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:

• 

  Got lucky and didnt get a lemon - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By aigoo - January 21 - 10:36 am

  Thought Id add my two cents. Had an issue with the loose screw in the trunk which made rattling noise. Plastics inside vehicles also make rattling noise at high speed but manageable. Mines manual, and so far at 68K over 2.5 years, I havent had any problems with it. I drive mostly on the highways and drive fast. Starts slow but once it gets moving, hitting 100 is easy. I knew going in that reliability is an issue but Im crossing my fingers that mine will last a while longer...

• 

  Poor Poor Quality, Do not recommend!!! - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By kelley5 - January 19 - 2:26 am

  Have had it at the saab service center for several electrical issues, windows, radio controls on steering wheels. Brakes and Rotors service. Coolant Reservoir has had to be replaced 3 times in 1 year! Now the suspension or something is wrong with front end contributing to wear on both front tires. Im back to the Saab Service center!

• 

  Best car I have owned - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By Darkcloud - January 17 - 8:36 pm

  I have 96K miles on my 9-3 and have not had any problems. The car has been completely trouble free. The engine has plenty of power along with excellent gas mileage. A shame Saab did away with the hatchback. The newer models look more like every other cookie cutter car. Love this car so much we sold our Volvo and purchased another 2001 9-3

• 

  sierra alpha alpha bravo (SAAB) - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Jon Cox - January 16 - 8:56 am

  Great handling - powerful when turbo kicks in and luxurious but practical. No gimmicks, just functional, solid and safe! 2005 is deeper and longer, so at 65" I was very pleased to find a convertible that provided me with plenty of head room and leg room, as well as a couple of rear seats so the kids can come along on the ride. A great family convertible!

• 

  2nd Saab Convertible - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By geek - January 9 - 10:43 pm

  Own 1 bought this for my daughter. Comfortable, safe, style and expect the same high reliability I have experienced in the 5 years I have owned mine. Disregard the comments about GM build quality, all built in the same factory forever. Not a Sedan so dont expect the same trunk space or the feel. Understand a convertible before you buy one and if you buy a used car understand that repairs will be necessary. I really like the car which is clear since I now own 2. BTW my other car is a new MB, so my standards are high.

• 

  Wonderful Car - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By Ted - January 7 - 8:16 pm

  When I went to the dealership, I had no intention of buying a convertible, but the salesman pointed out that I could have one for about the same price, and I ended up buying one. Apparently I have good luck, because I bought the car with 103,500 miles and have had no problems at all. The car is an automatic (I would have preferred a manual), but it is still quite peppy. I install a Saab cat-back exhaust and an open air intake -- this combo has made for an AWESOME turbo sound, as well as increased response. I have been surprised by the countless convenience features of this car - all little things, but proof in the well thought out Swedish design.

• 

  I love it - but be gentle... - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By Antoine - January 6 - 11:10 am

  We looked for this car for over 6 mos., and were excited when we got it! Wow - what great looks! Rides firm (but not harsh), responsive steering and brakes, and acceleration is phenomenal. With the Viggens torque and horses, you WILL leave cars behind rather easily. However, the car IS rather temperamental and requires TLC. If you drive on other than the SMOOTHEST of roads, youll probably bend the rims, requiring immediate attention so as not to ruin your alignment. Additionally, we just passed 100k, and our water pump, brakes and a/c compressor all went out within 2k miles of each other, amounting to almost $3k in repairs. Be aware - but you can definitely enjoy yourself!

• 

  New and Improved - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By bradleydallas - January 5 - 9:16 pm

  I traded my 03 9-3 in for an 07 a couple of months ago and find the new car to be greatly refined over the 03. While the 03 was fun to drive, it was lacking in build quality and refinement compared to its competition. Not so with the 07. Saab has really done its job to make this a fine car. Everything about the car has a quality feel. I bought the 60th anniversary pkg; what a great deal.

• 

  Fun to drive - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Bob - January 4 - 11:00 am

  I LOVE my Saab. Perfect gas mileage, good acceleration (stick shift), great looks. It was everything I wanted in a car.

• 

  Thank God for Cruise Control - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By bouchgf - December 25 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is a speeding ticket waiting to happen! The car just wants to go fast. I find that I am cruising along at 85 mph before I know it. The cruise control is the only way to keep the car (and me) from getting carried away. Acceleration and braking are flawless. Steering is precise and the SID is truly a gem. I was spoiled by it after only a week. When driving my BMW I find myself missing the convenience of the "heads-up" SID.