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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  Wonderful touring convertible - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Bristol - December 31 - 12:10 am

  Very good mileage, extremely high fun-to-drive quotient, intuitive controls, plethora of options at a very reasonable lease or used-car purchase price. Many cold-weather features make it a true 4-season vehicle. Good trunk space for a convertible. Opening/closing top is a spectator event. Auto with manual shifting helps the acceleration and overcomes the lack of low-end torque. When turbo kicks in, the high-pitched whine and burst of speed is exhilarating. Comfortable seating, much-improved visibility. Safety features are industry-leading (popup rollbars, best crash test scores). Rear-seat access is improved, although seating is tight.

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  Solid fun convertible - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By 3rdSaabCvt - December 26 - 3:56 am

  This is my 3rd Saab convertible and its great. Nice balance of performance and economy. Ride and handling are way, way better than my previous ones. GM Ecotech engine could be more powerful but is extremely smooth and balanced. Interior is a downgrade from previous cars. Guages look cheap and SID information display was better when at eye level instead of buried in speedometer, but seats are super comfortable seats. Fuel economy is much better than EPA estimates. Im getting 23 in town with AC on and 29 in my daily commute which is 80% highway, again with AC on. Fog lights should be standard and hidden exhaust pipe is cheap, should have polished tips. Great soft top - high quality.

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  Car needs improvement - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By saabisbad13 - December 25 - 4:26 pm

  Electronics are not well integrated. Cannot open truck without using remote or by opening car from inside trunk release. Many rattles and other minor issues still exist after more then two years trying to find/fix them. Engine burns oil, Saab unwilling to fix problem. Two oil consumption tests indicated car burned 2 qts in 4000 miles, and 3/4 of a qt in first 1250 miles of next test and then additional 1/8 qt in next 1900 miles). Saab says it is normal to burn 1 qt per 2000 miles, this is outrageous. This is a GM company wide statement to boot. There are better cars for the same money. This is how GM proves why they are going out of business.

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  S-hameful A-utomobile A-lways B-roken - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By Used2LoveSaabs - December 25 - 3:50 pm

  I bought my Saab used in 03 with 52000 miles on it, expecting to keep it for 10 years. The car has been a constant repair nightmare and all issues are apparently well known problems with this model. The worst issue has been the engine completely blowing at 96,000 miles due to "sludge" build-up. It cost me about $7,000 to replace mine. I have been stranded twice due to DI cassette failure and twice for serpentine belt failure. I have also had to replaced the AC compressor. Do not buy!

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  saabjsb - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Joanne Braun - December 23 - 2:03 pm

  I love the way this car looks and the way it drives. Handles very well and the convertible top is easy to operate. Has a very solid feel on the road and good pick-up. Tilt wheel lever is hard to reach, as it is underneath the steering wheel.

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  Awesome...my second Convertible Saab - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By SAAB for me Baby - December 22 - 10:00 am

  This is my second SAAB. My first Saab 900 SE Turbo was a 1997 and I drove it for three years . In Winter, I drove right by BMWs during our major blizzards and watched them spin their wheels . The seats that first drew me to the car. They are so comfortable.. I am also 63" and fit nicely into the SAAB with leg room to spare. Performance-wise the new 2003 is a better handling car. The cat back sport exhaust growls and shell stay with or pass most cars. They build this particular car on the same assembly line as the Porsche Boxster...a little known Fact.

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  Best car for the Money, If you can fix it yourself - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By mrdotkom - December 19 - 1:14 am

  If youre not a mechanic you bought the wrong car. If, like myself, you enjoy working on your car and dont mind changing ignition coils on the side of the highway in a hail storm you can get a great value on this car. I bought this car after the previous owner failed to diagnose the blown ignition cassette. After ~$150 bucks I got a great deal on it. The CEL lights most people are reporting are as a result of non-OE specific spark plugs. Most people spend too much money at the shop and not enough time learning about proper maintenance and service. This car has never been in the shop since Ive owned it and for the next 50k miles I expect it to be somwhere between my garage and the highway

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  Great Value! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By danmc - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I drove the BMW 325, MB C230 Sedan, Acura TSX and Audi A4 before deciding on the 9-3 Linear. I drove the Arc with a sport suspension as well but teh car did not seem as integrated as the Linear. Got the touring and drivers packages for a great price when GM was doing cash rebates in August. I really wanted a European car so the TSX was out and the rest just cost too much equipped as well as the Saab. Car drives great. Plenty of power for the freeway merges and gets great gas mileage.

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  GM cant build Saab - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By Glickchick - December 9 - 2:00 am

  This is the second Saab I have leased. The difference between the last car and this one appears to be that GM has taken over production. It is appointed only slightly better than a Chevy and is considerably less reliable and performance-oriented than my last Saab. Of specific concern is the suspension; it is too low and the car is prone to flat tires and suspension problems.

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  Lots of Miles; Lots of Fun! - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By zztopgun - December 7 - 2:00 am

  This Saab 9-3 is a solidly built quality vehicle. The handling is responsive and the styling exceeded my expectations.