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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  What a Ride! - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By Debbie Swanson - March 27 - 3:03 am

  Saab is one of the most comfortable, safe and fun to drive convertibles. There is none to compare to it! Born from jets is its mantra and its easy to see why - you take off and you feel like youre piloting a jet! Whats even better? Saab owners are a class all to themselves, and we belong to an elite club - were "different" and "unique!" Come drive a Saab and youll never go back to those spin off versions of convertibles. Saab is superior - by far.

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  NO REGRET - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By gthehun - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I can go on an on what made me buy a Saab, but I dont want to take all day...Bottom line: I LOVE THIS CAR !!! My previous cars were Acuras and Bimmers and I used to have a 900 turbo hatchback in my teenage years and that car was a blast so when I first saw the pictures and specs. of the new Saab 9-3 last summer in Europe I thought:"give it a chance"...and BINGO.

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  Great car at a great price! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By fych3173 - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Saab has really put together a wonderful car! All the gadgets in the car are so cool. Its very functional, fun to drive, beauty to look at, excellent cornering, quick acceleration, comfortable even for a 64" person.

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  I wrote off Saab until this I drove this - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Saabhappy - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I went to the dealer to turn in my 99 on lease and saw the new style. I thought I would just drive it for the heck of it and go off to the BMW and Mercedes dealer to pick up either a 3 series or C-class. I was impressed with the new 93 so much, that after driving the 3 series BMW and C-class Mercedes, I couldnt pass up the Saab. A heck of a lot of value for the money, the handling felt better, the ride more supple and the handling was on par with the others. I have been nothing but pleased with the dealer follow through and it seems as if Saab is finally ready to be a true contender/leader in the entry lux market.

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  2004 SAAB 9-3 ARC Convertible for the Masses - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By blacksaabeth2 - March 24 - 8:09 pm

  I truly believe that GM got it right when they retooled the 9-3 convertible for 2004. The older 9-3 convertibles had way too much flex in the chassis. Going over bumps made it feel like it was playing a game of Twister. 2004 convertible utilized GMs epsilon platform from Europe which firmed up the chassis 300%. Okay, maybe thats an exaggeration but it really is firm. Acceleration is more than adequate considering that the engine is a GM inspired 2-liter Ecotec engine with a turbo charger. Same basic engine as found in the old Chevy Cobalt

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  SWEET BUY - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By aksklar - March 12 - 2:00 am

  An amazing Car that is definitely affordable. This car rockets past nearly any car and becomes more level and steady the faster you push it. I give the Saab 9-3 Arc two thumbs up...just get the larger wheels!

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  Great car - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By PGTX - March 9 - 8:50 am

  Ive been a SAAB fan all my life and finally bought one 2 years ago. I like the fact that SAAB design team is keeping the essence of the old 900 model through out the evolution to the 9-3 just like BMW or Mercedes do. Makes it a car that will not look outdated in a few years.

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  Fun and Safe - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Judi - March 8 - 8:03 am

  This is my third Saab. Ive only spent $140 on the car since purchased new. I drive it every day. Mileage is great on the highway (about 30 mpg) but on city streets it drops to the teens. A bit of trouble with the locks, and speakers not great in the 2004. Huge trunk but still prefer the old Saab hatchback (had my 1985 900 for 20 years). Safety features ahead of its time.

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  Great Saab 9-3! - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Carmaster216 - March 8 - 12:53 am

  The Saab 9-3 is a pretty good car. In between its great luxury and its being very sporty I would say this car a very good car to have.

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  Great in a snowy climate - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By snocrvr - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Im very happy with my 9-3! Best all- around car I have ever owned, including VW, Mercedes, and Lincoln. I drive a lot of freeway and town miles every day for my job, and this a totally enjoyable and reliable (so far) car to drive. The build quality is good, and the seats are sensational. I love the thermostatically controlled heated seats. The hatch and fold-down rear seats are great for carrying big and bulky items. Wonderful winter car in Minnesota.