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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  Pleased with purchase - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By William - April 18 - 11:56 pm

  I bought this car used off a lease with high miles - 75,000. I have had no problems with reliability so far - crossing my fingers this doesnt change. I only drive about 5,000 miles a year, though. Handling and braking seem pretty good. Im happy with the acceleration though sometimes turbo lag is quite evident. The car is also pretty comfortable and has more room than my friends with 3 series and a4s.

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  Nice car for the money - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By tony w. - April 18 - 6:40 am

  This is a really nice car and we get lots of compliments everywhere we go. Fuel mileage is good and the rear seat is bearable for children on intermediate length trips. Speaking f trips, there is actually room for luggage in the trunk with the top down, go figure. Good job saab

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  saab love - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By bozotheclown - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. Its great and the dealership in Skowhegan Maine was awesome to deal with....

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  supah fly - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By bogota columbia - April 16 - 10:00 am

  its a super duper car

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  Keep the top down - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By mwgallant - April 12 - 10:56 am

  I pored over internet resources to search for a four seat convertible that would handle my family of four and New England winters. I upgraded from a Chrysler Sebring and havent looked back. I traveld 100 miles by train just to pick up a rare Merlot color with only 8800 miles on it. Way better than the Chrysler even with 2 less cylinders! Put the 9-3 into Sport mode and get ready for some Gs. Real smooth ride with very little rattles. I have used the traction control to get out of many slippery situations. Combine it with Winter mode and you rarely get stuck. Purchased a 6 disc changer for the trunk on eBay at half the cost and had it dealer installed. Love to drive it topless!!

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  ESP works Great too. - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By I Lovemine2 - April 1 - 2:00 am

  I live in Torontoand was worried when the lease ran out on my SUV in the middle of the worst winter in decades. After a white out at 60 mph I was a believer. The Alero in front of me went spinning out of control. My car broke loose as well but as soon as I turned the wheel to correct it the electronic braking started. Before I knew what was happening the car was straight. The others were in a scattered mess all over the road and I just drove around them. The engineers at Saab got it right, I think I would have been on another car or in the ditch on the roof if I was in the SUV. Made my day. :-)

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  Yes, GM ruined Saab - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By The Mules - March 29 - 2:36 am

  Look at all of the poor reviews previously submitted and you basically have my review. I purchased my 3rd Saab, a 2004 9-3 Linear and what a disappointment. I knew GM had more input in this 9-3 than the previous models, but I still bought one. Thats how loyal I was to Saab. Boy, was that a mistake. Ive lost count of the number of times shes been in the shop; brakes, radio, transmission, rattles, doors unlocking by themselves, SID going blank, key replaced, etc., etc... I wish I could tell everyone who is considering a GM...er, Saab to NOT DO IT! Stay away. Dont let the image of the old Saab cloud your decision. PS: Saab no longer makes fighter planes - havent for some time now.

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  brand new. - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By ronr - March 21 - 10:00 am

  great details. only question is reliability. drives like a dream.

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  2008 9-3 2.0t Sport Sedan - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By magnetic1 - March 19 - 1:23 pm

  The styling is great (int and ext) and elegant. After many test drives, there is nothing with more punch/dollar. Performance is impressive for 4cyl turbo. Peak torque and hp at low rpms means accessible speed. Youre flying before you know it. Some turbo lag, but prep to ~2500 rpm and its a rocket. Too much body roll on corners, but grip on the road seems unaffected. Mine is AT, but the MT is a joy. Youve got to drive it even if not buying. Love the brakes...lots of expression. As always with Saab, the controls become intuitive. Radio and climate arent impressive. Some interior items feel cheap. Not bad for the money though. Like the gauges and SID in front. Love the car. No regrets.

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  Fun Driving Experience - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Scott - March 19 - 6:00 am

  I purchased my Saab used about 6 months ago. Style is to each his own, but I love the appearance and the feel of owning this car. It has way too many safety and other features to list, but most are very useful. The real winner for me is the joy I get when I drive. The car makes me feel very stable and comfortable. I feel in control. It has what I like to call smooth power. It handles well, and it is just a pleasure to drive. The six speed manual is way fun as well. I had one problem with the drivers window, fixed under waranty. I also have an oil leak which will be looked at tomorrow.