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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  Parts on indefinite backorder!!! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Jules - July 1 - 7:30 am

  I have had a lot of Saabs and no car has given me as many problems as this one. It was in the shop over 7 times in 1 month alone. Recently the alternator went and then the vacuum pipe and now a $34.00 hose that is on back order Saab Corp. says indefinitely. Thanks to GM the quality of this car and the company has gone down the drain. WATCH OUT!!!

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  Viggen Convertible - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By Squirelly - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Great car across the board. Excelelent performance on acceleration, handling, braking, and gas mileage. Great deal for high performance classy car with distinction. Not many Viggen owners with less people familair with them which offers exclusivity.

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  Bar car. - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Saab driver - June 16 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car for people who want originality because there are so few on the road. Cheap quality and too much inspiration from cheapskate GM cars. Not worth the money.

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  SAAB most underated car - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By John M - June 14 - 4:50 pm

  This is an excellent car. Great build quality, styling, handling and performance. very underated car. This car is a blast to drive If anyone is thinking of an Asian import you need to test drive this vehicle.

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  Linear Saab - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By thomas t - June 12 - 10:00 am

  Happy with this car so far. Smooth ride, classy exterior. Upgraded 16 inch wheels are distinctive.

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  MISTAKE! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By NateinPA - June 7 - 10:00 am

  It seemed like I was driving the loaner more than my new car. Infotainment system had various bugs that came and went for days at a time. Engine Light was always on due to defective engine parts that had to be replaced. Horn stopped working shortly after purchase. Automatic windows began malfunctioning such that the window would not go up...very inconveinent in rain! I spent a great deal of time returning my car to dealer for warranty repairs. I wish I had bought the Audi A4 as I had originally wanted! Also was not impressed when I traded it in and the dealer called the selling dealership to get a value and was told, "No, we wouldnt buy that vehicle back...too many problems."

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  Have had great experience with this car - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Chuck - June 4 - 12:13 pm

  The car is very safe, and drives like a dream, with mileage like a little Honda and performance that is out of this world. I could not be more happy with it! I think it is a shame that more people are not aware of what a great car this is for the money.

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  New Saab 9-3 - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Gerardo - June 3 - 2:00 am

  If you are like me wondering wich car to get ( a Passat, a Volvo S40 or a Audi A4) do not get confussed this is the car.It has an agile response with a steel ,but sensitive feel of total control.The CBC, ESP,ReAxs & ABS work together as a symphony.Beware: this car is highly addictive.Almost a bet of you try it,you buy it.... Only minor:Get the 150 infotainment system (at minimum,you won´t regret,the 75 is not good as the car) if you get the 16¨ alloy wheels expect to get a 35 psi front and 32 psi rear wheels at least( making it little bumping),but who cares if you are having a car like this!!!

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  Saab no more - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By Saab no more - May 29 - 10:00 am

  Test drive it and youll own it! Own it and you wont buy it again. I truly love my car and wish that so many quirky itmes were not wrong with it: endless squeky brackes, endless knob & button replacements, continued "engie light" on and off, just poor craftsmanship on the car. It looks great, drives great... and I hate to say that the Saab dealer service dept. knows me by name... I am swithching to BMW!

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  Quick, Comfortable & Reliable - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By jimb - May 27 - 11:13 am

  I am very pleased with the combination of power and fuel economy the Saab 9-3 convertible provides with the 2,0 liter turbo-charged engine. My 9-3 is equipped with an automatic transmission and delivers 20 plus mpg city and 28 mpg highway - not bad for a comfortable, powerful and fun to drive convertible. The 9-3 delivers more than adequate acceleration, and plenty of reserve power for merging and passing. Ride & handling are superb, albeit with a bit of cowl flex on less than glass smooth roads. Comfort is fantastic, thanks in part to some of the best seats in the business. Top operation couldnt be easier. Reliability thus far excellent! A very nice automobile.