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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  Very impressed - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By me0101 - August 4 - 2:10 am

  Ive had my Saab 9-3 for a year now and have about 10,000 miles on the odometer. This is my first Saab, and I primarily bought it for the incredible mix of performance, fuel economy, comfort/utility, and handling. I am 100% satisfied with the choice and have had zero problems with the car. I would buy again w/o hesitation. I hope Saab is around for a very long time.

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  No sobbing with this Saab - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Doobie - August 1 - 11:06 am

  My Chili Red 9-3 2.0T has been a joy to own. With a daily commute of 90 miles round trip, I wanted a car that that drove and handled well without the need for a stiff suspension and low profile tires. It also had to have good gas mileage, decent acceleration and run on regular gas. This car does it all. One of the most comfortable cars to drive that I have ever owned. The engineers at Saab have geared this car perfectly. At typical commuting speed, the engine pulls about 2300 RPM. This is the cars sweet zone. At this speed, the engine is responsive, road feel is fantastic, steady and there are no vibrations or annoying harmonics. No service issues and I am getting 29.5 mpg (hwy).

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  Check Engine Light etc... - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By Aspen10s - July 30 - 10:00 am

  This car has been nothing but problems! Constant check engine light going on and no answers...needed a new alternator at 30k miles and the interior parts are cheaply made (and are constantly breaking). Very disappointing! Im going back to my Pathfinder!

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  2003 9-3 is a great car! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Paul in Boston - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I am very happy with the 2003 9-3. My first service kicked at 14,400 (most of my driving is highway). Have 15,700 miles after 7 months of ownership. The SID tripped once giving me a faulty gear box reading which I need to have the dealer reset, otherwise it has been 7 months of solid reliability and great driving. I highly recommend it.

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  Fabulous car - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By portland - July 28 - 4:40 pm

  We looked at just about every sport wagon on the market and the sportcombi was head and shoulders above the rest in performance, features, and safety. Its also one of the few with an available manual transmission (and a 6-speed to boot). We can even fit two kids and a new baby in the back seat. Weve only had the Saab for ten days but its easily our favorite car ever.

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  The other european - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By Bill Anthony Resto - July 28 - 10:00 am

  Owned Audi, Infiniti, Mitsubishi and Ford cars, the Aero has the right amount of quirkiness. Love the cars profile and manners. Very good reliability. Always wanted to have one and after almost one year of ownership do not regret the decision.

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  Fun to drive no fun on your wallet - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By Kabir - July 26 - 7:36 am

  Owning my Viggen was like being addicted to a drug. You know its bad but you cant get rid of it. It was the most fun to drive car I ever owned. Ive had an older Porsche and many BMWs but the Saab blew them away when it came to fun. I had to replace the engine at 120,000km ($8000repair bill) then a piston went 5 months later. My dad had a 9-5 at the same time and had nothing but trouble also. Stay away from these cars GM ruined them. If you want a Saab look for a pre 1991 model thats when they were reliable. On a positive my Viggen got AMAZING fuel economy for a turbo car. I once got 1012 km on one tank of gas on a road trip.

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  NICE car - in love, no plans to ever sell her - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By jonnyb433 - July 25 - 11:27 am

  Bought new, 60th anniversary, ice blue met, roof rack & spoiler, 17" wheels, automatic, anniv leather. Now just over 50k miles on her (in storage for a while), never happier with her. She has plenty of power, gets decent mileage 23-24 mpg ave. Repl some bulbs (not incredibly easy to replace) and change oil ($100 or so once per year, mobil1 synth), thats really about it. Only maintenance weve had was a set of rear brakes & rotors - pads burned straight through at about 20k miles, warranty refused, generally pretty pissed about that cause theres no way rears should wear that fast! My second Saab, and just bought the third, a low-mileage 2011 9-5.

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  Great car... BUT - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By MJM - July 24 - 12:03 am

  Have had this car about 4 months and have been mostly pleased. Great mileage... about 35 hwy. Good power, nimble handling and comfortable ride/seating. Controls required me reading the book for an hour to fully figure them out. Easy access for the 2 car seats and ample cargo area. We are struck though by minor complaints re:cup holders. 2 separate and peculiar locations, when it appears only some small engineering changes could ve made these much more user friendly. Limited console storage area as well. Overall a great car w/a few minor convenience issues.

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  Fun, Fun, Fun - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By Moanking - July 22 - 2:00 am

  The 9-3 Convertible is a complete gas to drive. Peppy, with excellent seats and a ragtop. Wont write any records off the line, but goes from 20-70 in a snap. Very smooth highway ride.