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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  Great Car - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By patrick008 - April 27 - 2:00 am

  Just picked the car up a few weeks ago. Great vehicle. Looks like its Bye Bye BMW

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  Much improved 2006 - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Frank - April 24 - 7:00 pm

  We had a 2003 9-3 sedan. This 2006 model feels more rigid and the steering feels tighter, which makes it more fun to drive. Suspension is a bit smoother but still is firm. Overall a lot better car than our 2003. If you want a good looking and fun car to drive, the Saab Sportcombi may be what youre looking for!

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  MINE BLEW UP!!! - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By alber1 - April 17 - 10:00 am

  This car has been fun to drive and performs well, but I will never do business with Saab again. I live at high altitude, and my cars engine seized under normal use to what Saab said was "bad gas". They refused to honor the warranty and wanted $8000 to replace the engine in a car I am leasing. Eventually, they fixed it for $1200 but it should have been covered. My case was not an isolated one and the company knew this. Very sickening experience. Buy a car that isnt a GM product.

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  More of the same - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Bueller - April 17 - 5:26 am

  Similar to other reviews, Ive had numerous electrical and mechanical issues since purchasing the car 4 years ago. The HVAC blower has been looked at and fixed 5 times now. Window motor replaced. Fading door handles replaced. Interior finishes now chipping off. Hood Saab emblem is cracked and deteriorating. Excess brake dust.

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  Just love it! - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Ozzysmom - April 16 - 3:23 pm

  Ive owned my Saab for almost three weeks and man do I love this car. Its gorgeous. I got the steel grey metallic. Love the two tail pipes. Its smooth, very easy to drive, very fast. You will feel the bumps, but its a sportscar afterall. Love the rear parking assist. I like the dash, but feel like they could have offered the chrome detail on the dash. Love the steering wheel design. Hate the passenger side view mirror. Its hard to see out of it. The front-end is VERY low. I have already knocked the front fender out, but because its a Saab, its incredibly durable and the dealer was able to pop it back in like 30 seconds. Overall, its stylish, fun to drive, and reliable.

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  ok car for the money, very reliable! - 2009 Saab 9-3
  By chris_gallucci - April 11 - 9:14 pm

  Performance: great in snow! turbo lag is very high though Comfort: over roads freshly paved-perfect, anything else-horrid! Value: compared to other cars I have driven/ ridden around in it is not the best, seats are rock hard Fun to Drive: Oh yeah! Interior Design: great the first year it was out, but got old fast Exterior Design: they are like Chevy, they keep almost the same design for a few years, then finally get the idea that people want to see something new Build Quality: the best, except for a tank, I was behind a dump truck hauling logs (one lane road) it dropped a log 6" in diameter, I ran it over, the car suffered no damage Reliability: I can do everything at home (change oil, etc.)

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  Bud - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By lenore - April 11 - 10:00 am

  Best car I ever drove!!! It is a plow horse. Always there and reliable. Pack horse too. Carried home two full sized desks and 2 storage units from Pottery barn in the hatchback. Unbelievable!

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  Love / Hate Relationship - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Vectra - April 11 - 10:00 am

  This is such a great car, it is a shame that I have a Lemon. I was not worried about buying the Vector as soon as it was made available b/c of SAABs committment to quality, however have ended up driving the loaner car more than my fun Vector. There is something draining the battery when the car is off and they have replaced everything: CD Changer, 300W Amp, Window Controls, Battery, you name it. Unfortunetely due to the fine print on the contract since I used GMS discount I have no protection under the Lemon Law. I hope they get it fixed b/c it is a great car.

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  its the little things - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By tb9er - April 11 - 1:23 am

  Move the cup holder! Slight spills and your coffee is now part of your cd player. Speaking of audio components, if a cassette is not part of the system, provide an aux input for the ipod or mp3 played or even better a portable XM radio. Also, improved spearkers would help; perhaps incorporating speakers into the headrests. Try listening to something other than blasting rock (like subtle classical) while moving at 65mph with the top down. Is that Mozart I hear!! Could use a secondary power port. Cruise control cancel should be a "push" not "pull" switch. Seems more intuitive. Light, window, lock and roof switches on console should be illuminated. That said, I love the car.

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  Big improvement - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By dso - April 8 - 12:00 pm

  i had an 03 that gave me no problems other than a squeaky top in cold weather. Love ragtops, and was considering Audi, or BMW. Redceived SAAB early termination deal, coupled with GM program, which would save me quite a bit, so i looked at the SAAB Aero and fell in love with it. Black on black is a hot car. great seats and interior, although I think trunk is smaller. Miss the fold dowm back seat, but it had to be sacrificed for the pop-up rollbars. Still havent figured out the displays.