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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  Disappointing - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By ebeth05 - November 20 - 8:53 am

  Purchased a 9-3 60th anniversary edition with high hopes for my first car. Loved the anniversary package, very happy about my first ever car purchase. Now Im disappointed. The first week of driving I noticed a steering wheel vibration - a nuisance at low speeds, a violent shake at higher ones, not relenting when again at lower mph. After one week I took it shopping: took me five tries to get it to start; it turned on, then the engine shut off on the first four. I have taken it to two different dealerships to have the problems looked at with the frequent response "problem cannot be duplicated." Tires have been balanced twice, vibrations still exist.

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  Worst Car Ever - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By SaabLemon - November 20 - 8:10 am

  This car has been in the shop every three months, nothing but problems - it looks good, but it doesnt work. Absolutely a lemon. It is 3.5 years old with 35k miles on it and it needs another $2000 worth of work - radiator leaking, transmission leaking, front and back brakes/rotors need replacing, 4 new tires, the battery was replaced one week ago. The electrical system was worked on at least 6 times, the window got stuck open, the alarm would go off randomly even when I was in the car with the key etc. etc. Dont buy a Saab - GM ruined the make.

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  Our new toy! - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By SAAB-BOB - November 18 - 6:03 pm

  We bought our convertible 9-3 a couple months ago and we love it. The car gets good gas mileage (23-25MPG) around town where it is mostly driven. The handling is great and the turbo pickup is excellent. This is my first SAAB and am enjoying every moment of ownership. The pricing is so good on used SAABs that you cant go wrong. If your on the fence just do it..buy the car and have fun. Life is too short not to enjoy a little topless driving in the sun. They say once you own a SAAB youll own another...Im starting to believe it now. Do your homework, make sure the car you buy is of quality and go for it!

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  TIRES AND RIMS BAD NEWS- GREAT ENGINE - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By TOM BRADY - November 9 - 2:00 am

  Im about to turn in my 2000 9-3 convertible after a 3 year lease. Over the course of 32,000 miles, I have been through 7 tires and two rims. Im driving on a rim now that appears to be bent as I have a slow leak in the tire, but at this point, screw up, its to the gas station every saturday for air until I turn it in. Blow outs at the slightest pot hole. I hate to say it but, its the Saab of old. I wont be getting another despite the BEST turbo engine Ive ever driven. Its a shame, if it wasnt for the friggin wheels and tires ( $250 per tire to replace), they would have a repeat customer

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  Interesting little things - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By JEH - November 9 - 2:00 am

  This car is full of useful (and interesting) little features that make for a more enjoyable ride. Little things like the blacked-out area just above the rearview mirror that prevents the sun from peeking through between the visors, the cooled (and very large) glovebox, rubber-bottom compartments all around the very comfortable drivers seat, an engine tuned for ample torque and fuel economy as opposed to more marketable horsepower and acceleration numbers and a display set far back on the dash where the drivers eye need not refocus as much when glancing away from the road are among many dozens of useful little things that do not appear in my Audi.

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  Solid Design, Excellent Value - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By TheProfessor - November 8 - 4:36 am

  This is one great car! I like the engineering, the ride, the sound system, and the overall look of the car. The vehicle comes with a great set of standard safety and security features. The car is truly fun to drive. The car has been truly reliable.

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  Gotta get a Saab - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By seal8485 - November 4 - 12:06 pm

  Overall, I have been very impressed with this car. The start off the line is a little slow, but once that turbo gets going you really feel the punch. It handles like its on rails (name the movie). For the semi-compact size of this vehicle it is still really roomy on the inside. I used to drive an SUV and the gas was just killing me so I decided to get this instead.

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  Watch out for the police - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By khodam - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Saab Viggen rquires a lot more agressive driving than BMS 3 series (use to own a couple). The car performance and handling substantially inproves at higher speeds and RPM. The ride feels not as comfortable at "Lexus" type driving. Dont waste your money on this car if you are a timid driver. Otherwise welcome aboard the SAAB VIGGEN.

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  Amazing car! - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By SAABLOVER456 - October 29 - 12:46 pm

  I bought this car to replace a Pontiac Sunfire, needless to say it blew my mind away! The car had so much get up and go I couldnt believe it! My cousin and I took it through a canyon and we got the speed up to 115 miles per hour. Not very smart, but I couldnt believe how it handled the turns it was absolutely amazing. Now the bad part the electrical is terrible in this car, I always had a problem with it. I couldnt get it fixed the mechanic couldnt find out why my emergency lights wouldnt stop flashing so I sold the car. Even though I had trouble with the car, I am wishing I never had gotten rid of it. The car was a blast to drive.

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  Fun. Period. - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By LBH - October 27 - 11:16 pm

  This car is just plain European fun. It is not a BMW, it is not an Audi, it is not a Volvo - it is a Saab. Through good and bad, it is a Saab. The turbo is a trip - wait till the turbo spools - up to about 40 mph and then the car will simply take off and suddenly you will be doing 80 without even a blink. I LOVE the interior, very minimalist, very Swedish. The 9-3 is not for everyone. It does not drive as well as a 3-series. The interior is great, but most will like the A4 better. The woodgrain is not as nice as a Jaguar. But I still love my Saab. The rakish front end, the smooth lines, the cockpit interior. Take it for a drive, you will either love it - or youll buy a Beemer.