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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  Saab Story - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By RIX - May 20 - 10:00 am

  In 2 years, the car had to be towed twice. First time was because of a corroded cable and the second time because the ignition cassette kept shorting out the fuses.

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  Could not be happier !!! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By optimistck - May 20 - 10:00 am

  This car is a dream come true. The performance, the handling, the breaking, the comfort is just as it looks when you look at the prospectus in the dealership. There is no turbo leg, acceleration is great, really roomy, I love the dashboard and the night time feature. Most notably this car is sexy - oh yes it is. It is slick, classy, and sporty. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking performance, comfort, and most importantly safety. The side airbags and a whole lot of room around me makes it a very safe car.

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  Like the Saab but must have snow tires - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By snow tires - May 14 - 2:00 am

  I cant believe no one has mentioned how poorly this car handles when there is snow on the roads. I put on some Bridgestone tires, allseason and it still handles bad. Im told you must have snow tires, $1000 dollars. I have never had a car that needs snow tires. Not safe to drive without them.

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  2004 9-3 Arc - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By orion7144 - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Great car! Fun to drive and comparable to the 3 series BMW. The ride is extremly smooth.

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  Nice Car - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By JO1 - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Ive really enjoyed the new 9-3. Very comfortable, lots of features, and a great looking car.

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  Great car - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By Ron - May 10 - 9:23 pm

  We use this car as our "high mileage" car. This is our 2nd 9-3. This is a solid car, great design. The car is perfect both in town and on the freeway. Could not go for the four banger as it just has to work too hard. The Aero is still great on mileage and a great performer. Only turbo I have ever driven with no noticable turbo-lag. Incredible brakes.

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  A good car but not as good ... - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By Stardog - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned my 9-3SE conv. for almost a year now. Theres a lot I like about it and some things I dont. Its a great all-season car with front-wheel drive and heated seats. With the rear windscreen and heated seats I can easily have the top down on a sunny 45F day. Acceleration is good. The trunk is roomy. The fit and finish on the car doesnt measure up. There are LOTS of squeaks, rattles and windnoise. Various gauges dont work and the Saab emblem on the trunk fell off. The foot well is very crowded. For the price it doesnt measure up in comfort and luxury but its a good car and fun to drive.

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  Swedish bombshell - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By finklejag - May 9 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my 9³ for seven months now. It been really good to me. I have had some rattles that were fixed when I brought the car in the dealer. The engine is the strongest part of the 9³. SAAB has hit a homerun with the 2.0T. The engine has a large powerband. If you are driving in the city or on the freeway. The power is always there. My last five cars were VW/Audis. I traded in my 2003 A4 for the 9³. I had to get use to the Swedish layout of the car. I think every button and knob is in the right place. I get way more compliments with the 9³, then I ever got with the A4. I love how there is not a 9³ on every corner like the BMW and Audi.

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  Super Saabs - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Ory888 - May 9 - 2:00 am

  I love my new Saab 9-3 Linear sedan. It has great pick up and looks elegant. Prior to this car, I had a Saab 900 for many years. They just keep getting better. Saabs are a fantastic alternative to Mercedes Benz and BMW without the higher price tag. It is incredibly fun to drive and super comfortable.

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  grandpa likes it - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By brichmond - May 7 - 12:43 pm

  it drives and handles excellent ,nice excelleration, comfort good,it has stife susspension can feel bumps in road but it is a sports car what do you expect. headlights at night excellent fuel milage ok around 14 in city on highway maybe 29- 31.dependable ,nice looking car, for smoker it needs ash tray. ha ha