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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  2000 Saab 9-3 - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By Zach - May 27 - 2:56 am

  I bought my 9-3 SE with 56k, and a year and a half later I have 85k. It turns out that the Cat. converter was mounted too close to the oil pan, thus overheating it, boiling the oil, and causing the infamous sludge problem! Ive had my car in the shop 3 times to have it brought back to life after losing oil pressure while driving - not good. The oil screen clogs with sludge and is expensive to remove and clean. This makes the engine work harder and I had to have the timing chain replaced - it was too slack. My last saab 9000 is now 15 years old and still going, I thought another would be a good buy, but I was VERY wrong. Stay away form the 00 and 01 9-3se

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  Gas Mileage - 2009 Saab 9-3
  By GET IT RIGHT - May 26 - 1:30 am

  The editor or writer has it totally wrong on gas mileage. Around town will be 20 - 24 , and highway is 29 - 32. Your listing of 18 - 23 is really not accurate. I think one of the better cars made. Saab never gets a fair shake from the press or internet outlets. Drive one and form your own opinion. Most people that have one, usually buy another.

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  Dont let others scare you! - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By minimaniac - May 24 - 6:03 pm

  This is a great car! Many say the reliablilty of Saabs isnt up to par, but this is my third and I have yet to have any of the horror stories that many others claim. The turbo is great, the interior is comfortable, and with the top down, its seriously fun. Even the trunk has considerable room, and the seats fold down. The heated seats are great in cold weather, and the sound system is impressive for a stock one. I recommend this to anyone. It looks great and will impress many.

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  Cheaper is definitely not better! - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Sad Saab Owner - May 23 - 10:00 am

  So you want a luxury vehicle and a 9-3 is appealing because it is cheaper right. Dont make the same mistake we have all made. I am writing this review to save you time and money. Spend the extra money and get a car worthy to be called a luxury vehcile. Saabs are different but when it comes to reliability and build quality the 9-3 is a definite NO,NO,NO... I wanted to love this car, I paid cash for it. It is a DEFINITE THAT YOU WILL EXPERIENCE NUMEROUS PROBLEMS. These problems range from rattles to weird problems with the transmission, brake noise, to things just not working. PLEASE SAVE YOURSELF THE HEADACHE. DO NOT BUT A 9-3.

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  Fun to drive. Great feul economy - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By ND - May 16 - 7:43 pm

  The car is extremely responsive, agile, and powerful. It has a great fuel economy (> 33 mpg on highway). The interior looks cheap and feel cheap (but not as bad as GM or Ford). The dealer has been very responsible. I had an A/C problem 3 weeks after the warrantee expired. The dealer picked up the bill. It has 4-year, 50000 mile warranty.

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  SAAB Rocks!!! - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Yippee - May 16 - 6:10 pm

  I recently purchased an 05 9-3..Im in Love. I traded in a much loved SUV and couldnt happier that I am getting 33 MPG now vs. the 16 I was getting in the SUV. This car is a blast to drive, I fell in love with it as soon as I pulled out for the test drive. Contrary to what some reviews have said, I get no turbo lag at all - the turbo is best over 80, but also very responsive at lower speeds in 3rd and 4th gear (perhaps they at sissy automatic people). The seats are a dream. This car screams refinement. Ive owned BMWs and they are a dine a dozen on the road.. why look like everyone else - if you are like me this car fits your unique personality and sense of style.

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  2007 9-3 sedan, 6 speed manual, awesome! - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By Donatas - May 15 - 8:00 pm

  I was hunting for this car for about 2 years because I wanted it with all the options. 60th Anniv Edition came out in 07 and I decided to go for it as it had almost everything I needed. 2.0T has more than enough power and torque, and gets better gas mileage than Aero (I am not stating that Aero is not better). I get about 25 mpg in the city and 33 on the highway, and my 9-3 did not even break in yet. Not sure why people complain about cup holder in the dash, I think its absolutely fine. Bose audio system is better than last year Pioneer, but not quite up to 9-5s Harman Kardon level. Clutch is perfect! No issues so far with the car, except little rattling noise in plastics around sunroof.

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  Value to the extreme - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By ValueSports - May 14 - 10:00 am

  First of all, I paid manufacturers invoice on a new Linear with drivers package, 16" wheels, heated seats, and sunroof. I highly recommend the infotainment version of the stereo, otherwise the dash looks too bare (and somewhat cheap) with the standard Linear radio. With the rebate at the time, the car was under $25,000 and no one in there right mind can compare anything at that price point to this 9- 3. Not BMW, not Volvo (Ive owned both recently), not Audi, and not Mercedes. To put it mildly, this car is the best value available if you know how to negotiate with a dealer. If you are looking for something better, be prepared to spend well over $30k.

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  Best Saab Yet - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By captempjack - May 14 - 10:00 am

  This car is a winner. I dont know too much about GM and platforms and GrandAms, but this car is no boring, ordinary car. It is incredibly peppy and very comfortable. It also looks great in the dark colors. I drove it on a 300 mile trip and made record time, never going under 85-90 the whole way. It was a bit noisier than other cars I have had, but quieter than other Saabs. For the money, its the best in its class, I know I did the research. Get the bigger wheels, the radio is OK.

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  Great VALUE - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By drfabulous - May 7 - 5:36 pm

  Still love this car, even after 130k miles. Looks and drives like it did back in 2005, easy on gas (average high 20s), and has NEVER had a major issue. Like others have said, its a car that is unique and requires a little more work to repair, but if youre handy and willing to do research, its simple. Case in point- fixed my power steering leak for $10 in under an hour with nothing but common hand tools when a shop wanted $600, and Im by no means a mechanic. Bottom line- its fun to drive, good gas mileage, nice enough to drive to meet with clients, and people always look at it going "Ive never been in a SAAB".