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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  Solid vehicle - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By mia709 - May 2 - 2:00 am

  This is a very well made car, it is very much a Saab in all the ways that I can see. I have owned a 900 for the pst 5 years and there are many marked improvements over the old cars. True that it may have a few more GMesque tendancies, but thats because I believe Saab has a few more resources and idea pools to pick and choose from. I am enjoying this car more than any other other car Ive driven thus far; if word gets out about how nifty of a vehicle Saab has engineered, its possible that Saab may not be able to keep up with demand for the first time in a long time.

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  Steel Gray Hunchback - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By robg3176 - April 28 - 11:10 pm

  My wife called it a hunchback, so it is my Steel Gray Hunchback. Was looking around for another car actually, and test drove it, didnt feel right, and the one I wanted was sold. But I saw this one, and it had tint and a built in alarm. I was looking for utility, such as a hatchback to lug things around. 4 doors too. I also required better gas mileage since gas prices were sky rocketing. Also, power with torque to go up hills and turns. Alas, I test drove this 2002 Saab 9-3 SE: has leather seats, and more power than normal. It is a 4cylinder turbo auto, more economical than a 6cyl, with just as much power because of the turbo. Driving it ever since and my wife and I love it.

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  Joyful car - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Eurozone - April 27 - 10:00 am

  Had it for about a month now, I still enjoy every trip in this car. It looks really good from the front and side, and alright from the back. The interior is very cozy with good quality materials. The seats are superbly comfortable, the controls and gauges are quite good. The stereo is good but the bass is a bit weak (no subwoofer). Great handling gives amazing feeling of control, the car feels very light and nimble. Great breaks, nice shifter and pretty good power from the engine. Turbo a bit lazy at low end, but gives very good response afterwards.

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  SAAB 9-3 linear w/launch package - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Mambo - April 27 - 10:00 am

  This is my first SAAB, and I was thinking about the BMW 325i as the other alternative. After driving the SAAB, I liked it a lot more than the BMW, and it was $7k less, and it gets much better gas mileage. I am truly enjoying the car and I have got a lot of complements, especially from BMW owners. I cant say enough good things about the car.

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  Best Car Ever!!!! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Orangeman - April 27 - 10:00 am

  Have owned it for a week + Love it! It was the best decision I ever made buying this car. I test drove BMW325 XI (all wheel drive) Jaguar Xtype- This car is so much better looking and more fun to drive.

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  One Month with Vector - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By SaabVector - April 27 - 10:00 am

  I picked up my Vector last month, it is my first Saab and I it is great. I did a ton of research, narrowed my selection down to the Vector and the G35. After driving each car I knew that the Saab was the clear choice. Amazing acceleration, looks great, and is a blast to drive.

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  Best in its Price range - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Saabdriver6 - April 26 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car and truly outperforms in terms of quality all other cars in its pricerange. You really have to drive a Saab to fully understand what a great vehicle it is.

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  Great car - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By jcworrel - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Saab is still making improvments on a great car. Ive always liked Saabs since I owned my first 1987 Saab 900S. I am still impressed with the overall quality of the car and the great handling. To say that GM has ruined Saab is a very misinformed statement. Test drive one and see for yourself. Also, to say that it drives on a Grand Am platform is also inaccurate. More accurately, the Grand Am will be fortunate enough to ride on a Saab platform. Lucky for Pontiac since this car handles superbly and Grand Ams handling leave much to be desired. I would know since thats what I traded in for this Saab.

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  Ill Really Miss this Car - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By RBG - April 25 - 5:50 am

  Purchased new and drove it for 10 years and 187,000 miles. I expect it had another 100,000 miles in it. It ended service prematurely after it was rear ended. The vehicle did its job and all occupants walked away with no or very minor injuries. Thanks engineers and assemblers! Ill really miss this car. It did so many things well-a good blend of design, performance, build quality, economy and utility. And it was FUN to drive everyday. Others correctly point out proper routine maintenance is required. Its not necessarily expensive. Like all vehicles Saabs have quirks and some common part failures. To me they were either endearing or minor annoyances. Im looking for another one.

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  Great Car - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Joe Ausanio - April 19 - 7:43 pm

  I have always been a Honda owner, i went to drive this car cause my friend said worked at the dealership..I remember Saabs as boxy looking doofy cars...I get a lot of compliments on this car.. Its lines are better than the BMW 3 series and the Mercedes Benz series.....It has performed better than i expected and the turbo engine is plenty fast enough....This car rocks