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:

• 

  Swedes are fun! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By vasco - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Have my new 9-3 2.0t for 3 weeks and love it. Use to have Acura 3.2 TL and that was a nice car, very fast, but terrible in the snow. Saab is much heavier (I think a 1,000 lbs. more) and handles great. I think Saabs are only for people that really want to experience what driving a fun car is all about. Ive had two BMWs and their great with rear whell drive, but you cant beat the Saab. It looks great, handles great and lots & lots of fun. My wife is Swedish & Ive been to Sweden 4 times since 1996 and all I can say is that "Swedes are fun". Would recommend Saab only to those who want to experience a fun car.

• 

  Drive of your life - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By doctj - October 5 - 10:00 am

  Saab marketing says : " 95% of people who test drive a Saab end up buying one". I have to say Im one of those. After test driving the Infiniti G 35 MT I wasnt too happy, when my wife suggested checking out the Saab. After the test drive my search was over; the handling, acceleration, implementation of turbo, braking are all superb not to talk of the silky smooth 6 speed manual transmission . Problems: 1. Battery completely died after a week requiring towing to the dealership, and was changed FOC. 2. Onstar lost reception and was reset at the dealership. In summary if you love to drive try out this car.

• 

  Saab - Bad Decision - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By jj - October 3 - 5:26 am

  With less than 2600 miles, this car broke down four times. The fifth time I refused to drive it anymore. I had it towed to the dealer and told them to keep it. During one of the episodes the car just stopped while I was driving, luckily I was in a parking lot and only doing about 15 to 20 mph. Saab tried to compete with some of the quality manufacturers and put in too many gadgets. It was tinny and confusing to run. I knew from the get-go that I had made a mistake but was willing to ride it out. Unfortunately this cars time ran out in less than six months. I took a $15,000 hit when I traded this junk in. Live and learn. I no longer drive a Saab and NEVER will again.

• 

  Smoking Aero 9-3 - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By James Kanter - October 2 - 5:33 am

  I got this car because my wife picked it out for me. She loved the car and felt it was a great value. I wanted a convertible and hadnt thought of a Saab. I wanted a BMW, but it was too expensive. I started falling in love with this car when we saw it parked at the dealer. This car has done nothing but exceed my expectations in every way. It drives great. It has excellent stability, wonderful seats. The top comes down real fast. It look slick. I absolutely love the sound of the exhaust. Now I want another Saab! Im into Saabs.

• 

  SAAB 9-3 - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Burt - September 29 - 2:36 pm

  This car gets great gas milage on both in town and on the highway. I get an average of 27.5 miles per gallon in 40/60 highway driving. For a 2.0 Turbo it out performs the Toyota Camary, Honda Accord for both performance and acceleration. This is a very fun car to own. I have not regreted purchasing this car at all.

• 

  GREAT SportCombi - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Philip Reid - September 27 - 5:46 pm

  Saab is getting closer and closer to hitting it on the nose with style, performance and comfort. This SportCombi is nothing short of fantastic - driving and comfort. They still need to work out the cheap plastic dash interior but I hear they made huge strides in the 2007 model. If you are in the market for a nice European car with lots of cargo space, dont skip looking at the Saabs - youll not regret it.

• 

  A satisfied Saab Owner, so far! - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By 02SaabVA - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this Saab 4 days ago and already I am overflowing with praises. You will not find a better car at a better price. Believe me I looked! I bought this car at VOB Saab in Rockville, MD and they provided me with the poorest car buying experience Ive ever encountered. I do not have one good thing to say about this dealership and I suggest others to steer clear.

• 

  Nice Car with great Incentives! - 2010 Saab 9-3
  By jason60050 - September 19 - 2:00 am

  Coming from a Lexus GS350 this is quite a difference. I love the way it handles and the XWD with the 6 speed auto is wonderful. I could not pass up the deal on this vehicle. Almost $12k off sticker. Despite what they say as this being an outdated car with not a lot to offer compared to the 3 series, A4, etc could not beat the price with this one.

• 

  Never knew Saabs were this nice - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By Jdac - September 18 - 4:23 am

  I had been driving a sensible car for 5 years: Toyota Corolla CE; manual everything. I finally decided it was time to upgrade and consider BMW, Inifiniti, Acura, etc. I didnt really consider a Saab until an Acura I wanted sold. I love my Saab 9-3! The 2008 model looks great from the outside; its a comfortable and is a considerable power upgrade for me. The features are great and the value was unbeatable. I highly recommend that you consider driving one if youre looking at an entry-level luxury sedan.

• 

  saab 9-3 cabrio - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By billy1926 - September 16 - 2:00 am

  this is a beautiful car which follows the successfull steps of its ancestors in every way.It has the looks,the power,and the heritage of saab building cabrios.This car in my opinion,withstands among the rest of the competition.