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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  Turbo for Breakfast - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Ktoes - January 17 - 10:00 am

  My second Saab. First was 1986 900S. I was afraid the GM take-over would downgrade. But to my surprise, the more I drive it, the more I enjoy the ride. The dealer gave me $5K off the price after a bit of dickering. My Accord friends love the ride, design and performance(I own two hondas too). Impressed with Synthetic Oil only design--lets me know the auto manufacturers are finally acknowledging its superiority.

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  New SAAB owners 1 month review - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By stever817 - January 17 - 10:00 am

  This is a surprisingly good car. The man-transmission w/2t engine is very impressive. Getting after 2,000 miles,29.2mpg. The comfort level is high & base options are impressive, esspecially the 3 yrs scheduled maintenance and great Incentive and dealer that we worked with (Joe P). I compared it too: Passat TDI(ok car,w/nice options,Auto-stick is ok,driving in auto showed major Turbo lag though).No deal since most dealers in town were hard pressed to take $500 off sticker,Mercedes C320Sedan(option packages-over priced),Audi A4-no response from dealer via email,Mazada 6-boring ride to me,Acura TSX-only could get $500 off.

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  Saab 9-3 - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By C Tower - January 11 - 1:13 am

  After years of Japanese cars I decided to go for something different, I am so glad I did. The handling is so much tigher and exact. I love the manual feature of my automatic transmission, it gives me more control and it feels as if there is much more power than there really is.

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  Fun to drive.... at the beginning - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By David Brennan - January 3 - 4:50 pm

  The electrical system is a joke. Windows are constantly breaking, trip computer goes crazy, electronic locking steering wheel malfunctions and I cant start the car. All problems continue even after services. The worst about this car is the brakes... sounds like a school bus, but according to saab its "normal brake noise". Not very saab like... or is it? That aside... very fun to drive. Would never buy unless under factory warranty and as soon as mine ends Im ditching it.

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  Great all-around car - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By homegirl - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Ive been driving my 9-3 for a year and a half, and must say its a great car. Fun to drive, reliable and has some really neat features.

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  SAAB 03 9-3 - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By jac - January 3 - 2:00 am

  I have found the 9-3 to be fun to drive for local around town, but not for drives over 100 miles straight. The seat comfort is very lacking, inspite of seat controls, lumbar control, etc. I have found good driveability in winter conditions (snow, ice and cold) and diving performance has not been affected. I purchased this vehicle based on the re-design plans and merits. I did not test drive, prior to purchase (ordered prior to models coming to country)and I am not sure that I would have purchased if I would have tested it. The On-star is shown on steering wheel , but has not been installed and install is planned for later this year.

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  Still Great at Two Years - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By tprettejohn - December 30 - 9:36 am

  No problems with this vehicle at the 2 year mark. This is my second 9-3 convertible, this time in a 5-speed. Gets about 32.5 mpg on the highway on a long trip. Turbo engine has great power for 2.0L 4 cyl. Front seats very comfortable.

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  Really a Premium car - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By kakaroto - December 23 - 10:00 am

  This car is excellent, a litle turbo lag, but if you control the foot, you can made amazing acelerations, is fun to drive, the driver seat is rigth, the stability is correct, the sensations is like a airplane without wings, you feel that you are drive a premium car.

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  Lemon! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By no more Saabs - December 23 - 10:00 am

  This is a great looking car, fun to drive, and a good value for what you get. Turbo lag is minimal. Unfortunately I have had numerous computer glitches and one breakdown (with less than 2000 miles on the car) which required the entire engine to be replaced, the car was in the shop for more than a month. Fortunately, Saab customer service is superb and they are repurchasing the car. I am sad to see it go but I am looking forward to having a more reliable non-Saab vehicle. I would be very nervous about holding on to this vehicle once the 4 year warranty runs out.

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  Bought new; now 11 years old - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By john - December 21 - 10:00 am

  Car requires capable mechanic - not most reliable on the road after 50K. Ignition cassette crapped out at 70K ($600 for T5), seals blew at 80K ($1800.00). Im at 88K miles today. However, gobs of fun to drive (w/5 speed). Ive installed many handling fixes (1999 base version I thought was poor) and its great fun now. I recently drove 2007 BMW 328i wagon, 2010 MINI Clubman, 2010 Audi A3, 2010 Jetta Sportwagen, and 2011 VW GTI and decided to keep Helga. None improved on the room, comfort or dramatically in handling to my old SAAB - so what if $2K yearly on repairs?; its still cheaper than buying/leasing $25-$36K cars above. An enigmatic car, right for me.