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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  Sporty, gorgeous, and luxurious for less - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By Denis - November 25 - 2:06 pm

  While this 9-3 is not built to the same standard the original 900 was, this 9-3 still got the Saab character (read: a blast to drive!), and its a high-quality car overall with mostly European-made parts. We got some $5,000 off sticker with the GM incentives and dealer discounts, and that blows away ANY other car in this price range. The styling is super gorgeous (we got a white Combi with 17-inch wheels), the interior both looks luxurious and is insanely comfortable, and engine pick-up is excellent even with the 4-cyl engine! There are copious amounts of space, both for cargo and large people. Some plastics in the interior could be improved, but at the price we paid - no complaints.

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  2005 Aero Saab Convertible - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Karen Gustin - November 23 - 11:23 pm

  So much better than the 2002! Quieter, sturdier, faster, solid. Overall, I love this years model and may not ever get another!

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  Great car!! - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Grreat - November 22 - 7:20 pm

  This is the best car i have ever owned! It is fun to drive and reliable, there have been no problems

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  Love it - great performance and value - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By Steve - November 22 - 8:26 am

  This is my 6th SAAB. Looked serious at Audi A-3, but came back to SAAB because of value for $$. Bought new, now at 42K. Sport-combi, 2L turbo, 6 sp. manual, 17" wheels. Loaded except heated seats. 34mpg hwy! 3 small problems so far; seat memory does not work (after dealer replaced the entire seat memory module, it still wont hold a setting - I give up), drivers anti-pinch windows needed re-calibration, some front end noise at around 20K (doesnt seem to affect performance). I like that I can do my own basic maintenance. Snow tires in the winter and it drives to the ski area on powder days safely and with confidence. The rain sensing wipers dont work great; prefer adjustable intermittent.

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  Power, Style, and Prestige - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Juice22 - November 20 - 3:06 am

  I bought this car after looking at BMW, Lexus, and Audi. We chose the Aero with the Six-Speed manual tranny after testing out the 2.0 automatic, which was great, but a little twitchy in response for me. The Aero definitely has a better low-end and the manual tranny means I get to control it exactly as I want. This is by far one of the most enjoyable cars to drive. The Turbo is better than most other cars Ive driven. It always turns heads and gets a lot of compliments. Its nice not seeing so many on the road as well. Just had Coolant reservoir replaced via recall. Saab service has always been strong and quick to fix any issues...of which Ive had very few (replaced stereo amp).

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  What a bargain - 2009 Saab 9-3
  By ws - November 19 - 2:20 pm

  You cannot find a better combination of price, features and performance. No appreciable turbo lag, responsive handling good visibility and comfortable seats. Workmanship and quality of materials are good; dont know what Edmunds was describing - maybe we got lucky. We are getting over 25 mpg in mixed driving. We could not be happier with this car.

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  Been great - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By dkp - November 10 - 4:56 am

  Today I hit 120,000 on my Saab. My repairs have totaled less than $1000; brakes, temp gauge sensor, mass airflow sensor. Love: acceleration, fuel economy, handling in snow/ice, cargo room. Dislike: rear passenger room, cupholders, pedal placement (too close together for my clodhoppers). Also dislike having to move the front seats up to fold the rear seats flat.

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  Sixth and best Saab - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By Len Avant - November 6 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car to drive. Very intuitive on the highway and 21 MPG around town for 185 horses is better than the 92 900S 140 horse non-turbo it replaced. Very torquey and if you punch it in first or second gear the torque will jerk the steering wheel. Not uncontrollably but not exactly a smooth delivery either. Seats are well positioned and supportive.

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  Sticking By It! - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Rhonda - November 5 - 10:00 am

  OK, so the driver door of my Aero Sedan may have a prickly little habit of coming loose and nearly falling off unless I tighten the bolts every few weeks, but Im chalking it up to charm. Really. Ive owned Acuras up until buying this Saab, and sure those will get you where you want to go, but they just dont have the same kick and flair of this car. I truly love driving it and that counts for something in the trend of mundane cars and dull driving experiences.

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  Stay away - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By JD - November 3 - 11:53 am

  My recommendation would be to stay away from saab. I have had it in the shop for major repairs of about $5,000 twice already. Thank god for my extended warranty. Multiple electrical issues with stability control failures, and steering wheel lock malfunctions. Also the plastic inside and emblems outside crack and fall apart. The car is fun to drive but could be better if it were AWD. Dont get me wrong BMW, Mercedes, and Audi have their share of problems and cost a lot to fix but at least they arent going under, and dealerships can still be found. My car is currently at the shop being fixed again, and once repaired will be going to a dealership to trade on a reliable vehicle