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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  Disappointed First Time Saab Owner - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By maddux111 - November 9 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive and looks good. Poor product quality. Turbo had to be replaced and the car repainted due to peeling paint. Car had less than 1500 miles on it when both occured. Customer Service Center very poor. Poor radio sound and cup holders have a tendency to spill cups. Service at the Dealership great. This car has not represented the quality that Saab markets itself as having. Great Dealership, poor product quality and poor customer service. Not worth the money. Buy a BMW!

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  sad but true - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By sadbuttrue - November 3 - 10:00 am

  I am so unbelievably disappointed in my new 93. I have always loved the look of Saabs and knew I would own one one day. To my surprise, I have had nothing but headaches from this car. I have had it in service approx 6 times now for various problems & its still not resolved. Never again.

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  3 Saabs and still going - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By saablover - November 1 - 10:23 pm

  I have owned 3 Saabs...92 -9000, 99 -9/3 and now a 05 - 9-3. Once you own one you know they just keep getting better. I feel great about my new purchase...fun to drive, tight, clean, great fit and finish! Even the wife loves it!!

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  The last time Ill ever buy a Saab - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Tom - November 1 - 4:30 am

  The car spends more time in the dealership than in the driveway. Had the CD changer replaced 3 or 4 times (I actually lost count), "Infotainment" center works only half the time, multiple sensors replaced on car, major stereo and electronic issues (too much to go into here), and other problems that are escaping me at this time. The car squeaks and rattles like a 10 year old economy car. You would think for $30k it would have been built better. Good MPG? I wish I knew the secret of these other people, I am averaging 21-24 mpg with my daily commute and having to put premium gas in, thats not good. My biggest regret is that I purchased this car. Very big MISTAKE!

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  Very Impressive - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Stevenml - October 28 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful car to own -- quiet silky ride, great passing power when you need it, very sporty looking too. For 10 Grand less than a BMW or Mercedes, which I also drove, the Saab is a steal!

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  My First Saab - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By DoninVirginia - October 25 - 2:00 am

  After researching manufacturers such as Audi and BMW, I chose the Saab Aero Convertible. My criteria included 1) fun to drive, 2) performance, 3) curb appeal, 4) amenities, and 5) price. The 2008 Aero Convertible had it all. The 6-speed manual is fun to drive, and performs like a champ. It has a great look, small on the outside, but comfortable on the inside. I love the Xenon lights and the Bose Stereo. 2008 was the right price point. And this vehicle, steel gray with black top, had been meticulously maintained, with only minor wear noted. The key fob is also really cool. Although the interior materials may not be up to others, it is not worthy of the criticims.

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  Well rounded tourer - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Paul Guinnessy - October 24 - 1:13 pm

  The 9-3 sportcombi is an excellent tourer that keeps the driver well connected to the road without fatigue. The seats are great, the safety features are best in class, and the car is nimble in traffic. Currently averaging 26 mpg in city/highway driving. The interior could be improved, which apparently happened with the later versions of the car. The car also feels more balanced that the sedan version, because of the better weight ratio (52/48 instead of 60/40 in the sedan). This has an impact on the feel of the car and how the suspension performs. The reliability has been rock solid since we leased it. Its very likely we will keep the car when the lease is up.

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  Design Perfection - Handles like new - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By SaabMe - October 23 - 7:40 am

  Just purchased a mint condition used 2002 9-3SE. This is an amazing car. While it is small and handles nimbly it has generous room for 4 plus the huge hatch area. Mileage so far has been mid-30s mpg. Amazing that they could build a fast and efficient car 8 years ago. At 205 hp this car has as almost the same power as my 2001 Boxster.

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  Great Fun - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By saabhead - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Have nothing but praise for this car. It is great fun to drive

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  Its truly great! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By AME - October 17 - 10:00 am

  Its been a year Ive had the car and I love it now as much as day 1-- very fun to drive! Im 64", 240 pounds and have chronic low and mid-back pain and one of the few seats in the world that gives me great relief is this Saabs driver seat-- it is incredibly comfortable. the room inside is great including trunk, but it is still very easy to park in the city. I love the ergonomics, love the steering wheel controls, I believe handles BETTER than 3 series Beamer and sports Lexus (it is very nimble/responsive), great breaking, love the chilled front passenger storage, and very solid acceleration.