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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  Review after one-year of ownership - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Ryan - March 21 - 7:20 pm

  I am an aggressive city driver (Washington, DC). Overall, an amazing improvement from my 1999 9-3 SE, which was a disaster. The only reason I bought another Saab is because I was deployed with the army for all of 2008 and returned to my hometown (Detroit area) to a completely depressed economy. Bought this car at 12,000 miles in MINT condition for $16,000 out the door. A year later at 25,000 miles, it has not let me down. 100K / 6 years from inception bumper-to-bumper. Failures thus far have been minor. No warranty claims yet, but will drop off soon for a center console arm rest that slides too freely. My #1 gripe is the sub-par sound system and iPod input jack.

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  Good value and great looks - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By JDR - March 8 - 6:20 am

  Love this car and its unique look. Best of all are the leather seats! Every single person that sits in this car says he never felt so comfortable. Long rides are a pleasure in this car. The road feel and handling is great. Highway gas mileage is more than acceptable!

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  First Time Saab Owner - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By BTG - February 18 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Saab....which Ive only had for 3 weeks, but have put over 3000 miles on it already. It performs better than any other sedan that Ive driven and is as much fun to drive as my exotic sports car. Im amazed at the fun factor. The standard tires are inadequate for the winter climate....so Ive already had to change out tires. And even with winter-appropriate tires, the car doesnt handle as well as I expected in snowy conditions. (afterall, Vail and Aspen both use Saabs for their police vehicles.)

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  Excellent Car - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By Jim K - February 11 - 4:46 pm

  There isnt another wagon on the market with the Saab 9-3s combination of size, comfort, performance, economy, safety and value. I also do not understand why the automotive press continually under rates Saab vehicles. Nothing from Audi, Subaru, VW, Toyota, Honda, Acura compares - look at the specs - the 9-3 has more cargo capacity than anything within $15K of the price - assuming you want to drive a car and not a truck or truck like vehicle. Reliability has been excellent - have owned two 9-3s - gave older one to my son.

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  Fast car for Old Man - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By RBK9 - February 10 - 9:40 am

  I love this car! I have yet to see another one on the road. The titan grey color is perfect. The seats are more comfortable than my wifes Cad. STS. Nitpicks: There is an ever present yellow light that tells you whether the passenger side airbag is activated or not. Wish I could turn it off. There is a little bit of road noise, but this may be typical of wagons. I reduced the noise considerably by buying the optional cargo mat. I have been getting 21 mpg, but the low fuel light comes on after about 275 miles. Huge glove box! Terrific handling and acceleration. I have automatic (6 spd) with manual override. Shift with the paddles or with the shifter - its a blast! I highly recommend this car.

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  Safety, Performance, Reliability = SAAB - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By fredf - February 5 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed every mile of the first 25,000 for this automobile. It handles great, and provides the safety, performance, reliability and comfort to make each ride an enjoyable experience. It is a fast car, get ready to move into the fast lane; even with the minimum sized 2.0 Turbo engine. The ride is firm, but comfortable. The interior is quiet, the controls are very nice, it reminds me of the cockpit of a small airplane. The car has a powerful AC which uses an air filter prior to bringing air into the car.

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  Gonna Buy It From Lease - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By esfoad - February 1 - 10:00 am

  We leased this vehicle new. We average 12000 miles per year. Its been a joy. Completely reliable, 23 avg mpg since new with 75% local and 25% highway miles. Our dealership is responsive and wonderful to work with. We looked at the new model and while its impressive, we feel that the residual value of our vehicle makes it too attractive not to buy.

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  NICE..... - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By choop - February 1 - 10:00 am

  Since I am a quiet freak, I always avoided convertables but finally broke down and picked one up - and sure glad I chose the 9-3 Areo... Always liked the styling and was very impressed with the quick response, nimble handling, solid (but comfortable) ride, and nice sound system. The manual shift mode really enhances the performance and would challange anyone off the line. I love its unique styling as it offers a breath of fresh air. Another great point is that we can get two full sets of golf clubs with other necessary stuff in the trunk WITH the top down - good luck trying that in one of the competing models...

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  I love to drive this car!!!!! - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By bbelmont-peters - February 1 - 10:00 am

  I had a short list of the Saab 9-3, Jaguar x-type 3.0, Acura TSX, and Audi A4 3.0. I found the Saab had better performance, better handling, nore confortable interrior, and a better value for the dollar. This car is so high tech ...Ill need a college level class to fully utilize all of its technology. I am enjoying it more and more with every mile.

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  Nothing else is even close - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By senko555 - January 30 - 1:33 am

  I am a used car dealer and like cars a lot but cannot compare anything else with my Saab. Bought used one with 60k and now at 120k cost of my repairs are $0. When driving cars like accords or Camry from auctions I just cannot understand way people like them so much. Will never own any other brand for sure. I am sorry to hear that other people have some problems. Just change oil every 8k and transmission oil at 90k with coils and be happy that own one of best cars around. There is no timing belt to worry about either (timing chain) good for life time of vehicle. Still original battery after 7 years and 120k. Last year one Saab was retired because of over 1,000,000 miles. I hope this will be helpful.