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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  Marvellous Saab - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Murf - September 25 - 2:00 am

  Saab has delivered a serious competitor to BMWs and Audis at an EXTREMELY competitive price - the 93 sports sedan is fast, safe, and packed with standard features that would cost $000s in similar European cars. Handling, agility and stylish looks are major pull factors. I test drove every car in its class and then some and for the money, there is no question that this is the leader of the pack.

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  Take a drive! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By TheLittlestElf71 - September 25 - 2:00 am

  The car is amazing. I bought it last year and it runs perfectly. Comfortable, reliable, and for those of you who would never consider a Saab in the past, you may want to start looking :).

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  Underrated and Unappreciated - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By jonathan7482 - September 23 - 12:00 pm

  A great all around car, so fun to drive. It seems like you dont even have to think to drive this car. It is humane and a breeze in the city, and can really rip it up on the open road. If it disappears, the 9-3 will go down forever as an underrated, unappreciated, and underpriced car.

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  Saab 93 2-9 months out of the lot - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By tofutel - September 13 - 12:46 pm

  After 2 months, the shift knob gets sticky. Sticky shifting gets worst when in cold weather but very smooth when outside temperature is warm or when car gets a good 5 minute warm up. This is still a fairly new car! Ive had this car for 9 months now. Since then, I had brought the car back for service repair on the electronics on the window, the static on the speakers, sticky moonroof, and a flat tire. Other than that, car drives very good. there is power when you need it.

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  The Love Affair Continues! - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Michael B. - September 10 - 11:16 am

  I sold Saab in the early to mid 90s and that is when I developed a love for these cars...all I had to do was drive one. The love affair definitely continues with this car. From the quirky center console ignition (thanks for keeping it!) to the outstanding performance, to the polished sophisticated look of the hard boot... its all good. What a great car!

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  tight control - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By binx - September 7 - 7:33 am

  This car is so responsive my husband wanted to kiss the tires. The pedals and manual shift are so tight the feeling of control is just unbelievable. Less body roll....wow! Spend your time driving!

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  Value Priced, Modest Design - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Jared - September 7 - 3:16 am

  Overall, I have been very happy with my 2006 Saab 9-3. Coming from a late model BMW, the differences were dramatic in ride, handling, computer interface and interior design. I have been more than satisfied in all areas. My primary concern with the car is the road noise inside of the cab, however; putting everything that could be a concern into perspective, road noise is really not a big deal.

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  After a year. . .still in love - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Tim W - August 30 - 5:30 am

  I have had my Saab for a full year and over 24000 miles, and it still performs as if I had bought it last month. My regular commute takes me on highways, city streets, and curvy backroads and my Saab handles each with alacrity, even in poor weather conditions. I am attracted to Saab for the trifecta of great performance, ample trunk space, and comfortable passenger room; it is rare to find all three in a single vehicle! As far as reliability issues, I have had only two minor issues in a year: a torn door gasket (which was my own fault) and a faulty sensor on the external temperature guage which did not hamper performance. My dealership fixed both promptly and under warranty.

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  2005 Saab 9-3 Linear - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By 1BDSAAB - August 30 - 4:50 am

  Car drives like it is on rails. Very fast and accelerates quickly. Turns heads everywhere. BMW, Audi, and Mercedes dont compare for the cost.

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  New Saab Owner - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Rod626 - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Overall an excellent car, ive had it for 3 months and already put 10k miles on it with no problems.