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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  Saab 9-3, fun to drive - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Island - September 27 - 10:00 am

  The Saab 9-3 is a fun car to drive. I drive 150 miles a day to work. With the majority of miles on the highway. This car allows you to feel the road, yet will not beat you up. It has excellent acceleration and very good gas mileage. We like this car so much, I am planning to buy another for my wife.

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  Its what you know about high output - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By derekdrl - September 25 - 1:36 pm

  First of all I hear people talking about sludge in a turbo motor, only thing is if you ask 90% of them people they were using conv. Oil (its a high output motor that needs synthetic motor oil) 2nd thing is there are some things wrong like the hud (heads up display) big deal, but in comparison to other vehicles in class small problems are worth the 10k in savings, Ive made my Saab a full blown race car and beat it up pretty bad and things have gone wrong but the heart of the vehicle is as strong as the day I bought it. So what Im saying is if you are cheap on parts and service (I. E. - synthetic oil every 3k miles and premium gas then thats what happens). Its not a Ford!

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  Safety and a Sports car - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By Musashi R. Sadler - September 19 - 12:50 am

  To start off, the saab is my first car. I got it a year ago during my senior year of highschool, and ever since then I have love every bit of it. My only problem with it is that it is a little worn. There are some airflow issues and the radiator was leaking but these were not manufacturing flaws but probably from the former owner(s). I wish I could have drove it when it was new but sadly I cant. Oh and these cars are pretty strong, because yesterday I got rear ended pretty hard by a honda accord and came out with just a dent and scratches on the rear bumper... cant say much for the honda though. So if your teenager wants a car you should go for this one, you get safety and a sports car.

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  Best car for the money - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Kenneth James - September 18 - 12:16 pm

  The drive is the experience for the love of driving with the handling and feel of the car is unexplainable. You just drive this car once and you will understand my delight with driving this car. So, give it a test drive and make the decision for yourself and appreciate speed and comfort of a once in a lifetime automobile.

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  Great sport sedan - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By saabguy - September 12 - 3:03 am

  I love this car. It handles great and has plenty of power for passing carving up twisty back roads. This Saab is very comfy and feels solid when driving. It doesnt hurt that this car is one of the safest cars on the road.

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  Nice low profile sports sedan - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By bruce - September 9 - 6:10 am

  After over 3 years and nearly 60,000 miles, I have no complaints about the car other than the poor resale value vs its competition. It handles nicely with the sport pkg, feels safe on the road, looks great in red, and always gets compliments. It has had a few minor electrical glitches but all were fixed under warranty, and one was fixed out of warranty due to a recall. Sure, theyre not Hondas, but they do stand behind them. This is just about the safest affordable vehicle on the road when you factor in handling, braking, crash tests, curb weight, airbags, etc. Road noise is a little higher than some luxury brands, but its not bad. A great used car bargain due to low resale value.

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  Saab 2.0T - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By DH - September 1 - 11:56 am

  This car is fun to drive, handles well in the snow and has some nice luxery components. The steering is resonsive and the mid-range acceleration is peppy. The overall interior quality is on the lower end, but still nice. The cabin is surprisingly roomy with a nice trunk and fold down rear seats for extra storage space.

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  sweet - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By bob saab - August 26 - 2:00 am

  2 weeks old love it

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  Great convertible! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By scot - August 25 - 10:16 am

  Wow! I received a fantastic deal after this gem sat at my local dealership for six months with no takers. Car turns heads and continues to receive compliments. Driving topless is the best stress-buster in the world. If Id heeded the reviews in Consumer Reports, I would never have purchased this vehicle, so Im glad I lived on the edge. I love the unique design and the fact that so few others own this vehicle. Still love it after owning for a year.

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  Good performer - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By SAB - August 24 - 10:00 am

  It was either a beemer or a Saab and I chose the Saab 93 with every option that came with the aero...I have no regrets, I used to own a 2001 95 Aero and BMWs before that, but I wanted something smaller and more agile. The car rides great, a little stiff around town but its tight around corners, there are small build issues inside the car but they are very minor, over all I really like the car and I think I made a sound choice.