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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  2007 9-3 sedan, 6 speed manual, awesome! - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By Donatas - May 15 - 8:00 pm

  I was hunting for this car for about 2 years because I wanted it with all the options. 60th Anniv Edition came out in 07 and I decided to go for it as it had almost everything I needed. 2.0T has more than enough power and torque, and gets better gas mileage than Aero (I am not stating that Aero is not better). I get about 25 mpg in the city and 33 on the highway, and my 9-3 did not even break in yet. Not sure why people complain about cup holder in the dash, I think its absolutely fine. Bose audio system is better than last year Pioneer, but not quite up to 9-5s Harman Kardon level. Clutch is perfect! No issues so far with the car, except little rattling noise in plastics around sunroof.

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  Value to the extreme - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By ValueSports - May 14 - 10:00 am

  First of all, I paid manufacturers invoice on a new Linear with drivers package, 16" wheels, heated seats, and sunroof. I highly recommend the infotainment version of the stereo, otherwise the dash looks too bare (and somewhat cheap) with the standard Linear radio. With the rebate at the time, the car was under $25,000 and no one in there right mind can compare anything at that price point to this 9- 3. Not BMW, not Volvo (Ive owned both recently), not Audi, and not Mercedes. To put it mildly, this car is the best value available if you know how to negotiate with a dealer. If you are looking for something better, be prepared to spend well over $30k.

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  Best Saab Yet - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By captempjack - May 14 - 10:00 am

  This car is a winner. I dont know too much about GM and platforms and GrandAms, but this car is no boring, ordinary car. It is incredibly peppy and very comfortable. It also looks great in the dark colors. I drove it on a 300 mile trip and made record time, never going under 85-90 the whole way. It was a bit noisier than other cars I have had, but quieter than other Saabs. For the money, its the best in its class, I know I did the research. Get the bigger wheels, the radio is OK.

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  Great VALUE - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By drfabulous - May 7 - 5:36 pm

  Still love this car, even after 130k miles. Looks and drives like it did back in 2005, easy on gas (average high 20s), and has NEVER had a major issue. Like others have said, its a car that is unique and requires a little more work to repair, but if youre handy and willing to do research, its simple. Case in point- fixed my power steering leak for $10 in under an hour with nothing but common hand tools when a shop wanted $600, and Im by no means a mechanic. Bottom line- its fun to drive, good gas mileage, nice enough to drive to meet with clients, and people always look at it going "Ive never been in a SAAB".

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  Very Impressed - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By scotland9820 - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for a car that had great looks, was unique and relatively rare, 4 doors, and great fuel economy. This Saab was perfect. You dont see them all over the road, They have sleek lines, a very european interior, and overall I am very impressed with the way it drives, handles, rides, etc. This is a great car!

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  Awesome car - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By saabfan - May 1 - 7:03 am

  Only three weeks with the car, but loving every minute. Once you take this car home, youll think of any excuse to take it out for a drive.

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  Great Euro Drive - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By Ken E. - April 30 - 8:00 am

  For the money, this is the car especially with the smooth shifting 6-speed manual. Vehicle isnt quick off the line but plenty fast and stable at high speeds. Much improved interior for 2007, great build, awesome paint color w/ Titan Gray Metallic. Much better car in terms of fun to drive than the lower end Bimmers/Audis. Pretty good gas mileage so far at over 25 mpg mostly city.

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  A fun car to drive! - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By RRuiz - April 25 - 10:00 am

  This car is just too much fun. I love it ability to accelerate from a high speed to an even higher speed!! :o) Im going to get a lot of speeding tickets with this baby!

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  Henris joy - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By henri - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive.Great audio system and nice interior eguipment and seats with heating system.great brakes

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  I cant belive - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By BIG NORM - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Im still amazed thats its 4 banger. The handeling & acceleration are superb.