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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  Saablover - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Lukas - July 2 - 5:33 am

  Superb dream car! Ive always loved these autos and I was not wrong buying this one. Swedish perfection! No problems at all! I bought it w/ 50,000 miles and now I ended w/ 122,000 - maintenace free w/ oil change. Unfortunately I was rearended by a drunk driver and my passion (Saab) was totaled. The car was totaled but nothing happened to me. I would recomend this car to anybody - simply perfect vehicle, reliable, beautiful, no words...

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  Bring the Viggen Back !! - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By Vanmark - June 25 - 6:20 pm

  Hi Everyone, This review is dedicated to SAAB (GM), This car was a marvelous achievement especially with a 4 cylinder engine generating so much power, great fuel economy and low emissions. The bottom line is SAABs turbo engines rule. It dont matter how you cut it !! and by the way I love the exterior styling with the hatch back, its SAABs unique finger-print and its highly functional, its a sports car, its almost a station wagon its great for a family and it cranks 230 bhp from a 4 cylinder engine that can easily be tuned to produce 300 bhp.

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  Great Saab! - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Saabie - June 15 - 1:13 am

  Car handles much better than previous models. Dealer incentives make this a tremendous lease / purchase.

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  Excellent value, fun to drive sport/lux - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By J - June 14 - 8:40 am

  I love how this car drives. Very sporty and fun yet not hash. 2.0T has good power even with automatic. Excellent styling!

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  Very pleased with purchase - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By pixie777 - June 8 - 8:26 pm

  Ive only had my Saab 9-3 for a week but I absolutely love it! I think that people are negative about Saabs because not very many people own them. It comes equipped with many standard features that you pay handsomely for with the BMW 325i - which I test drove also. Its comfortable, the drive is very smooth and I love the exterior design of it. I was looking for a compact sedan with that special "something." My friends and family love it. If you are considering a Saab, please test drive one. You will not be disappointed!

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  Great Car - 2009 Saab 9-3
  By slosh64 - June 7 - 1:20 am

  Just purchased a new 2009 9-3 Comfort loaded. Xenon, tiptronic, sun roof, bluetooth, heated seats,... Sticker was $38k, paid $22k. Im amazed by this car! its fast, fun to drive, comfortable, quiet, and Im getting 32 MPG on my 100 mile per day commute. If GM does the right thing and sells the brand I WILL buy another one. Weve been a Volvo family for years but this Saab blows Volvo away (weve owned 5 Volvos)

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  Better Than A BMW! - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Mallfada - June 6 - 11:36 pm

  I have had 2 BMWs in the past, and after my last experience with BMW, decided a change was necessary! I truly love this car! It has these tiny features to be grateful for, like a rear fog light, a glove box to keep items cold, the manual buttons on the steering wheel, and the pockets for storage on the front seats, along with many others!! The back leaves little space when the driver and passenger need more room in the front. Overall, would never go back to a BMW! GM please dont change any body styling, its perfect as it is, thank you for a great car!!

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  Better Value - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By aero_joe - June 4 - 2:50 am

  This is my first Saab after owning 2 Audi A4s. Ive always loved the exterior styling of Saabs but never thought about owning one until this year when my lease on my last Audi was nearly complete. I looked at both Audis and BMWs but chose the Saab because it provided me the power, performance, styling and comfort for a lot less than the comparable Audi and BMW models. The real factor was the new 2.8 turbo V6 engine which gives this car the performance equal to the much more expensive 330i and the 3.2 A4.

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  Great looks, fun to drive - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By plasticmoz - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Probably the best looking sports sedan out there for my money. Very classy interior design and comfortable ride. Few minor build quality issues which is expected with a first year model. The high-pressure turbo engine (2.0L) is very nippy and accelerates very well especially through the high gears. I added the sports body kit to my Arc and would recommend it (or just get the Vector) as it really completes the look of the car, together with the low profile tires (available with the sports pkg. on the Arc/Linear). Recommended for those shopping for a SS around 30K and who are looking for something different.

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  2nd Saab - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By Previous owner - May 9 - 10:00 am

  I am very satisfied with my 02 9-3 SE. This is my first automatic Saab and its just as peppy as my 99 9-3 was in a 5-speed. I enjoy the benefits of traction control and On-Star in this new model. Cant say enuf to praise the car or the dealership, Just Saab. They go out of their way to please the customer. The old saying that the customer is always right applies here.