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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  My second Saab, still love them - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By NedSlc - July 17 - 7:06 pm

  Got it with 28.000 on it a year ago, has 45.000 now, 0 problems so far (I did replace Death-Cool with Pentosin G12) SID is showing 35 Mpg (50% of my driving is freeway), not as fast as my old 9000 Aero, but I am very happy with the way it drives (took off-ramp with speed limit of 45 at 90 Mph few times). We have some snow in Utah (SLC), and I think it handles as well if not better than my old Subaru Outback with all-season Michelins, guess you have to know how to drive in the snow. It has that 300W sound system, and if adjusted right, sounds better than Bose in my friends 2007 Maxima (he himself said so), so I dont understand all the complaints.

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  Driving is fun again - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By double d - July 16 - 6:56 pm

  My wife and I recently bought a still new 08 convertible for our fun car (at a very good price). The cars we drive for work are good but boring. Not so with the Saab. Im having a blast driving it. I havent had this much fun driving in many, many years. Always looking for an excuse to drive anywhere, especially with the top down. The car is nimble and has a nice throaty exhaust - so different from the Asian cars Ive owned. Exterior styling is not as thrilling as other cars in its class but thats OK because its unique styling has a timelessness about it that should make it a pleasure to own for many years.

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  The Best Car - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Sheena - July 16 - 10:00 am

  My Silver Vector has 3800 miles on it and I love driving it. I get a lot of complaints from many of my friends. Everyone seems to love the body kit on the car. There is not much turbo lag but the car does take a second to get going after you hit the gas pedal. The sport seats are perfect for sharp turns.

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  Be careful... - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By JCool - July 16 - 10:00 am

  After 1800 miles a new transmission unit was installed because the last one caused a loud grinding noise when shifting into second gear. At around 4300 miles, the same EXACT problem with tranmission happened again. The second time my car was worked on, the problem was actually worse. The problem only occurs when the engine is cold. In addition, "engine malfunction" light has come on twice. Power seats didnt work properly. The radio has messed up. A headlight has gone out. All this with less than 5000 miles.

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  Great Car - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Chris - July 12 - 4:00 pm

  i ws not planning to buy a car. Drove it while my VW was in service, and had to get it. Never thought I would have a Saab. Drove the 325i, A4, and C230 Sport and bought this. Maybe not quite a 325, but a lot of car for the price. Handles good, and is fun to drive. Car has great gas mileage for the "funness" of it. Better than the 2004 Passat I traded in.

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  No disappointment here! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Red Saab 9-3 - July 11 - 10:13 pm

  Great balance of above average performance,comfort,design,and fuel economy. 28-30 combined mpg with mainly hwy driving. Other than turbo lag with hard acceleration from a stop or out of a turn, nothing about my 9-3 disappoints. Substantial power,and with power heated seats,rain-sensing wipers,parking assist,dual ACC,OnStar,and wheel-mounted audio controls,the 9-3 pampers. With new Michelin Pilots, I experience a stable, quiet and responsive ride at all speeds. Brakes are exceptional, although a little touchy until you adjust to them. As far as design, it turns a few heads and you dont see yourself coming and going. When heading out with family or friends, I always say "Ill drive!".

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  Shameful - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By getts45 - July 11 - 8:06 pm

  I would expect a lot more out of a car that claims to be an upperscale car. Been a constant nightmare since purchased. While driving it home from the dealer it broke down- $300 repair. Two months later again. $700 repair. then twice more each over $150 repairs. It rides clunky, choppy and stiff, rattles and the body hardware is terrible: door jams wear easily, under the wheelwells wear to the bare metal, and the only good thing is the power and fuel economy and the looks of it. Stay away from this car!

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  Last Saab Ill buy - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Avi8jazz - July 8 - 10:00 am

  Pros: 6 Speed manual gives us 37 mpg on hwy at 75 mph. Trunk is a LOT bigger than it looks from the outside. Fun to drive. Cons: Replacing left headlight takes practice (dealer charges $90). Windows regulator is defective(bad design) $450/window. SAI Check valve $180 needs a biannual check. If it fails, condensation floods the SAI Pump $600 (current issue). Check Eng. light only goes out when the bulb burns out. No AUX input for iPod connectivity (had to buy a third party $75).

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  My first Saab and probably my last - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By RJR - July 7 - 6:40 pm

  I always liked Saab, so I leased this car in 2006 for 27 months. Its a very nice car for the buck, but I wouldnt buy one. Thats just my personal preference but my sixth sense told me that this car would cost a lot of cash to maintain for the long haul. Drives great, handles great. The turbo 2.0L engine is sluggish with the A/C on full blast, but otherwise very quick and great on the highway when you need some extra power. The exterior is very high quality, interior is the same way. Not sure why Saab put a completely useless 3"x2.5" screen on the dash. It has an integrated phone, but it only works in Sweden, not in the US, so all those buttons are useless unless you live in Sweden.

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  Saablover - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Lukas - July 2 - 5:33 am

  Superb dream car! Ive always loved these autos and I was not wrong buying this one. Swedish perfection! No problems at all! I bought it w/ 50,000 miles and now I ended w/ 122,000 - maintenace free w/ oil change. Unfortunately I was rearended by a drunk driver and my passion (Saab) was totaled. The car was totaled but nothing happened to me. I would recomend this car to anybody - simply perfect vehicle, reliable, beautiful, no words...