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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  Good Value - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By KCE - November 10 - 2:50 pm

  Bought my 9-3 Aero 4 years ago with 9k miles on the speedo. Now have 81k and Im very surprised at how much I like this car. Its been very dependable, drives great and gets amazing gas mileage. I average 28 miles to the gallon and easily get 33 on the highway. I think these cars make a good value on the used market. Buy a used one with an extended warranty and you wont be disappointed.

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  Great car for money - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By TennisMan - November 6 - 1:36 am

  Great car to drive, powerful 4-cylinder engine, nice fit and finish, terrible audio system. We leased our 2.0T automatic for 2 years and so far it is great fun to drive. Wish it had memory seats standard, though. Stereo is crap, with poor sound quality and aggravating RDS scrolling which is hard to fix. Gets about 30 mpg on hwy, 21 around town. Auto-stick works well with the 4-cylinder turbo. A little tight in the rear seat quarters for adults.

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  Wow - Great Deal on Great Car - 2009 Saab 9-3
  By RTP Econo Driver - November 2 - 1:36 pm

  Took advantage of SAABs troubles to purchase a 9-3 at 0.0% financing. Got the stripper model - no roof - manual passenger seat - 6 speed manual. Bright red. Great car. Downside - no heated seats - no fog lights. Upside - roomy. No matter what Consumer Reports said, build quality is top notch. Shifter little balky, but no worse than previous Audis. Clutch very easy. Turbo took a week to get used too, but concerns over torque steer overblown. Gas mileage is really good - surprisingly so. Went from a Cad CTS to a Mazda6 to cut payments and get more gas mileage - after 1 year - went to SAAB with - lower payments and better gas mileage!

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  The best choice - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By 2000ATL_Viggen - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Bought used because I cant afford new. Drove all the competitors; BMW 330, Lexus IS, Volvo C-70, Mercedes. This car is for the driver who does not stay in the status quo lane. The Viggens handling is great. Front wheel drive takes some getting used to. Torque steer? Educate yourself about what torque steer really is. This car doesnt suffer from it. Theres a little turbo lag but when you finally adjust to the clutch its minor. I love the quirkiness of the Saab. Allows me to break out of the norm (and blow away the Beamers).

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  No Swedish Meatball Here - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By jasdyer - October 27 - 10:00 am

  Our Saab 9-3t has far exceeded our expectations. We were looking upscale and wanted some practical returns for an impractical investment. The vehicle safety rating was an attraction and the styling has no apologies to make against the more widely purchased European sedans. The standard-output turbo is plenty,delivering impressive power at the merest punch of the accelerator. The cars handling systems are equal to the control task presented by the surge in power yet not so tight that you feel like you bought a go-kart with leather seats. If you want to say youve arrived but still have a few destinations in mind, you just might be ready for a Saab.

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  in love with my new saab - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By babymox - October 27 - 10:00 am

  i hate to get a new car, always disappointed - i am in love with this one. thanks saab

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  Better than Id expected - 2010 Saab 9-3
  By 2Saab - October 3 - 7:43 pm

  We wanted to replace a pick up for better fuel economy. Saabs tasteful design, functional and pleasing layout of controls, good fuel economy, safety, and good looks all factored into the decision. In the end our 7 year old Saab (purchased used) sold us on the new one. After several years of ownership, we still flip a coin over who gets to drive it. Instead of a van or CUV that doesnt handle like a car, we have a car that handles well, and still will accommodate a lot of stuff.

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  A4, A6 & IS lover converted to 9-3 fan - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Cork93 - October 1 - 10:10 pm

  Ive never been a Saab enthusiast until I saw my 9-3 with Navi. & all the ground effects & options of the V6 but with the 210 horse 4cyl. It is an awesome car to drive. I hope the reliability will be there for years to come.

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  2006 Saab 9-3 Aero Convert. Fun!!! - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Raven777 - October 1 - 5:20 pm

  I was leery at first buying a Saab since many of my friends had warned me that Saabs had many problems. Well so far at ~3k miles they have been wrong. I love this car, it is fun to drive, very fast, and it turns heads. Even BMW drivers look to see, what is that car. The seats are the best ever! The confort is superb. The interior is nicely done with two-tone seats. The stereo though leaves something much to be desired. A Bose system would make a huge improvement. For this class car to not have BlueTooth is a shame, ONStar or not.

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  2006 SAAB 9-3 Aero - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By B - September 30 - 10:06 pm

  The turbo V6 has more power than you’ll ever need without sacrificing power over fuel economy. Love the buttons, once you get used to them the entire car is extremely convenient to operate. Love the white with black trim leather sport seats, extremely comfortable. Great car in the city with the blind spot pass. mirror, drivers information center up top on the dash – quick glance and your back to traffic, acceleration, compass, display rear parking sensors, and the car itself is easy to see around you. I love driving in the snow, traction control is set perfectly for ice and the tiptronic shift is easy to slow down. The car is a ton of fun driving through the mountains. Cool keys!