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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  The Best Kept European Secret - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By William Moore - September 27 - 2:00 am

  The 9-3 is fun to drive,safe, envirometally resopsible.The 9-3 is tastefull in design, subtle without being over-the-top.The interior is clean and functional.A great value...just a great car!

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  Extremely reliable even after 160,000 miles! - 2010 Saab 9-3
  By Mills - September 19 - 12:22 pm

  I purchased this car new in 2010 for $32,000. I currently have 162,000 miles on it and it has been extremely reliable. The engine runs great and so far the transmission has worked fine as well. I had to replace a drive shaft at 100K miles and a wheel bearing at 140K miles. As of today with 160K miles, I do need rear CV boots, a front vacuum pump and a transfer case seal. It would cost me approximately $1,850 to repair all of those items. I dont know if I will bother spending the money to fix these issues since I have so many miles on the car. I have to say though, it has been a fun car to drive and it has never failed me. I have always serviced it as per the manufacturers specs and Im sure thats partly why it has run so well. .... A little about me, I am 5-6" tall and the seats and cabin room are perfect for me!

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  Great Car! - 2009 Saab 9-3
  By willg - September 17 - 5:03 am

  Just like the other guy said, once you buy a Saab, you will buy one every time you buy a car. Very great car and you can pick them up cheap right now!!

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  Great car - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By jh - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Best Fun Car I have ever owned/Great!

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  The fresh new kid on the block... - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By fedomg - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Many years have passed. Now, value for the buck has a new dimension with this entry luxury car, the best in this category I´ve driven. ¿5 extra grand for a similar equiped 330I? NO WAY. One thing is clear, once again BMW will have to rise the bar, if they want to keep market share. Bravo for Saab !

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  We love it! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Gary & Melissa - September 4 - 4:23 pm

  We have enjoyed this certified Saab for almost a year now, we really do not have a bad word to say, its fun to drive and we often fight over who gets it that day!

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  My first Saab—Im in love! - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By 73spider - September 3 - 1:15 am

  To make the story short, Im in love with this car. Everything about it is so pleasing. Its distinctively beautiful inside and out, with a very attractive interior and style that I find far superior to the German cars. The handling is exceptional for so heavy a car, and the ride is very pleasant—evidence of a supple suspension setup. The more I drive it, the more I respect the work of Saab engineers and designers. Even the colors of my car, silver with parchment leather, are stunning: people comment so favorably. I feel so happy to drive this Saab!

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  Really Enjoying My Saab - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Swurvydel - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Switching from a sports car (honda s2000) to the Saab 9-3 was a big change in driving experience. Although I miss the performance of the Honda, I am throughly please with my Saab. The service after purchase is 1st class. The really know how to treat the customer. It was great to get all the luxury features of cars more expensive than the 9-3. I would recommend this car to anyone looking to get a sports sedan.

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  Nice - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Saldoman - August 28 - 3:40 am

  Overall the Saab 9-3 has delivered as expected with no complaints. The reliability, quality, performance and economy are all where there were advertised to be. I have received as high as 30 mpg on the freeway. I have 15,000 on the car and nothing has failed or needed service. The Saab is just simply fun to drive! All with a very good price on a car that is all it is advertised to be.

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  Test drive one, and yes you will buy one - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By davejobes - August 10 - 10:00 am

  Definately a "state of independence"! I test drove a lot of cars (BMW, MB, VOLVO, etc...) and was not impressed with any, until I drove the SAAB. The mixture of Swedish (scania) and american (GM) input refine this to be a joy to drive. Being a mid-30s anti- conformity punk, I was even considering the Mitsubishi Evo-8. I would have bought the EVO-8 if I was 25. I probably would have purchased the Benz if I was 50. The SAAB is the happy-medium between the Evo-8 and the C-230. I have a luxury car that will still hit the off-ramps at 70mph