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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  93 is an over-priced Passat!! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By YSaab? - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Ive been shopping for an entry-level lux cars for about two weeks, and just test drove 93 recently. This skinky car shouldnt even be mentioned with the likes of Lexus IS300, BMW 3s, and Audi A4. Simply put, this car lacks power and its interior looks dirt cheap (like GM Cavaliers). To aggrevate my already disappointed experience, its sleazy salesman told me that you CAN NOT get an automatic transmission option without getting Launch package first, and quoted a price of $31K!!?#. I bet those people who gave 93 a 10 pts, didnt even test drove BMW or Lexus, or must be insane! Get Lexus like I did.

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  I love my Saab - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Lucy Florses - October 24 - 3:53 pm

  I bought this car new, I had 1 problem with it took it to the dealer, they fixed it. The problem is with a rattle but I have never heard from it since. I love the turbo, it makes you think its a v6. I still get around 32 on highway and 24-29 in town. I never had any electrical problems with it. I have about a 2 hour drive each day and it has suited well. I will always drive saab from now on, this is my second one, the last one was crushed by a drunk driver with my daughter driving, she walked away without a cut.

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  Saab 9-3 Convertible - the Freedom Machi - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By The Polar Bear - October 23 - 10:00 am

  Finally theres a car that reflects how I feel, free, in for a challenge, OUT THERE and totally comfortable when I just feel like taking a ride home in the sunset. With a cup of coffee in the cup holder, and some jazz on the high powered stereo, I call it a mix between a vehicle and a Peets Coffee coffee shop. Brilliant - again!

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  2003 Saab 9-3 Convertible - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By SMann - October 23 - 10:00 am

  Great car for most local driving and when you want to go out for a "fun" drive. The lack of a center arm rest makes it uncomfortable on a long haul.

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  Uniquely Saab- Seattle - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By josh - October 20 - 7:13 am

  We have enjoyed this car for 4 years. We have never had a problem and dont expect one.We drive it in all weather coditions- No Problem. No better investment then owning a ragtop in Seattle. We are considering replacing it with a new 9.3 conv.. Dealership experience has been exceptional. I scratch my head wondering why Saabs depreciate as they do. They are a great buy for the money.If you are a educated and responsible owner and service your car appropriately, as we have, then Saab is your car.

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  hard to knock it - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Robjc123 - October 18 - 5:43 pm

  I have had this car almost 2 years. I wondered if I should have gotten an Audi instead HOWEVER after I saw the crash test rating I was in love again with the SAAB. It does what is does well. Drive is nice, handling fun and technically I cant complain. Not one thing wrong aside from some pinch protection issues I had to keep going back for in the windows. I may get an Audi someday but for now I find it hard to knock this SAAB and I DO enjoy it.

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  Best car I have owned... - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By misplacedyankee - October 12 - 12:20 pm

  Viggen is a rocket. Great car with awesome utility. I highly recommend a Saab 9-3 to anyone and cannot wait to buy another Saab.

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  My Saab has been a great purchase - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Harmiclir - October 12 - 4:36 am

  I had a few minor problems in the first year but since then, nothing. Granted, its a fairly low-mileage car but it rides well and has been reliable. I still get compliments on the way it looks. I have no idea how the problems with GM cutting Saab free will play out or affect future value but so Im glad I bought the car and have never understood the concerns raised by many old-time Saab-snobs.

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  Drive one & you just might buy one! - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By barry - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Surprised from the start, this is a true lux. vehicle with true sports feel. Wish it was a stick, though, would really be fun to drive.

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  Well Balanced Car with Everything - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By vxm8 - October 9 - 10:00 am

  The new Saab 9-3 is the perfect blend in this class of distinctiveness, luxury, performance, styling and overall comfort. It presents the best handling chassis used by Saab and thus improvement in overall driving is tremendous. The amount of standard features in this prices range are enormous and I would have this car in my garage any day over a 3-Series, Audi, or C-Class. Understated, subtle elegance with enough uumph under the hood to make you smile!!