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 GOOD CAR! TRUE WINNER! - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By ALEJANDRO114 - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Its a very nice car,with all the toys for fun. Very responsive,handsome design.

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  SportCombi - More than a Sedan / Minivan - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By BikeFit - April 18 - 8:26 am

  We have just crossed the 500 mile mark and the car has performed great. Out on the highway the car does well for a midsize car (e.g. semi trucks that went flying by us didnt move our car as much as our minivan) and around town the car is a blast to drive. The safety features are second to none and car has many luxury features with impressive build quality - no rattles. Back seat comfort and cargo area exceeds the rest of the cars we looked at (Volvo, Audi, Honda) and meets our needs as well as the minivan does during arond town drives. The controls and radio are simple and easy to use. Speed warning feature is very nice and provides another safety feature (i.e. no speeding tickets).

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  my headache... - 2009 Saab 9-3
  By antonio787 - April 16 - 10:39 am

  After three months of use my car started with a noise in the front suspension upon riding over street bumps. I made an appointment and my car was taken for service and repair March 22, 2010. Mileage: 4849. The car was ready the same day. First maintenance done. After a few months the noise in the front suspension started again. Also a new noise started at the drivers seat. I made another appointment. On June 7, 2010 the car was taken for repair again. Mileage: 8644. The car was seven days at the shop. out of shop June 14, 2010. The noise persisted at the suspension and this time was stronger. I took the car the 8th of July, 2010 for evaluation and a loosen knob at the bushing was found and fixed the same day. On September 20th, 2010 my battery died and they changed same day for a new one. Same day service. Mileage: 13344. This same day the car was re-evaluated by the mechanics because the noise in the front suspension and in the drivers seat decreased but were still present. Another appointment was done and the parts were ordered. Appointment was done for the first day of November, 2010. My car was at the shop until November 4th and the parts were never available, so they did not fixed the car. Only thing done was the maintenance check up. Mileage: 14969. Appointment follow up for parts previously ordered was given for November 15, 2010. I picked up the car Friday 19th of November. Still the car was with the same noise in the front suspension and at the drivers seat. On Monday 22 of November another visit to the shop was done. In view that this was a short week (due to Thanksgiving holiday) they gave me another appointment for service for the 29th of November. The service light was not reset and it was ON at all times. The 29th of November my car went again for service for another week. Mileage: 15799. When I picked up my car Friday 3 of December the car was still with the same or worst noise in the front suspension and at the drivers seat. Total of visits for the same problems: 6 Total of days in shop for repairs and evaluation: 20 days Problems unresolved: Front suspension noise and drivers seat noise I use my car on daily basis for work. For me is important to have a save car. This noises are obnoxious and persistent. Every time the car is in the shop they change a different part of the front suspension as if they were guessing what the car problem is. The front seat cushion has been replaced twice. The truth is that they have never fixed any of these two noises.

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  Great Car - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By sonnie - April 13 - 10:00 am

  Great Car! Better than the MB Class in the wet.

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  I love my car! - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By CosmicSaab - April 13 - 10:00 am

  The 9-3 is truely one of the best cars in the class. It is a well balanced vehicle that does most everything well. It is not the best at any on thing, but it does poorly in nothing. To truly understand this car, it must be driven.

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  Enjoying the car - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By BF - April 6 - 2:20 am

  I have the black Sport Combi, and everyone agrees - it looks sharp! The upward rake makes it look very sporty and unique from other wagons. Tne leather interior is beautiful, and the car feels solid. The Turbo 2.0 provides a lot of power to a 4-cylinder engine - more than my previous V6 car.

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  Not a Grand AM!!!! This is a nice car! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By WillieG35sedan - April 4 - 2:00 am

  I want to get a crying towl out for Zeke, Bernie S and Saab driver. I applaud GM for the exterior styling (if they are responsible). How can these guys rate the care so low without owning one? We just traded a 2000 BMW 328 to lower our payment. This car is not a BMW, but it is light years ahead of a Grand AM!.

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  Wasnt impressed at all - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Steve - April 2 - 8:00 am

  I have been back to the dealership 8 times in the last 3 months. Here is a list of problems: 1. security lock system failure 2. electronic stability control failure 3. turbo failed at 37k miles 4. outside temperature sensor broke 5. Needed to add oil in between oil change 6. loud clicking sound when making sharp turns.

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  Easy on the Plastic - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By disappointed - April 2 - 7:03 am

  Overall, this car is a fantastic value - great styling, fun to drive, very safe, nice handling, surprising power. I get compliments constantly about how great the car looks. However, I am very disappointed with the interior build quality. Can a car have any more plastic than this one? The arm rest on the door, the steering wheel, underneath the steering column, the gear shift, you name it. Because of all the plastic, there is a lot of rattling noise.

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  A GREAT underappreciated Convertible - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By Taylor - March 30 - 6:10 pm

  A fun, unusual car that stands out from the crowd! Ultracomfortable car looks superb in White with beige leather trim, reliable with good gas mileage, this is an under appreciated car that actually has a usable back seat compared to any others in its class, dealerships are few and far between, they have a good track record for looks, reliability and insurance, I am a very particular owner, have had many cars but this one is way and above the best in all areas, many safety features, security is good for a rag top, would trust it to take me anywhere, more importantly I trust the car with precious cargo, my wife, she gets a kick from driving it and has never failed us. Advice, buy a used one as you save money!