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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  Saab is good for you - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By muratd - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought a Saab 93. It has many standart options and also safety features such as ABS, side airbags... It is a fast car, no turbo lag as others claim. I like its style, it is different from the other mass market cars. Hope the new model will be as quirky as the current one.

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  Cant Rave Enough - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By PJL - December 4 - 4:46 am

  I bought this car because the price was right and my dad, a longtime Saab enthusiast, suggested it. Three months later, I am nothing but thrilled with my new Saab 9-3 Arc. The turbo and pep are incredible. Every so often I look down at the spedometer and freak out because I somehow got it up to 80 without realizing it. The seats are very comfortable and the smooth but tight ride surpass anything I anticipated. After a roadtrip through New England, my boyfriend confessed he liked my car better than his Audi. People that questioned my purchase have all done 180s once they have a chance at the wheel. Plus, you dont look like every other generic car on the road.

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  Great used car value! - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By ryno - December 3 - 2:00 am

  My 9-3SE HO 5sp is a great drivers car with impressive acceleration, ample cargo space, and loads of standard options. It is amazing how much this car depreciates in value in the first few years, but this makes it a great used car value.

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  Saab 9-3 Vector - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By cheerboy23 - December 3 - 2:00 am

  This car is really fun to drive, very unique, and styled awesome. I love the car, but it is very unreliable. It has been in to service 8 times in the 8 months that i have owned the car. It has left me stranded multiple times and I do not trust its reliability. The interior has aged far too quickly in the short time that I have owned it. I regret the purchase of the Saab and I wish that I could get rid of it. Other that those things, the car is great.

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  great car - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By carol - November 29 - 10:00 am

  It has been a great car to own with little or no problems.

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  I love my HO Saab!!! - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Ana - November 28 - 7:10 am

  I come from a family that have owned Saabs before I was born. This is my first Saab. I have had it over a year in Chicago and love it. It performs excellent in the snow. People can actually sit in the back seat. I was planning to keep it for just the summer, but now I cant get rid of it. The only problems have been a headlight and my A/C fan. At my last tune up they said everything looked great. I highly recommend the HO 9-3.

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  1st Saab, not the last - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By New Saab Fan - November 27 - 10:00 am

  For anyone considering a Nissan V6 Altima/Maxima, even a V6 Accord or Camry; this car is definately worth a test drive. Saab always offers factory incentives that effectively reduce the MSRP LOWER than these LESSER cars. The 9-3 with 5-speed is selling around $24- 25K USD. The price of a fairly loaded V6 Altima is $28K and your stuck with an Altima. The Saab 9-5, contrary to what most believe, start around $28-29K with the incentives. Both are worth the time of a quick test drive.

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  Gas Mileage - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Thayer - November 17 - 11:56 pm

  This car has the feel and handling of a car that costs 10K more. I read much about the sound system being sub- par and went in with the plan of replacing it with a top notch system... truth is it is fine just get the primium sound package. The turbo makes the steep passes here in Colorado seem like hills and the increased elevations have zero effect on its power (again the turbo). The car does not burn off the line but at about 40-50 hold on. Handling superior to the Volvo 60, roomier than the Audi 4 and options dont kill your pocket book like the Mercedes C class.

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  So far, so good. - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By JK - November 13 - 11:13 am

  Picked up a 9-3 from the factory in Sweden. Highly recommended for the experience and the savings. I compared the 9-3 to the Audi A4 and BMW 3 series. Ultimately chose the Saab because I knew friends who loved their Saabs and my previous car was an entry level model that got me in to a nicer car, but lacked most of the features which makes driving nice cars worthwhile. With all the options I wanted the other cars were close to 40K, e.g. real leather is an pricey extra on 3 series. The 9-3 Arc with nearly all the options came in just above 30K. So far I love it, the only thing that worries me is finding a good mechanic in a couple of years when things inevitably break.

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  One great Saab! - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By Guy - November 11 - 6:26 pm

  As a repeat Saab owner, the logical choice was to see what the new line-up had. Coming from a 9-5 I felt the 9-3 was an equal in quality and had a fresher look to the dated 9-5. The SportCombi 9-3 was a winner. The car is a hoot to drive and I know that Saab has built a very reliable car here thats stylish. Good going GM and Saab.