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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  BLAST TO DRIVE FOR MUCH LESS THAN BMW - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By O.C. California - November 30 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for three weeks now and the smile has not left my face everytime I get behind the wheel. The performance is terrific in both the acceleration and handling. The styling both inside and out are understated and sophisticated.

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  Still Love it After All These Years.... - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Still Love It - November 28 - 5:43 am

  Versatile, luxurious, and quick. I drive this car for business--bringing clients along, making long trips, etc. and its a comfortable and faithful performer. Given the choice between a 1 hour flight and a four hour drive, I drive. Great on the highway, quiet, powerful and safe. Oddly, I also use it to haul things. The roof rack goes on and off in minutes and can hold 220 pounds: thats a few sheets of plywood, or enough 2x4s to stud a new playroom for my kids. I also installed the towing hitch (myself) and occasionally hook up a trailer to gather/move antiques and such. And theres room for actual adults in the back seat for trips up to an hour. What more could I ask for?

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  Saab 9-3 SE convertible - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By Patrick Lo - November 27 - 2:00 am

  Great styling in the Saab tradition, way better than the Merc / BMW convertibles that are out there. More exclusive with better SNOB appeal. Turbo engine is fast & smooth, the Auto S function is a blast to use. Interior & exterior fit & finish are among the best in the industry. This is the last year for the current body, the new 9-3 doesnt have the traditional SAAB appeal, better get one before its over.

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  Sometimes I dont get Edmunds - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By racebannon1 - November 26 - 11:37 pm

  Listed con in Edmunds review: Suspension should be stiffer on Aero models, ride can be choppy over bumps... So you want a stiffer suspension so that you can complain about the ride being choppy over bumps? Okay, got it. My review: Ive owned this car for a few years & feel if ever there was a time to write a review its now. If I have but one complaint it is that the interior, while is nice overall, has components of it that just feel cheap. Acceleration, gas mileage & the quality of this vehicle make it a steal as a used car. Cargo room is awesome and the ease to fold down the rear seats is super handy.

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  Great GM Car So Far - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By lance20 - November 26 - 4:56 pm

  Im just about to turn 3,000 miles in my 06 Aero and so far, so good. I come from a GM family and have previously owned two Chevy S-10 Blazers. So, the switch to a Saab has been pretty radical. I first noticed the car on the road and thought it was beautiful before finding out it was a GM product. The 06 model is still very Saab oriented whereas the 07 model is adopting more of the GM DNA on the interior. Overall I have been very happy with the looks, performance and value of this vehicle. I very rarely see any other Aero models on the road... mostly 2.0s. If you are lookng for an affordable entry-level luxury sports sedan, the 9-3 is tough to beat.

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  new transmission after 45000 miles - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By sad tranny - November 25 - 12:03 am

  My 2004 is my second Saab 9-3. I had a 2003 that needed a new transmission at 45000 miles. To my dismay I just put a new transmission in my 2004 at 45000 miles. Love the car but am very disappointed with the transmission incidents. Get with it GM.

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  Great quality from a GM vehicle - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By RH - November 24 - 7:50 pm

  A very nifty ride for the price. I was very happy to support an American company and get a vehicle that looks unique, has very fun driving characteristics and good comfort features without attracting the stereotypes associated with Merc and BMW drivers. (not that i wouldnt love a nice Merc). Acceleration from 50-70 is quick, turbo boost is very fun although low end torque is lacking, this isnt a drag racer by any means. While the sport mode is fun and the triptronic transmission is ok, I wished I could have gotten an manual. Guess they were quickly picked up nationwide.

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  My 1st Saab, my 1st convertible! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Rise - November 24 - 6:36 am

  I got the convertible "bug",and happened to find the Saab accidently on Autotrader. It looked nice in pictures, so I set out to find a "real one" to test drive. I was sick of driving a gas guzzling SUV! I couldnt afford anything new, but that didnt stop me from looking for one I COULD afford. What luck! I found a 2003 about 75 miles from my home, and the rest is history. It is a decent size, responsive, gorgeous vehicle. Im getting 25 mpg versus about 17 with my old SUV. Its a slick ride to say the least. I just wish Id bought one sooner. I feel 20 years younger!! The best thing is that its unique. Not many of these on the road, so youll get noticed.The 4 cylinder turbo is unreal.

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  Love it when its working - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Kim - November 22 - 9:00 pm

  It is a beautiful car that is fun to drive...when everything is working which is seldom. The sunroof works when it feels like it as does the radio and CD player. Have replaced the master cylinder twice in a year and a half. The stability control went out to the tune of $700. The locks constantly malfunction. The brakes are always spongy. Have replaced a wheel bearing also. This is all in less than two years of owning it. I am considering trading it even though I owe money on it. I would never buy another Saab. I walk up to it and love it then get in and something isnt working again and I get angry. SAAB - Somethings Almost Always Broken.

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  Saab Story - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By tidegolf - November 16 - 10:00 am

  My Saab has had nothing but problems from day 2. The car runs rough and had engine and brake issues within the first 6 months. Continual trips to the service department are getting so routine that the personnel know my voice when I call. I am sure all Saabs are not like mine......or at least one would hope they arent