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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  Never Again - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By malco - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Having decided to move to an entry level luxury vehicle, I was looking forward to years of trouble free driving. Was I wrong! Although the car looks great and is well finished, numerous mechanical problems have diminished my enjoyment of this vehicle. With only 5000 miles on it. the car has been in the shop almost weeklywith problems such as an undiagnosed clunk/ rattle from the front and rear suspensions in cold weather,squealing front brake pads , locked hand brake lever . Other problems include strong sulpher dioxide smell when the car idles and buzzing front door panels .

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  Solid 9-3 - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By vacUUm - September 11 - 8:16 pm

  Ive been extremly please with my 9-3 Arc. It has been everything that I expected and more with one exception. Good value vs. competitor "add on everythings". Turbo lag is a problem. If you switch to manual shift on your auto, the drivetrain repsponses change and the lag is not noticible. Good to know if you need crisp acceleration in traffic. Especially bad lag from a dead stop.

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  2006 93 Aero Review - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By cervids - September 9 - 7:36 am

  Former BMW and Audi driver. The 93 Aero is powerful; 250bhp/258lb-ft available for real life driving conditions through most of the power band not just near the redline. 90% percent of maximum torque is achieved at 1,500 rpm! Not enough power, buy a simple plug–in engine control PPC upgrade ($850) which enables 285bhp/358lb-ft. The rock solid suspension and superb road manners allow you apply that awesome power as if gliding rails in addition to the legendary Saab safety, utility, spaciousness, and functionality. The interior is abundantly quite, however, the car is tuned to provide the enthusiast with an addictive amount of engine and turbo sound.

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  My 20 cents - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Ricky Sein - September 5 - 11:30 pm

  I bought the 2006 9-3 Aero in 2009. It had 22,000 miles. The car looks very nice, its lots of fun to drive. It is faster than most of the similar priced European makes (which are usually more expensive). The 2-tone leather interior with silver trims look sporty and modern. The 2.8 V6T does consumes significant amount of fuel, which can add up, specially if you follow the owners manual requirement of premium fuel only. Overall, I love it!

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  Better options available - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Ashok - September 2 - 5:53 pm

  I bought this car trading my Toyota Camry. The engine is great with good interiors, all other things are very average or poor. The interior of the car shakes and rattles all the time. There is something going wrong always - various lights come on, computer malfunction, moon-roof not closing, door-handles fading, shock-absorbers breaking, etc. The dealership is very nice and the car is still under warranty (ends Oct,07). I dont know what Ill do after that, if this thing keeps braking! Dont waste your time on this car, I guess SAAB brand is being washed-away by GM. I love the Acura TSX as an alternative.

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  From Slaab To Saaahhhhbbb - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By BMW Who? - August 28 - 2:00 am

  Have owned it for 1 week and am so glad. We test drove the BMW, Audi, Honda, anything and everything. This is by far the best for the money. The lease special that Saab ran was one of kind. Like the saying goes "most who test drive a Saab, buy a Saab" and we were one of those.

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  Have confidence, get certified - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By RLS123 - August 27 - 4:16 pm

  I wanted the confidence of an extended warranty and something different than the run-of-the-mill sedan. I didnt know much about Saab, so my expectations werent too high. If you only look at Consumer Reports, you would never buy this car. However, its an attractive automobile with many standard features which would be options on another vehicle. I was concerned about it being a 4 cyl, but the Turbo gives it plenty of guts. Additionally, I have owned this car for over a year now without any cosmetic or mechanical issues. Its fun to drive with very little road noise.

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  Fun in the Sun - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By WillieA - August 23 - 10:00 am

  I chose my Saab convertible over the BMW 3 series for a variety of reasons. The nutshell reason is it is a better bang for the buck. The incentive laden Saab blows away the beamer from a financial perspective. The msrp of 42K for the Saab would be out of the question for me but with the money rates of its current lease and 6k in incentives, it is a no brainer.

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  Boring - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By John - August 22 - 1:36 am

  The electronics in the car dont seem to be all that reliable, but everything else is aesthetically nice and comfortable. One specific problem I found is the new rotors they installed in the 03 and newer are too thin andneed to be replaced much too often. Very fun to drive though, especially the 6 speed.

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  Update - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By NEPA SAAB - August 18 - 9:13 am

  Its been about 10 months since I submitted a 1 year review so I figured Id provide some more info. First, my 9- 3 just hit 40k miles. Outside of oil changes the only things Ive had to replace is front brakes, tires and headlight bulbs. So in my two years of owning the car Ive spent about $800 in repairs. I am extremely thankful for this but I do take very very good care of my Saab. I bought this car out of college after doing a good amount of research. I wanted a nice, sporty car that that offered a little luxury but didnt cost a fortune to buy or repair. The car has delivered in all aspects. If Saab pulls through, Ill buy again.