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:

• 

  Review of my 04 - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Bret B. - March 6 - 1:23 am

  I am very satisfied my Saab 9-3 Linear.It gets unbelievable gas milage, better than the 21/30 suggests.Ive actually been getting 33-36 on the road.The engine is very smooth and quiet.My wife has an 01" 9-5 and you can really feel the sporty nature of the 9-3 when comparing the two. Oh yeah, Very comfortable seats.

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  I miss my Swede Racer =*( - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By aeropower - March 4 - 2:20 pm

  sold my 06 9-3 Aero Aug 2013 & replaced it w/a 2009 2.0T for fuel efficiency & I regret it every day. The 2.0T is plagued w/sensor probs that throw the car into limp home mode. Bought my 2.0T in Nov w/69k miles & its been in the shop 2X & will be going again next week. Ive only put 2500 mi on it. But I digress, this review is for the 06 Aero. The car was perfect for me. Sold it with 116k mi & it was still running beautifully. Needed a new radiator & some minor suspension repairs but the car still moved like it did when i bought it w/31k mi in 2008. Selling the 2.0T to look for another 06 Aero with the button dash. Feel like I gave up a child in August. haha

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  My fabulous Saab - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By lislewis - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Its so much fun to drive. The turbo gives me a six cylinder boost without having to pay the extra gas that a six cylinder would cost. It handles wonderfully in all weather (Ive never driven it in snow). Its solid and luxurious and sporty all at once. Ill probably get another Saab when my lease is up.

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  So far so good - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By FitnessCC - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Six weeks into owning the Arc, and I enjoy driving it more and more....The ride and handling are exceptional. Performance is very good, but definite turbo lag takes some getting used to. Had early problem with a couple of stalls in stop and go situations, but either break-in or dealer "reprogramming" seems to have corrected the problem. I think the car looks (and works) as good as the BMW 3-series, for thousands less. Interior is very comfortable for a car this size.

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  Pretty good - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Ac Cars - February 27 - 8:30 pm

  Wow. Thats all I can say. Wow. I mean its a pretty good car. Actually its great, its turbocharger, its performance...

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  Disappointed and waiting... - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Dissappointed ,,, - February 22 - 5:10 pm

  First off a very nice car to drive top up or down. However I have had a recurring air bag malfunction error message displayed on the info center. I have taken to dealership on five different occassions. Dealership directed me to contact Saab and has recommended that vehicle be return to manufacturer however I am still waiting. Car purchased in August 05 and as of today it has been in dealership for repair for over 50 days. Saab has agreed exchange vehicle for 2006 which has a lower price and they dont feel that I need to be compensated for the difference or aggravation. No policy to satisfy the customer. Great ride when I have it...

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  Very satisfying car - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By MJ - February 21 - 3:56 am

  This is a really nice car to drive. Its responsive, controlled and quick. From a dead stop the acceleration is normal but it has great passing power - which is really what you need. It accelerates from 40 to 65 (or more, if you dare) in a heartbeat! The ride is stiff (Aero) but very tight. Its very comfortable (Aero seats) and the power convertible top works great. No noticeable decrease in headroom. Still has trunk room with the top down. Stereo is good - sound is very true to actual.

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  turbos rule - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By red65olds - February 9 - 2:00 am

  Bought this certified used Saab from local dealer, who replaced turbo at 42K under warranty. Since then the car has driven like a dream. Drive around town in the "sport" mode for great launches and the feel of a much more powerful car--and dont pay for it at the gas pump. I test drove a used Acura TL a while back, just out of curiosity, and it felt a bit numb. Got back into the Saab and it was like driving a Euro hotrod. I feel involved when I drive this car. I might have qualms about some of the interior fittings, and the suspension is sometimes creaky in the cold, but when this car is right, it is very right.

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  Pure Excitement - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By SaabU - February 9 - 2:00 am

  I recently went out on a limb by buying the new Saab 9-3 Linear without having ever owned a Saab before. All I can say is that I feel there is no better choice that I could have made! The interior is original and the "Nightpanel" feature is awesome for touring in the Smoky Mtn. National Park at night... Through my job, I drive over 50 different makes and models of 03,04, and now 05 model cars and I have found none that match the quality and performance of my new Saab. Buy one, youll be glad you did.

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  Regrets, my last Saab - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By Egmontgirl - February 6 - 5:40 pm

  This is my second Saab and regretfully my last. The first (1995 conv) had massive battery/electrical/conv. problems and this one needed a new engine. This model has a newly found defect that Saab calls "engine sludge." They are covering this problem under the warranty but beware it decreases performance until you take it in or until it strands you on the highway. I have finally decided that it doesnt make sense for me to pay the upgrade for a performance vehicle when the performance deteriorates. Alas, it is all under warranty but the fact that it needed a new engine is going to really hurt my resale value. Ive loved these cars eventhough they proved to not be worth the luxury pricetag.