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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  A fun car to drive - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By kram - October 24 - 10:00 am

  This car has lived up to everything I wanted it to. The car is great and the dealership is great. You wont go wrong with this car.

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  Saab convertable, 2006 - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Peter - October 23 - 3:40 pm

  Great car. Not one problem to report. Car is quick, agile, comfortable, great features. Ive added Sirius radio and GPS. Also, snow tires. I looked at a lot of cars, many convertibles. It came down to the Saab and Mazda6 (not a convertible). Both great cars, but Im very glad I went with Saab.

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  So fun. Exclusive. - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By icecold328 - October 21 - 9:50 am

  I went through MANY cars, over 15. This is the most fun car I had. It handles beautifully and the turbo is just something else on it. Its really fun to drive. Quality is one of the best in my eyes. As long as u take care of it, it will last. Its very well built in my opinion. However, dont take it to Saab dealers when it needs a repair or maintenance, they really charge a lot. B/c they expect u to be rich to own a Saab. Rather, find a private mechanic that is good with Saabs. By the way I get at least 36mpg on the highway, and 25 in the city when I drive fast and 28 when I drive economically. Just dont cut corners with its maintenance, give the car what it requires and it will last.

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  Doenst get any better - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By corbin - October 18 - 10:40 pm

  I love this car so much. It handles like it is on rails and feels as solid as a bank vault. The 210 horsepower inline-4 is more than enough power. This car is wonderful at about 85-90mph (quiet and is only reving about 2200 rpm)

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  Saab is my favorite - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By Zacharyzoosh - October 18 - 9:33 pm

  Ive owned about 4 9-3s, as I move a lot, and will sell my car before every move. I always buy these. They are one hundred percent reliable for me, and theyre fast. Also, I drove my most recent 2002 9-3 from WA to ID and back, and I got 35mpg on the highway for real, no joke!!! So I think they should change the average fuel economy on here. You only get 25 mpg (lowest Ive seen) when youre driving in city, using the turbo all day. I give this car an over all 9 out of 10. The only brand I like better then Saab is Lexus!

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  Loveable but complicated!! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By merashad - October 18 - 2:30 am

  I love the car for its design and drivibility. The car responds well if maintained. The complicated portion of the car is its electrial and quirky engine light. One day the car is fine and the next, the electrial system can just quit without warning. No, mishaves to complete shut off. If you are looking to purchase this car youll need to have on hand about $1500 due to abrupt problems.

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  Too many problems - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By help wanted - October 17 - 7:50 am

  The problems include, window failure, Onstar malfunctions, transmission slipping, brake problems, plastic door hardware falling off, rattling plastic in the dash. My car has been to the dealer 10 times in 19 months. Save your time & money! By the way - Saab corp has been no help. Local dealer sales dept. offered an insulting buyback option. As you read this & other 9-3 reviews, dont you think its strange about 20% of the cars have the same problems Ive experienced??

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  Too many problems - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By John St. - October 14 - 7:36 am

  The problems include, window failure, Onstar malfunctions, transmission slipping, brake problems, plastic door hardware falling off, rattling plastic in the dash. My car has been to the dealer 10 times in 19 months. Save your time & money! By the way - Saab corp has been no help. Local dealer sales dept. offered an insulting buyback option. As you read this & other 9-3 reviews, dont you think its strange about 20% of the cars have the same problems Ive experienced??

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  Much better than I expected! - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By S.C. - October 14 - 1:46 am

  This is a great car for the money. My last lease was an A4 quattro, nice car too but much to expensive when you can get a 9-3 for $4000. less. I really enjoy the Saab dash and display format. The 2.0t is an awsome engine with hardly any turbo lag. The exterior looks great and I love the new iPod hook-up feature (smart move). All in all you wont go wrong with Saab.

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  Great wheels - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By funcar - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Car has lived up to my expectations. Nice acceleration, great brakes, nice style, super fuel economy.