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:

• 

  200,000 and going strong - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By thartz - July 18 - 9:01 am

  This is my 2nd Saab and its just as bullet proof as the first. I picked this ARC with the 6 speed manual because of the motor. They are amazing. I average 27 mpg and 31-33 on the highway. I got the car with 92k on it because I was so comfortable with the drive train and its not disappointed. Im just below 200k now and put on over 700 miles this weekend. Sure there are little issues but its 10 model years old and I paid under $7,000 for it 5 years ago so i cant possibly complain. The rear main seal has a slow leak that the gasket sealers cant quite stop. The gas cap doesnt seal properly so the check engine light is on but all in all, its been great.

• 

  FUN TO DRIVE CAR - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By seelos - July 13 - 2:00 am

  I am now 41,000 miles into my lease of 48 months @ 15,000 miles per year. My other car is a 2001 9-5 SAAB. I have had only SAABs in the last 12 years. The 9-3 model is the best SAAB yet. Earlier SAABs had many manufacturing defects and they were truly a saab(sob) story. General Motors has seemed to clean up their act however. I have had few mechanical problems and since my warranty goes to 45,000 miles, all have been fixed quickly. Also the no maintenance cost program is great. I paid for the 40,000 mile checkup but that has been all. Tires are a problem. I am now on my 3rd set. Only got 20,000 miles from original Michlems and 21,000 from Bridgestone.

• 

  Best Bang for the Buck - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By Wifes Car - July 10 - 12:10 am

  Comfortable on long trips with great gas mileage, 32 mpg. Interior controls are easy to understand and use. Surprising how many compliments we receive on the styling and appearance. My wife, who is not a car person, still comments on the high quality of the fit and finish and the fun factor. Truly a great car at a great price and fun to drive.

• 

  1999 Saab 9.3 - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Garth de Leon - July 3 - 10:00 am

  Purchased used @ 34,627 miles. Service and reliability has been superior to all other previously ownesd Saabs ... To date considered excellent overall!

• 

  Great car great ride. A good buy! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Stina and Michael - July 3 - 10:00 am

  We are very happy with our New Saab. It is a perfect entry level luxury sedan for the money. Solid handeling quiet cabin a joy to drive. Test drove and researched dozens of other cars and when we test drove this one we knew right away this was the car for us! People who test drive a Saab usually buy one. This will not be our last Saab.

• 

  Saab 9-3 - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By cjcypert - July 3 - 9:40 am

  Never thought about owning a Saab until I drove one. Fell in love with it the moment I drove it. Was comparing a Saab 9-3 to an Acura TSX and Mazda6. Saab won hands down.

• 

  Best alternative sports sedan - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By newsaaber - July 2 - 2:10 am

  Before driving the Saab 9-3, I tested the BMW 3 series, Audi A4, Acura TL, Lexus IS300, and Volvo V50. After driving the 9-3 with the manual transmision, I was sold. Most distinct personality of the group. This car deserves a test drive if you are shopping these cars.

• 

  My 4th Saab, 2nd 9.3 - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By Pete - June 28 - 10:23 pm

  Bought this vehicle with 32K on it last July. Put about 30K on it in 1 year. Have had no issue issues with the car besides normal maintenance. Great gas milage for the size and performance. Nice highway driving and comfortable. I very pleased with vehicle to this point.

• 

  first time saab owner - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By new2saab - June 27 - 2:00 am

  WOW-I drove every competitor and was amazed at the SAAB.

• 

  BEST ALL AROUND CONVERTIBLE - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By JOHNG.. - June 25 - 10:00 am

  I LOOKED AT EVERY CONVERTIBLE ON THE MARKET. THIS WAS FAR AND AWAY THE MOST WELL-ROUNDED CAR OUT THERE. PERFORMANCE BACK SEAT ROOM, TRUNK ROOM, LOOKS, PRICE.... IT HAS IT ALL...