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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  Update to 10/28/2006 & 7/21/2006 Reviews - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Jyerka - December 7 - 10:06 pm

  I have put a few years of road tripping and hauling mountain bikes and snow boards in this car, still fun to drive. (~50Kmiles) Turbo is excellent now that I have moved to Denver (5500ft.). I can drive it in the snow easily- advantage being I grew up in the snow, I was more worried about having 17" wheels. No mechanical or electrical problems, exterior and interior have held up well against rough use. No change in gas mileage, I saw an increase when moving to CO (not sure why). Useful tools and jack, I use the cargo cover at trail heads. Only worry is brakes are weak for about 30 seconds after starting car, weird.

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  My Saab 9-3 - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By mbest - December 4 - 8:43 am

  If you want a car thats fun to drive, nimble and responsive this is a great car. If you need to have a large interior with room to move around, it isnt for you. I guess you have to sacrifice something for the fun. Once you get used to it, you may never want to drive anything else.

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  More unique than a BMW - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Cully - December 3 - 10:00 am

  Look like a BMW, handles almost as well but you wont seen another at the stop light.

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  9500 Exciting Miles - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Jwbania - December 3 - 10:00 am

  Very nice car! Quite a looker both inside and out. Turns heads and gets comments. Great Factory wheels on the Aero! Turbo is fantastic for passing and handling is probably as good as it gets for a front wheel drive factory car. Hand to take it in once for a faulty air valve, but was a minor problem.

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  Great car - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By kilo - November 27 - 6:06 pm

  30+ mpg, smooth ride, plenty of power, great visibility, loaded with features, zero repairs over 1 year ownsership. Tons of room to haul anything both in car and on top. We drive this car on 17 hr trips to Michigan - seats very comfortable. Dont think a better wagon for the money exists on the market.

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  Solid, fun, luxurious... great value - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Rodrigo - November 24 - 2:00 am

  This is my third saab... and I do the test drives of all the cars on my price range every time my lease comes up. I have yet to be lured to other brands (american or foreign). Cheaper than BMWs, Mercedez, etc... and a lot classier than Buick, olds, etc...

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  A fine car - overlooked by consumers and reviewers alike - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By carter63 - November 23 - 4:49 am

  Im 59" / 160lbs, btw I owned a 99 SAAB 9-3 for 11 years and replaced w/ this car. Tho a SAAB owner, I wasnt very impressed with the prior 9-3...this one is better. Seats B: Prior 9-3 was an A+ perfect Handling B/A: I love the light steering touch, but the sport suspension is jouncy. Revised new rating with addition of Bilstein HD dampers & 3pt undercarriage brace. Interior A: Old school SAAB charm Exterior A: Outstanding Hauling B+: Good use of space for gear Mileage C: City - 17mpg / Hwy 26.4 (w/500lbs of occupants & luggage: 500mi journey on I5 in California; 60 degree weather, traveling 72mph on cruise) Brakes B: They work, but have GM spongy feel with pulsing ABS at work

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  I love it! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By lindasmith3 - November 19 - 10:00 am

  All the luxury features available on the more expensive 9-5 on a brand new platform. Outstanding safety features (5 star European safety rating), luxurious interior, highly computerized with customized "profiler" settings, convenient location of computer read-out, plus a lot of "quirky" but fun features. The zippy turbo engine on the Arc,improved audio system along with more options makes it a definite step up from the Linear 9-3.

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  Finally got it - Saab Aero Sportcombi - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Jerry - November 17 - 3:43 pm

  When I first saw the pictures in the 2005 Geneva Auto Show, I knew this was the Saab I had been waiting for. The SportCombi provides the utility I need, the luxury appointments I desire, and exclusivity that flies in the face of homogenized convention. I finally picked up my vehicle Jan 2007 and feel safe, secure, and proud.

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  Great car - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Mark - November 12 - 3:10 am

  I got my 9-3 SportWagon Aero (2.8L) two weeks ago. The car is very sharp - accelerates great, handles great. Interior quality is not Lexus level, but beats my other car (Honda Accord).