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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  Solid, fun, luxurious... great value - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Rodrigo - November 24 - 2:00 am

  This is my third saab... and I do the test drives of all the cars on my price range every time my lease comes up. I have yet to be lured to other brands (american or foreign). Cheaper than BMWs, Mercedez, etc... and a lot classier than Buick, olds, etc...

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  A fine car - overlooked by consumers and reviewers alike - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By carter63 - November 23 - 4:49 am

  Im 59" / 160lbs, btw I owned a 99 SAAB 9-3 for 11 years and replaced w/ this car. Tho a SAAB owner, I wasnt very impressed with the prior 9-3...this one is better. Seats B: Prior 9-3 was an A+ perfect Handling B/A: I love the light steering touch, but the sport suspension is jouncy. Revised new rating with addition of Bilstein HD dampers & 3pt undercarriage brace. Interior A: Old school SAAB charm Exterior A: Outstanding Hauling B+: Good use of space for gear Mileage C: City - 17mpg / Hwy 26.4 (w/500lbs of occupants & luggage: 500mi journey on I5 in California; 60 degree weather, traveling 72mph on cruise) Brakes B: They work, but have GM spongy feel with pulsing ABS at work

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  I love it! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By lindasmith3 - November 19 - 10:00 am

  All the luxury features available on the more expensive 9-5 on a brand new platform. Outstanding safety features (5 star European safety rating), luxurious interior, highly computerized with customized "profiler" settings, convenient location of computer read-out, plus a lot of "quirky" but fun features. The zippy turbo engine on the Arc,improved audio system along with more options makes it a definite step up from the Linear 9-3.

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  Finally got it - Saab Aero Sportcombi - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Jerry - November 17 - 3:43 pm

  When I first saw the pictures in the 2005 Geneva Auto Show, I knew this was the Saab I had been waiting for. The SportCombi provides the utility I need, the luxury appointments I desire, and exclusivity that flies in the face of homogenized convention. I finally picked up my vehicle Jan 2007 and feel safe, secure, and proud.

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  Disappointment - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Philadelphia girl - November 16 - 12:03 am

  I have been very disappointed with my SAAB. It has had one serious problem after another - malfunctioning electrical systems, computerized keys wouldnt start the car and had to be replaced two separate times etc. The CD player comes on when I enter the car, trunk pops open for no good reason, and the brake lights stay on. The engine light is frequently illuminated on the dash - apparently for no good reason. The electric seat lever allowing access to the backseat broke off and had to be replaced. The car handles well (except in snow), accelerates quickly it is great fun to have a convertible. However, for the price of this car I would have expected greater reliability after one year

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  What a Lemon - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Ali - November 14 - 1:06 pm

  I could not be more unhappy with a car. I had a 2003 which was fine. I traded it for a new 2004. You name it, and it has gone wrong. I spend more time at the dealership than at work. The dealership has been awful, Saab corporate has been awful, and the car itself - even worse. I cannot believe companies can get away with selling such a piece of trash. The transmission does not perform properly, parts keeping breaking inside the car, the windshield wiper motor has blown, the oil pressure sensor has been replaced (and other major mechanical issues). I will never, ever buy another Saab, and probably will never by another GM vehicle because of my experience with this car.

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  Very Expensive after Warranty - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Robert - November 13 - 12:00 am

  The car has been a great driving machine. Thats the good. The bad... right off the start, the car was in the shop numerous times for electrical issues. The sunroof would not close properly, the windows would not go up, and other misc. electrical issues. At least they were covered by warranty. Now, out of warranty, I have the car in the shop at this very moment for the belt and tensioner to be replaced, the solenoid, the filter, and to check the coolent system. $1200. Now they just called me and said that the radiator needs replacement at a cost of $1100. The car has been disappointing in the repairs area. I have also had to have the brakes and rotors replaced at 40,000 miles.

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  Great car - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Mark - November 12 - 3:10 am

  I got my 9-3 SportWagon Aero (2.8L) two weeks ago. The car is very sharp - accelerates great, handles great. Interior quality is not Lexus level, but beats my other car (Honda Accord).

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  My 2nd one in 4 years - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By danncas - November 11 - 6:56 am

  This is my 2nd Saab 9-3 in the past four years. I really love the new combi with the V6 turbo. Both of my Saabs are loaded Aeros. This is one fun car to drive and very comfortable. I find that the rear set is roomier then Volvo S60, BMW 3, and Audi A4. The Saab has more features that are not even offered in the others.

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  Hot Hatchback - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Aaron Moore - November 10 - 6:01 pm

  I have the 4 door standard transmission version. It is a very powerful car for the price I paid and climate control works great. There are a few interior problems though. The pixels on the head unit have virtually faded away so you cant make out the time and radio stations. Not a big deal though. One other problem is that the driver side door lock made a terrible noise when it locks and sometimes wont even lock when it is cold out. The alarm system works great after learning first hand. Overall no major engine or other mechanical problems.