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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As good as it gets for the bucks. - 2003 Saab 9-3
By Michael Menard - September 17 - 10:00 amWe wanted entry level luxury and we found it. The 9-3 has it all. The handling was most impressive and the list of safety features and standard equipment is very competitive. Take a long look, you wont be sorry.
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Hot Car - 2003 Saab 9-3
By Teaching English - September 17 - 10:00 amThis car is comfortable and fun to drive. As a high school English teacher, I was the talk of the school when I got it. We recently took it on a trip to North Carolina. The back seat passenger wasnt very comfortable, but it was great in the front seats. It got excellent gas mileage on the trip. I highly recommend this car.
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at last - 2004 Saab 9-3
By jack fletcher - September 11 - 10:00 amcant find fault with anything about the car. after driving and owning a freelander, this is the one car that has not let me down. wonderful gas mileage and so comfortable. if you know how to drive a turbo, you got it madeeve
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188000 - 2003 Saab 9-3
By dbrooks22 - September 8 - 2:46 pmElectrical quirks aside, this car is pretty amazing. I dont think there is a better value for the money. The WORST mpg i have gotten over the past 6 months is 32.5. Best was 36.7. Great handling, leather looks new. Engine is a peach. In 5yrs when im done with this one, I fully intend to get the 2008 9-3.
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9-3AeroCV WHOOOHOOOO - 2004 Saab 9-3
By CRD - August 30 - 2:00 amThis car takes convertibles to a new level of handling, solid body integrity and performance all in one beautiful and comfortable package. The features such as the one-button remote top down function, excellent ergonomics in the interior design, comfort of the seats and joy of the drive (try the paddle shift) is unsurpassed. I recommend this vehicle without reservation.
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2003 Saab 9-3 Arc Review - 2003 Saab 9-3
By wakeboardguy13 - August 30 - 2:00 amThis is a great car, and is very reliable and all around well built car.
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Awesome Car! - 2003 Saab 9-3
By Saab Bob - August 23 - 10:00 amSaab really hit a home run with this one!
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AERODYNAMICS EXTREME - 2003 Saab 9-3
By Honest - August 23 - 10:00 amJust can not get out of my car! It is wonderful! My friends who have BMW, Mercedes, and Lexus cars all respect my ride and wants to exchange cars for a day to see what all the hype is all about. Not a chance! They better go get their won. I like a competing growing car with an interesting history. SAAB never dies, literally!
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Fun to drive - 2000 Saab 9-3
By Turbolover - August 17 - 5:46 pmThis car is amazing. It is extremly fun to drive. Interior is comfortable, not to mention the huge trunk space. Only problem is the display unit is starting go, a problem Saab fixed on the newer models.
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So Far So Good - 2003 Saab 9-3
By Code7700 - August 11 - 2:00 amI was a bit nervous buying a first year model. Especially since Ive never owned a Saab before. But this car is unlike the Saabs of yesteryear. It looks great (not quirky), it drives great, and for a few dollars more than a Maxima, the fit and finish 100 times better than any car in its price range. For well under $30,000, you can be driving a car that easily competes (and in many cases beats) $35,000 - $40,000 Audis and BMWs in terms of quality, ride, finish, and customer service.
