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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  First time Saab owner - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By theaba - January 26 - 10:00 am

  Test-drove and eventually leased this car because of GM financing and its standard safety features. The car is a blast to drive. It is a great value if you stay at the base level. It is relatively light weight. So, it really handles very well and the acceleration is quite adequate. The interior is very well done with leather seats. The five speed auto trans is very smooth and responsive. The car looks beautiful to me! After 900 miles, a warning appeared about auto transmission. It was a false alarm probably caused by a bad sensor signal. The second and current problem is related to the malfunctioning of OnStar.

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  9-3 2.0t sport sedan - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By ralph - January 23 - 11:46 am

  I found the Saab 2.0t sport sedan to be the perfect fit for my needs. I looked at the VW GTI, Passat and Audit A4. The GTI handles like a sports car, but I needed something a bit more mature. The Passat felt like a Buick, not bad, but not what I wanted. I have a lot of respect for the Audi A4, but did not feel it warranted spending another $6K. The Saab 9-3 was perfect! The 2.0 turbo is powerful, responsive and fuel efficient ( 32mpg average). The six speed manual has well spaced gears, and the clutch is very smooth. Overall interior / exterior quality and fit and finish are excellent for the price.

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  Run From Saab - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Rotz - January 18 - 12:46 pm

  Here is my SaabStory... I bought his car because my sister had a 1985 900 for 10 years which was bullet proof. Against everyones suggestion, I bought this 9-3 because; 1. It is not BMW 2. Great styling 3. Good performance 4. Good value. Right, Right, Wrong, Wrong. So I am batting 50%. This car has been a nightmare. I bought it with 30K on it. Since then, it has cost me $200 per month in maintenance. Saab and their dealers have been responsive, but only with the phrase "No". Whats gone wrong? Air bag sensors, Electronic Discharge Unit (car doesnt run w/o it), head gasket and turbo and transmission is slipping. There have been a few others. This car looked to be in perfect condition.

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  Gorgeous but unreliable - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By MrStrutt - January 14 - 9:40 am

  I chose the 9-3 convertible from 2006 based on the fact that it was *more* reliable than the 2004 and 2005 models (according to Consumer Reports). However, after barely two months driving it, I have had to take it twice to the dealership -- recent failures include the alternator and the clutch. I know that Saabs werent the most reliable cars out there, but Im still surprised! The beauty is the 50,000-mile warranty which turns into 1) free repairs and 2) free loaners. In the end it only costs me trips to the dealership, plus a few parts here and there. A small price to pay to drive such a beauty!

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  Skys Experience - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By skymason - January 12 - 2:00 am

  Great Car in every way.

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  Saab 9-3 SE - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By Terry Williams - January 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive already clocked over 6000 miles but it hardly feels like Ive done a thousand. I have had so much fun driving this car, more than any other Ive owned. For Quality,Comfort, performance, Value for money and individuality, there isnt a car that Ive seen or driven lately that can beat it...Love IT, best thing I have ever bought.

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  The 9-3 SE is near perfect - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By bpesh - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this new, chose this over the 325 and A4, and never regretted the decision... 205 hp and a functional 5- door. My only complaint is that the interior plastics are GM-cheap and Im concerned the leather may not hold up as well as it did on as my Audi. Ive recently upsized the tires to 215s T/As and wow! the grip. Reliable and fun. And the best dealership experience this side of Lexus.

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  Great car for the money! - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Michelle - January 5 - 11:26 am

  All around great car. Gas mileage is higher than expected. I average 26/35 with very good passing power. This is the first Saab I have driven and it impressed me so much that I bought it on the spot.

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  Not worth buying, even used - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By tdskip - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Saab has ready gone down hill, you can tell they weve been stretched too thin in trying to keep up with their peers. My 9-3 has the structural integrity of cooked linguine is is fragile. If you ask Saab theyll admit that this model needs lots of maintenance and isnt very robust (tend to bends the front hubs). Roomy and the hatchback is flexible, but not as much as youd think since the rear seats wont fold flat unless the front seats are all the way forward.

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  a huge step forward - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By soll - January 1 - 10:16 am

  I had a 2001 9-3 SE. everything wrong with that car (and there was a lot) has been fixed. Night and day. A rare example of Detroit actually improving on a European car. As a devoted Audi fan, I selected the 9-3 over the A4 Cabriolet and havent regretted it for a minute. Kudos to GM.