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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  Very Happy to have it - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Suvorov - April 8 - 10:00 am

  My first SAAB, definitely not the last. As I get the GM discount the options were the 93 and the Caddy CTS. The 93 is clearly the better choice. The drive from Columbus OH to northern Michigan was the most fun Ive ever had on a 6 hour drive. The 2 lane blacktops in MI are a blast with this car. I dont see any turbo lag and the 6 speed is the way to go. There is enough acceleration to push you back into your seat. The fit and finish are exceptional. Im hooked!

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  Rattle trap - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By snaab93se1 - March 31 - 10:00 am

  This car rattled more and more as time went on and the dealer could care less about fixing them. Also had front supension problems, the information display LED got moisture behind it and had to be replaced and the check engine light came on during a u-turn. Stay away from this one..its a headache waiting to happen

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  2006 Saab 9-3 - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By dcoggins - March 26 - 8:06 pm

  This is my third Saab and it is absolutely a wonderful driving experience. Coming from a former Indy race car fan, Im vividly reminded of the race... the engine sound & speed of the cars. It has that certain sound reminiscent of that great noise. It feels lots more powerful than my other 9-3s due to turn-on-a-dime cornering, hold on the road fast speed, the inside quiet, speakers (woofer in the trunk). I had to watch my speed with the prior car. Now I absolutely have to watch it. So fast so quickly!!! I love it the best of the other Saabs. My only wish is to have this performance placed inside a smaller but the remarkable Saab body style of the 80s. That was THE CAR!!!

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  I love this car!! - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Chris Wright - March 25 - 9:50 pm

  This car is spunky and fun to drive. The gas mileage is exceptional on the highway...I get about 32 regularly. I test drove the BMW 325i, and I liked this car much better...hands down.

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  My New 9-3 - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By Matt - March 25 - 7:53 pm

  Head and shoulders above my prior 2000 9-3. Looked at Audi A4, Subaru Legacy, VW Passat and Acura TSX. Saab prevailed on driving dynamics and styling. Upgraded stereo is excellent. The car is a tremendous value.

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  Review after one-year of ownership - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Ryan - March 21 - 7:20 pm

  I am an aggressive city driver (Washington, DC). Overall, an amazing improvement from my 1999 9-3 SE, which was a disaster. The only reason I bought another Saab is because I was deployed with the army for all of 2008 and returned to my hometown (Detroit area) to a completely depressed economy. Bought this car at 12,000 miles in MINT condition for $16,000 out the door. A year later at 25,000 miles, it has not let me down. 100K / 6 years from inception bumper-to-bumper. Failures thus far have been minor. No warranty claims yet, but will drop off soon for a center console arm rest that slides too freely. My #1 gripe is the sub-par sound system and iPod input jack.

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  Almost A Great Car - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By srotzin - March 9 - 8:46 am

  I bought this car in Nov of 2002. Off lease, it was in perfect condition. However, for the past two years the car has been slowly drifting into maintenance hell. Airbag sensor going out, electrical discharge for distributor going out, little plastic stuff breaking and for the finale... at 60,000 mi a head gasket and turbo. Yep, a $3,800 repair at 60,000 mi. While out of warranty, I thought a call to SAAB USA was needed. No cars head gasket and turbo should go out at 60,000 mi... they have been dragging their feet and wanting every detail as to oil changes and the like. There is no doubt, they are balking. As the transmission begins to slip, I am going to sell it for scrap and buy a real car

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  Good value and great looks - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By JDR - March 8 - 6:20 am

  Love this car and its unique look. Best of all are the leather seats! Every single person that sits in this car says he never felt so comfortable. Long rides are a pleasure in this car. The road feel and handling is great. Highway gas mileage is more than acceptable!

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  Excellent SAAB! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Billyboy1956 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I’ve had my 9-3 Linear with the “launch package” (inc 16" wheels with Pirelli P6s) for about a week and I like it more with every drive. I had a 2000 9-3 convertible and this is such a fundamentally different car: outstanding handling (sans the awful torque steer of the old car), excellent turbo boosted acceleration, nice redesign on the interior, top- notch fit and finish, loaded with technology, and handsome looks. With the incredible financial incentives offered by SAAB, one has to consider this car. Despite what some of the “old guard” thinks, this car is true to the SAAB tradition of building incredibly safe, well-built cars that are fun to drive.

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  Frustrating/Disapointing Experience - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By HK Pearson - March 6 - 8:36 pm

  Bought the car 20 months ago and it has been in the shop 12 times. Most were warranty items. Replaced the coolant reservoir 4 times and the coolant temp sensor 5 times. Very disappointed in the car. Love to drive it, when it is running. Other warranty items have been stereo cuts in and out, wiring in door loose, replaced the tires 3 times in 37,000 miles, and replaced struts and shocks already.