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 Value @ 60K Miles 9-3 Aero - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By John L - March 9 - 2:53 pm

  Just hit 60,000 miles on the 9-3 Aero after 2.5 years - bought new. Mostly highway miles in the desert heat. Just replaced brake pads at 57,000 miles - first time the brakes required any maintenance - be careful - no squealers to alert that your brakes need replacement. Coolant tank replaced twice. Only other problem - unable to start - dealer fixed a switch that had "popped open." Car is worth the money and is fun to drive - quick, comfortable and reliable. Getting 25 mpg on highway and about 22 mpg combined city and highway.

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  1BDSAAB - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By SaabCO - March 8 - 4:50 am

  The car handles like a dream. Plenty of power and takes the mountain turns and hills like they are flat roads. Great gas mileage for a turbo. I average 30 MPG city and highway 50/50 split. Very reliable, dependable vehicle. Drives well in all conditions. I would not trade it for a Beemer/Benz/Audi. Every bit as nice as those cars but without the bloated price.

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  Jim - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Jim - March 6 - 12:06 am

  Absolultely incredible vehicle. The drive/ride is superb; the handling is absolutely the BEST and the safety is above all others. The interior electronics are far superior to any vehicle in its class and all controls are within easy reach. We checked at least 10 other supposedly comparable brand-names before visiting Saab and we were convinced the Arc was THE BEST after 30 minutes of explanation on its safety features and a test drive.

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  Fun Ride! - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By yankercranker - March 2 - 9:30 am

  I have been very impressed with this vehicle. It has great looks with the top up or down. Not too windy/noisy inside with the top down and when it is up you would not know you were in a convertible. Inside lighting at night is compromised due to no ceiling lights. Back seat is only reasonable for kids but not "real size adults. Front seats provide nice leg room (I am 62"). Saabs attention to detail is impectably obvious in the instrumentation. They do need to develop a better wood trim option and DROP the metalic one-must be the GM influence. Bottom line this a great looking/performing vehicle while still maintaining the great ergonomics Saab is known for!

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  Best car I ever Owned - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Guyod - March 2 - 2:00 am

  The car has a solid feel to it. This car loves to be driven fast. Its hard to say no. I only had the car for 6 months but I only brought it to the garage once because the brakes were squealing. Turns out nothing was wrong with the brakes but they did replace the SID display because lines were missing(Covered in warranty). I would smile every time i came up to my car in the parking lot or looked at it out my window. I regret wrecking it. Planning on getting a new one when i save the money.

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  The King of Saabs - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By Barry Abella - March 2 - 2:00 am

  This is my 4th saab (2 spgs, 1 9000 aero, and my viggen). I get more people looking at my car then other cars around. In one day I may see 5 BMW M3s but never a viggen. The speed is awsome. Since they stopped making viggens and have no plans to make an Aero soon, the viggen will reign as the king of the saabs in my opinion.

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  The SAAB - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By oscsret - February 17 - 3:06 am

  This is really a great car. The turbo charged 2 liter engine moves it down the freeway with no strain. SAAB incorporates many safety features, some of which would cost you extra on other cars.There is an active head restraint system built into the front seat headrests that I dont think any other car maker includes at all. I am a car nut and I was very impressed when I drove The SAAB for the first time.

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  Superb - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By Tyler - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Cross shopped with the A4 and 3 Series. Its a real head turner with performance to match. Very tight build quality and mileage is great. As good as a compact executive vehicle can be.

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  Worth considering strongly - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By divyesh - February 9 - 2:30 am

  I purchased this car last year. I have been searching for a small sporty sedan for a while. This has been as close to perfect a choice for me as I have found to date. I traded in a VW Passat for this and dont regret it yet. This car is worth a serious look. There have been no major problems so far at 15,000 miles. Minor problems include: a 6 disc cd changer that jammed and had to be replaced, many of the parchment interior body panels were slightly discolored on delivery, and there are a few rattles predominantly in the door panels (a bit disappointing for a $30,000 car).

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  Great Built Cars - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Purduegemini - February 6 - 4:03 pm

  This is the best car that I have ever owned. I had a problem with some of the pixels going out of my display. I took it to the dealership and they fixed that plus replaced my door handles, seat belts, lug nuts, full maintance, and the list goes on all for free!! Great built cars.