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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  Expected more... - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By e.j. - June 11 - 10:00 am

  i was sorely surprised at the poor quality of my 02 Saab 93, which i leased new. i expected much more of a $30,000 "luxury car". Ive had this car back to the dealer an average of once every couple months for constant nagging quality problems. Door handle snapped off, sunroof frame cracked when opening, spoiler popped off, etc. etc, etc. Not to mention the annoying rattles, creaks, & vibrations. My daughters 99 Cavalier rides more quietly. Really disappointed... Ill never own another one.

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  Engine Failure - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Matt - June 10 - 5:53 pm

  The engine on my 2005 Saab 9-3 has failed two times within the first 4900 miles on the odometer. The first failure occurred in June of 2005 and the problem was diagnosed as a throttle body failure. The failure results in the car accelerating extremely slow without any prior notice. The second failure occurred on July 18, 2005 when I was nearly hit making a left hand turn. The same symptoms presented without any indication that there was a failure about to occur. So be careful!

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  Great Car - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By JWR - June 10 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car about a month ago and love it. The car handles great,is fun to drive and is extremlery practical. A friend of mine owns last years 9-3 Vector has about 25000 on it and has had no problems so far.

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  Oooh baby! - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By bozsr - June 10 - 2:00 am

  Just picked this up a month ago. Got a great deal and a lot of options (because of a great cash rebate). Normally would buy a stick but my wife will also drive it occasionally and I got the automatic. The engine purs and the turbo adds lots of push at low end. Who needs the stick? Braking is great. Stereo is fine. Auto driver seat is very responsive and comfortable. Interior is quiet. Dealership is very helpful. Just got a 30 day check- up, they put on my plates, checked the systems, washed the car, vacuumed the interior. Its new all over again. Oooh Baby!

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  Honest Review - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By leviphx - June 9 - 11:34 am

  I bought this car used with 63k miles on it and havent regretted it a day since. Knowing the history of these cars however, I made sure I had an independent mechanic familiar with the brand take a look at it before I made an offer (easily worth the $150 dollars). I dont want to put anyone down, but I believe that at least half of the poor reviews this car gets are due to A) Poor maintenance by/no knowledge of previous ownership, or B) Poor maintenance by current owner. Love this car and it will love you back, simple as that. And dont buy a performance (or any other) car without a thorough inspection. Tho people I suppose have been burned by a bad car regardless of their caution I guess

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  total disappointment - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By cedegirl - June 4 - 10:00 am

  this is my 2nd saab. my first saab (2000 9-3) saved my life in a near death car accident, so i replaced it with this brand new saab (and my first brand new car). imagine my disappointment when the gas gauge broke 2 days after i had it, anthor month after that it broke again, then the locks broke and i couldnt shut my drivers side door, then the remote control stopped working, then the black plastic started pealing off the inside console, the gas gauge broke again... then to top it all off as i was going down the highway at 65mph the entire car just shut off - NO WARNING - it just stopped working. the car hass been in the shop 6 times in under 8 months!

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  This car makes you unique - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Al B. - June 3 - 11:40 pm

  Ive only had this car for about 2 months and I cant tell you how excited I get when I jump into it every morning. This is a very fun and sleek ride. It handles the turns well, manuevers with ease and when I want to kick it into overdrive I just switch over to the 5M tiptrometer. Just to tell you how well this car handles, I took it to 115 mph the other day on the hwy, and I literally didnt realize how fast I was going. Its that smooth of a ride. Yes, people told me to get a BMW 3 or an Acura TL (give me a break; but I tell you what-this car is just as good as those and the cool thing is that Im the only one I know who owns a Saab! Hows that for being cool.

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  Quick Review - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Mavv23 - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Simply put--this is by far the best GM sedan on the market. Moreover, when I matched it against the stiff entry- level luxury class, it was by far the best value for the luxury offered. But,I did have the GM discount--a whopping 3400.

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  Overwhelming experience!! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By LUV4SAAB - May 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought my new 9-3 Sport Sedan about a month ago, and let me tell you, I wish this car were out 3 years ago!! The styling of this new Saab is outstanding. This is the first Saab Ive owned, and heads are turning as I drive. The power in the Linear model is great. I love the ability to switch from auto to manual for a little more excitement in driving. The sales staff I worked with was phenomenal as well. Ive never had such a positive and honest car buying experience.

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  Style with a price - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Scott Simpson - May 25 - 7:43 pm

  It is obvious that this is a GM vehicle. I looked at audi and BMW but settled with the saab that was thousands less. But factoring in the two times I found myself on the interstate waiting on AAA and the price of the repair bills Audi or BMW would have been such a better deal. Saab also has a problem with its AIRBAGS because I was hit head on by a truck going about 30 mph and the airbags did not even deploy! Problems with softtop leaking... fuel pump, power top not working the list goes on. Buy something else or be sure you have AAA.