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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  fun but problems/not like the old saabs - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By ron w - March 7 - 10:00 am

  2 hands on wheel when accelerating as car pulls-dlr says it the size of tires on these models; right pax seat not reclining since new-have taken to dealer 4 times already;battery dead at 26k;4 tires needed replacing at 8k and another one at 15k;no power door lock button inside-have to manually push lock down/cupholder right where the stereo is-what if your drink leaks,etc;owned a 1991 when built by saab-not gm-as they are now;disappointed w/car for price-i wouldnt buy another;lmtd dealers in area-only 1-have to drive miles for service-requires 93 octane fuel;main svc prices start at $500-$600 for the 30-50-60K svcs;

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  A car for snow - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By Ken Jensen - March 5 - 10:00 am

  Winter in our part of Canada lasts from November to March. The road handling of the front wheel drive Saab is wonderful. Year round, this Saab spends half its life on secondary highways and gravel. At 30 months it has gone 75,000 km (47,000 miles). It has performed flawlessly. The only servicing has been oil changes.

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  Shake, Rattle, & Knocks - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By rsherman - March 5 - 10:00 am

  While I thoroughly enjoy the ride and performance, I am sorely disappointed in the interior fit and finish. From delivery, we have had seriously annoying interior clunks, rattles and the like. This car has made more noise than a 10 year old Rambler American I owned in the early 70s. Not what I expected when I paid $27k for a supposed quality vehicle.

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  Linear is a good bang for the buck - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By tci - March 1 - 10:00 am

  Very nice everyday driver. With a $ 4000.00 GM rebate + dealer dicount my $ 28,500.00 Linear came to under $ 23,000.00 which is an outstanding value. The Aero is nice, but at $30K+, theres better choices.

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  Great Car for the money - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Mike M - February 25 - 8:23 am

  I love this car. I drove a 325, a Passat and an A4 and came home with the Saab. Its not quite a 3 series BMW, but for 10K less, comparably equipped, I am very impressed. I love the seats and the Saab center starter. Gets great mileage and has incredible pick-up off the line.

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  Follow up from my last review... - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By COGuy2 - February 24 - 10:00 am

  OK... about a month after my last review (which noted only small problems), its in for service where they found coolant in one of the cylinders. Long story short, two weeks later theyre completely replacing the engine (which has 2500 miles on it). Brand new car, and on 3 occasions already Ive had to drive a loaner (which right now is a Subaru... SaabUSA was giving the dealership grief about giving me a Saab loaner? Huh???!). Luckily (?) Im approaching the criteria to invoke the Lemon Law in Colorado, which is the vehicle being out of service for 30 days in the first year... pretty sad.

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  Little problems - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Loren - February 24 - 2:43 am

  Sun roof stopped working.$2,500 to repair. A/C blower motor went out. Center caps of rims fill with brake dust and cant be cleaned. Rear logo came off from being washed. Passenger seat plastic trim has fallen off because of broken attachments-twice. Interior isnt at all durable. Buy a Toyota

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  Saab 9-3turbo, 60th anniversary edition - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By waltzsaab - February 20 - 6:23 am

  An absolute joy to drive. Comfortable, quiet, and accelerates like a rocket! I Bought this car new and have driven it for two years and 25000 miles. It has been one of my best overall vehicle purchases considering my 50 years of driving experience. I am large, 63 and can actually stretch out in the front seats whether driving or riding as passenger. Fold down rear seats offer great storage capacity to the trunk. Lots of interior room-considering that this is a smaller vehicle. Warranty service has been great. Original battery died and one of the fog driving lamps went out, but both were replaced under warranty. (Florida heat takes its toll on auto parts).

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  Excellent value if the price is right - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By SaabstudentDoc - February 15 - 8:10 pm

  After owning an 03 9-5 Aero that was totaled while nobly saving my wife and me from any bodily harm I was eager to get back into the seat of a Saab. I was not able to afford another 9-5, but the 08 9-3 was nothing I "settled" for. The fuel efficiency is fantastic! I am getting 33 mpg on the highway and mixed city/highway I am averaging 26mpg (mostly city). The 9-5 I owned was an Aero and while the difference is noticeable, this car is more than ample. One word - turbo. My wife has a TSX, while this does not have the xenons and moonroof standard, this is more fun to drive.

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  Very Pleased with New 9-3 - 2009 Saab 9-3
  By jbrooksws - February 9 - 11:13 pm

  Unfortunately I couldnt get the deals others have referenced - I purchased a laser red "stripper" model - no xenon - no roof - no Center Point - no park assist et al. I prev had an 06 CTS that was great - sold it last year to improve gas mileage and got a great Mazda 6 - but no soul. Saab is great. Mine has a stick - its a little bit fussy...exactly like Audis used to be so to me theres no issue. The clutch pedal action is light - pick up is good. Perfect seats and instrumentation - base level stereo is good. Stripper wheels 16 inch - look good on this car, and saves $25.00 per tire when its time to buy new rubber. I really like this car!