldnt be big enough, but it fits me like a glove! There is certainly enough room and it is so much more fun to drive than an SUV. Im a big back road driver and this car is perfect for that. Love it!

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  Cheers to SAAB! - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By big john - March 17 - 5:06 pm

  I only have 649 miles on the car. I am 6 foot 7 inches tall and fit comfortably in the driver and passenger seats. The car grips the autobahn. This car is not common. Beware, people will stare at your car (because it is a beautiful car!) especially in Germany, that is if they can catch it parked. I was able to get 27 miles to the gallon at 90 miles an hour on a Sally Saab dusted the doors off of an Audi A6 and a BMW 335i. The turbo will throw you back in your seat. No torque steer nor body roll was ever noticed. Great warranty for 2008 model year. Treat yourself to a great car and save some cash in the process!

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  Concervatively stylish - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By turbofan - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Great job by SAAB! Stay away from auto tranny-its slow.I dint like some interior plastics-seem to be hard and cheap to touch(door handles) Those who say its build on Grand Am platform are on BMW payroll. Saab wheelbase is 105.3, Grand Am 107 and BMW 325 is 107.3. BMW is built on "stretched" Grand Am platform:)

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  Great, fun car - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Thom - March 9 - 12:56 am

  Great car, from the service at the dealership to its scheduled maintenance. Ive only had one problem and it was with the emergency brake. The dealership towed it for free and fixed it over night. They even provided me with a Saab loaner car. The car is quite quick for its price range and is always fun to drive, especially on open, twisty roads (saab fixed torque steer!). The cars interior seems complex at first, but becomes easy to use after 10 minutes. Next to BMWs iDrive, this is like coloring in the lines. The tall stack design of the cockpit makes you think youre in an airplane, which sometimes brings you to the speed of one...minus 1 mach level of course. Outstanding car.

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  Computer Problems - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Kate M - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Ive never loved a car like I do my new 93 Arc sport sedan. Its a great looking and fun to drive car. Unfortunately, weve had several major electronic problems in its first 3 months. The power in the left door went out, then the power seat, then the radio malfunctioned, then the onstar, then the airbag....now the computer decided to shut off the engine in the middle of traffic and it refused to restart. Im really frustrated with the computer in this car. At first I thought it was just the SAAB quirkiness...now I know its a lot more serious than that. Im afraid to drive it not knowing what the computer is going to do next.

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  Fun and Fast - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By Seanc - February 21 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd Saab purchased in one year. Although the design is older (8 years), this car still has soul and class. Very fast, sure handling and practical for a convertible (trunk is a good size, 4 usable seats, 30 mpg). I leased the car, but if all goes well, this is a keeper for many years.

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  So far, so great - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By mechanical engineer4 - February 17 - 2:13 pm

  55,000 miles and I love it. Great fuel mileage (around 40). I drive the speed limit and my trip computer shows well over 40 mpg at 55 mph.

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  i LOVE THIS CAR - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By TOYOTAMAN28 - February 17 - 2:00 am

  BUY ONE, YOU WONT REGRET IT!

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  My fabulous 2nd Saab - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By tprettejohn - February 17 - 2:00 am

  The salesman told me once I bought one Saab I would go back. Same as my 2001 that I sold to my father-in-law except for the manual transmission. Great car no issues so far.