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:

• 

  Great car - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By GJP - November 28 - 10:36 am

  Very nice clean interior. Runs very well on the highway. If you drive in a lot in traffic, get the auto. It also has great a/c. The more options you get, the more confusing the driver controls become but for 07 they have simplified everything with a new dash and radio. The car gets better mpg than its rated mpg on the highway. Great all around car.

• 

  Happy camper in Wisconsin - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By sdettmann - November 25 - 4:43 am

  Purchased used (off lease) late in 2008 when Saab looked like it might not survive. Great buy. Car had been very well cared for, and dealer was able to provide a complete service record. Car is solidly built and remarkably quiet with the top up. While no sports car, it is quite peppy and fun to drive. Some turbo lag, so it is important to keep the RPMs up around 3000 if you want to go fast. Comfortable interior in the front. I am 62" and have plenty of room above my head, even with the seat elevated to its highest position. You can put adults in the back seat, if they have no feet or legs (good for children in car seats though.) Have driven the car 30,000 in two years, with no problem

• 

  No better ragtop for the price - 2009 Saab 9-3
  By Ken Krutsch - November 20 - 5:23 pm

  Love my Saab convertible. Went from a Mercedes C-class to a 9-3 Bumblebee Yellow 2.0T convertible. I miss the acceleration of the MB, but the Saab 2.0T is not off by much. The handling actually seems to be improved from the 2006 C-class, possibly due to the shorter wheel base and ReAxis feature (passive turning rear wheels). I get a lot of looks in this car, which is fun, and the subtle design bells and whistles are everywhere. For example, with the top down, either in hot or cold weather, the climate control seems to just magically adjust all of the settings for a comfortable ride - including the automated heated seats. You can tell this is a car designed by people that live in the snow

• 

  Gorgeous but unreliable - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By befar - November 20 - 9:06 am

  Let me start with the good. The car is fabulous to drive. I have owned Mercedes, Lexus, Honda, and older Saabs in the past and this is by far the most fun car to drive. It is also more comfortable then most of my friends (they drive BMWs, Mercedes, and Lexus). Now for the bad, I have had the car less than four months and it is going in for warranty work the SEVENTH time this week. The total days spent in the shop for various build problems is over 24. Weather stripping, windows off tracks, A/C issues and leather cracks are just the beginning of the list. I have 6000 miles on it and can tell you this car only is good if it is not your only source of transportation.

• 

  My Lord, Saab comes out of nowhere!!!! - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By CobtheCrazed - November 15 - 2:00 am

  I was searching for a used convert. for a couple of months. At first I liked the Boxter, then the BMW, the the Mercedes SL. At no time did I even think of the Saab. I went to the dealer after my sister told me about a sale going on, I said, why not, they are cool looking cars and they fit with my snobby job in banking. Let me tell you, I had a ball testing this thing. From the ease of the convert. top to the turbo boost and the little S button for extra speed. I bought a 2002 model that same day and I wound up getting a bumper to bumper warrenty until 2009 or 100,000 miles. Final cost before tax, $27,000. Simply Amazing car.

• 

  Awesome Car! - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By JoeyDropTop - November 8 - 10:30 am

  I am so happy with my purchase! I have been interested in this 93 for some time now! I shopped for a while, compared, and I am glad to say that my New Saab is amazing! Fun to drive, and FAST for a 4 cylinder! LOVE the turbo! Love the remote top down! And gotta love the ICE BLUE color!

• 

  Young mans sport sedan - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By Brian - November 8 - 4:36 am

  XWD, six-speed manual really make this car fun. It tracks very well in the snow and ice. It rides hard, even over medium quality metro freeways. So much so that on one bump I was tossed upward in the car and hit my head on the ceiling. I have been known to grunt in anticipation of road bumps. Maybe this is because of my bad back and age 43. I had an 87 Saab 900S several years ago in my youth and loved it. My new Saab is fast and fun to drive on smooth roads, but I may have bitten off more than I can chew. A loaded Accord would have been a better choice for me. Discounts made the car affordable, but I anticipate reliability will be below average; its in the shop as I write this review.

• 

  One of the better cars for the money - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By bnkharris - November 4 - 10:00 am

  I traded a 2000 Volvo S40 for this Saab. My first choice was the all new S40, but noticed a little more turbo lag than Id have liked, and they are not yet available with manual shift. For the price difference with options the 9-3 is a no brainer coupled with the deals and incentives offered. Its got to be one of the best values out there for this price segment. Nice looking, fun to drive car with lots of safety features.

• 

  Not like all the others - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By jag2 - October 29 - 10:00 am

  I was in the market for a "near luxury" sedan to replace my 98 Audi A4. Since the new Audi A4 3.0 is close to, and can exceed $40k, I looked elsewhere. My parents had a Saab in the early 80s and I always liked its uniqueness. The 9-3 Aero definitely has Saab uniqueness. It is surprisingly quick for a 4 cylinder, and the turbo lag is quite minimal. I particularly like the styling and I am glad Saab did away with the hatchback. The interior is very comfortable and the car handles very well. The suspension is stiff, so if you want a softer ride get the Arc.

• 

  Awesome, third new Saab in 3 years - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By awesome car - October 25 - 5:10 pm

  The car is awesome and the engineering is incredible. The car is for my wife and I am very confident in the safety and reliability of the car. Picked up the car and drove it 3000 miles for christmas vacation and enjoyed it totally. Lots of power and very comfortable. I am 63" and 320lbs and would drive cross country without any reservations of comfort, performance, handling, fuel economy, and safety.