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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  Better than the A4! - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Kuribo - August 17 - 5:50 am

  Just picked up a 2006 9-3 Sport Sedan with Automatic and Cold Weather package. Coming off lease on a 2003 Audi A4. Weve only had the Saab for a few days but its really wonderful. Side by side, the performance is better than the A4 1.8T. Smoother shifts, more refined engine and much faster. Interior is really nice and different than German & Japanese cars. The mpg is also quite a bit better than the Audi. Priced the 2006 Saab 9-3 against a 2006 Audi A4 2.0 front driver: the Audi ended up $9000 more. Not worth it! Our first Saab and I think its a great, under appreciated car

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  Fun to Drive - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By Perfect for me - August 17 - 5:06 am

  I purchased the 60th Anniversary edition which I preferred for its "fancy trim" package. I find the car to suit me well as it is small, yet seats four fairly comfortably, quick on its feet yet provides a nice MPG and its stylish without being pretentious.

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  Great car - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By burner - August 11 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Vector for nearly 5 months and 11000 miles. It handles great, has wonderful acceleration and great style

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  2005 Saab Arc Convertible, Charlotte, NC - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Brian - August 9 - 2:30 pm

  Overall a great car and very pleased with the purchase. Test drove the BMW 3 series convertible and the Audi A4 convertible, although the performance was not as impressive, the Saab was the most fun to drive. Tons of interior room and of the three by far the most comfortable interior. With the roof up, has a true coupe feeling. I am 61 and with the roof up I have tons of headroom. Did not like the wood trim on the inside of the Arc model and had it changed out for the metal trim. I personally like the ride of the Arc suspension better than the Aero. The automatic is great, and the ability to shift the automatic is great for passing.

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  surprised, fun, quick - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By richard - August 6 - 12:36 am

  I am surprised how much I like this car. I had always had cars with larger engines, so I was pleasantly surprised at the spunk of this 2.0 liter 4 cyl engine, I guess its the turbo. I enjoy the pick-up, the agility, and the nice handling. contrary to the reviews, the stereo is just fine, and I prefer a front wheel drive car, especially in the northeast USA, where we have snow, and a rear wheel car is never a good idea.

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  Wow! Top-down fun in Florida - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By SW-MIMI - August 5 - 4:50 am

  Ive had many convertibles in the past and I finally test drove new models this month. I fell in love with my black on black Aero Saab. I think its much more stylish than the Audi. I felt the BMW inside wasnt as special as the Saab and everything was another fee. My Aero Saab has every extra I could want and more. Drive one today and youll have a new love too!

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  saab review - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By phpra - July 31 - 10:00 am

  This car has performed extremely well. It has the handling of a real sports car but rides like a tourning car. The body styling is excellent and when it rains hard down here it handles very well.

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  watch out! - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By Diana - July 30 - 1:46 pm

  Bought this cute little car 5 years ago. After the first 2 years I had to replace the engine. One year later I had to replace the engine again. VERY costly. Expect to have at least $250 - $500 in mechanic bills quarterly. Other than that, i love how it looks, how it handles, the size, the interior. Just wish it was better built.

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  Look at this before you buy!!! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By JRT - July 19 - 7:33 pm

  In short: for the love of God stay away from a Saab!! My Saab has been involved in 6 separate recalls, needed a new transmission due to mechanical failure (out 2 weeks), lost two batteries which requires a tow (no kidding), I had no idea what "turbo-lag" was until I tried to pull out into traffic with this thing and the service teams have been less than stellar. For the record mine only has 24K miles on it!

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  OOPS Wrong car. - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By notstock - July 17 - 2:39 am

  Well I got suckered by the lure of a Good deal" I needed a cheap family vehicle and I found a 2006 SportCombi Aero with 56K miles for only 11.5K, paid cash and now I know why it was so cheap. It started having problems on the way home from buying the stupid car. Its got this weird surging hesitation under partial throttle. A grinding clanking from the engine, and a weird high pitched whine from the audio system even if its turned off. This is a one owner dealer maintained car with full service records, so I know it was taken care of. Im really disappointed because I liked the performance in a car that I dont see dozens of every day. UNIQUE, I like that. Unreliable and broken NOPE.