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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  A great sport sedan.....a great Saab! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Dr. Gilpatient - September 18 - 2:00 am

  The exterior styling, the smooth ride, the non existence of torque steer, the interior comfort....everything is just wonderful. Ive had my car for less than a month and while I test drove the BMW 3- series and Mercedes C-class, this brand new Saab ranks right up there with these luxury car giants. I cant wait to see what the all new 9- 3 convertible will look like. I hear it will be gorgeous! Saab is definitely on the rise.

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  Nice Car. Fantastic Value - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By cman321 - September 12 - 10:00 am

  i have been thoroughly enjoying my new arc for a week. I look forward to driving the car more than any other car i have had in the past. The car is a tremendous value with the 3,000 rebate offered by GM. Plus with GM supplier pricing, 5k off total, the car is a great deal, especially if you hold off on the expensive options. My price was a bit more than 26k plus TTL. That is about the price of a completely stripped, cloth A4 with 170 hp.

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  An underated fun car to drive - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By anthony - September 7 - 2:50 pm

  Unfortunately Saab gets bad press here in the States. This is a fun car to drive, handles well and the one fact overlooked is its a safe car with many safety features for a convertible. Ive owned many cars over the years and drove as much. The seats (where you spend most of your time) are extremely comfortable unlike the BMW convertible. A virtual maintenance free car thats a pleasure to own and drive.

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  Worthless OnStar - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By spaman - September 5 - 5:56 pm

  Had the car for two months. If you live in the Northeast, you must buy snow tires. Car would not go forward without them. The OnStar does not work. The problems is the system is analog only and the towers now send digital. I cannot use the phone feature so contacted Saab who will not do anything about it. They keep putting the blame on the dealership and the dealership on Saab. Radio is cheap and not modern. Must keep the button down for memory seats to work. The car is overpriced for what you get. I will not buy another Saab. Saab does not care about their customers.

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  Unreliable! - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Unhappy Saab Owner - September 2 - 5:33 pm

  Bought the car used towards the end of February, problems started within 3 months of owning. Some of the problems I experienced: fuel pump breaking, the radiator needing to be replaced,the security system failing not once but twice, battery dead, and the transmission failed at 60k AND 66k. Not only that but in the summer I got into my car and notice the floors were soaked. A pipe had backed up into my car, flooding it and ruining the electrical box under the seat. I brought it to Saab and they fixed the problem or so I had thought. The car is still damp and smells like mold. This car has been in the shop more than I have used it in the last 10 months!

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  2006 9-3 - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By DetroitKid - September 1 - 3:43 pm

  This vehicle has been great. It has the ability to accelerate without the feeling that you are being thrown around the car. The overall comfort of this car is second to none.

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  understated sophistication - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By lei - September 1 - 10:00 am

  You always stumble across the Saab fanatic and just figure that what they rave about is more of a statement about themselves, that they dare to be different and drive a non-mainstream vehicle. Well I guess, I dare to be in the hottest car around. The new 9-3 is not only eye-catching but a high performance dream. With precision handeling that you can totally put your faith into. I have tried to put my car out of control and it just doesnt have it... it counters and responds in such unison it is truly unbelievable. People dont know what they are missing. And what they dont know, doesnt hurt them, but it could save them... everything.

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  Excellent car! - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By N Duck - August 31 - 5:53 am

  Having two small, sporty cars (Contour SVT and Focus SVT), I had been looking for a car with more room that still had a sporty feel to it. This car has it all. Lots of room, plenty of power and smooth torque from the V6 twin turbo, and great handling. Added bonus - no torque steer, (and very quiet, especially compared to the Fords). It is very easy to go faster than you think in this car, so watch out! Fusion Blue paint is really good looking, and the seats are extremely comfortable as well as attractive. EPA estimate is 18/28 for this car (6 speed manual). So far I am getting around 18 in town, and got about 29 mpg on a 1000 mile trip. No quality problems after 1600 miles.

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  Best car for fun - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By Txsportscars - August 30 - 12:43 pm

  Howdy!, This car is nice, sharp and fast. The style stands out from other, the ride is smooth and fast. Dont waste your time and money with others.

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  Great car, rims and tires suck! - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By Risalaw - August 24 - 10:00 am

  Solid car BUT: The window buttons are in the worst, most uncomfortable place to get to. But thats minor compared to the tire and rim problem. I am on my second new rim, and six new tires. THIS IS NOT A CAR FOR NYC! I write this now, because at first i thought it was just my fiance or my driving. then I thought it was bad luck, then i thought it was the tire company, until finally a letter arrives today that there is a class action lawsuit for all those saab owners who have rims like a tin can and are going through tires like underwear! So, if you are going to buy this car new, do whatever you have to to put after market steel 15 inch rims with new tires and then youll have a solid car.