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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  What a superb compact car! - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By Dave - August 24 - 5:53 am

  I drive this car for business, and it is superb. Combined gas mileage (city and highway) is an average 28.6 mpg. Handling and performance are great. The car is tight and rattle free. It is NOT a BMW, but it didnt cost as much, either. Its also simpler to live with and better in the winter. It is definitely the best car SAAB has ever built.

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  Awesome Summer Car - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By michluce - August 19 - 2:46 am

  This is a VERY fun car to drive. I think the exterior style of the 9-3 Aero convertible when the top is down is an absolute beauty. This car handles very well and the turbo engine kicks in phenomenally. There is sometimes a slight delay in the automatic, but I have observed that it depends on the temperature outside. Great car hands down.

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  Watch Out!!! - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By cedar - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Had for 3 months,no problems..now its one after the other. Have a noise coming from the front axle that the dealer still cant diagnose have been in 7 times still with no success. I have had the parking brake lock on me 4 times, twice i had to get it towed from roadside assitance because of this. I know roadside assistance phone number by memory(not a good thing) There also is a door rattle that the dealer has "fixed" twice with no success. Not what you would expect in a $30k auto. Buy the TSX unless you want to be disappointed.

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  Its a great car, with a few quirks. - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By IllinoisSaab - August 14 - 2:00 am

  My previous car was a Subaru Impreza WRX. I wanted something a little more comfortable and upscale, but also unique. The 9-3 Aero fits the bill very well. Its extremely comfortable, very sporty, and gets amazing gas mileage. Im getting 29 mpg on the highway. Midrange power seems limitless. Its every bit as enjoyable to drive on twisty back roads as the WRX was, but with a whole lot more luxury. Ive had a couple of common minor problems over thee past 3 months, but all were fixed by the dealer - their service dept has been second to none. The stereo in the Aero is pretty good but not quite up to the level I expect from a premium brand.

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  2003 Saab 9-3 Arc - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By OpusTwo - August 4 - 5:03 am

  I always wanted a Saab, so I bought the 2003 9-3. BAD MISTAKE!! It has been in the shop 36 times in 3 years!! It always has something wrong with it. Saab will do nothing for me. They have the worst customer service I have ever dealt with. The say my car does not qualify for a buyback? If 36 times in the shop does not qualify, WHAT DOES? Never again. Dont buy one!!

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  SAAB lives - 2010 Saab 9-3
  By socom18d - July 29 - 12:33 am

  Second Saab, chose over Audi and BMW. Vehicle handles great and does everything well for thousands less than equal competition.The wife had to have manual transmission, only reasonable competition was Subaru but she did not like the design.

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  Love my Saab - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Tony - July 21 - 10:36 am

  Nicely weighted and agile handling. Its a fun car to drive through the twisties and is a true 4 season vehicle (Ive been driving it all winter). The manual shifting option is a must to get most out of the engine. Convertible operation is effortless and quick.

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  Love it!!! - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Kerri - July 20 - 6:00 am

  Absolutely love my 9-3 Aero! Its fun to drive, has a lot of power and love the look!

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  Great entry-luxury - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By John - July 15 - 7:13 am

  This is a fantastic vehicle. Well-designed, fun to drive and distinctive. I love driving something few others do. Definitely opt for the premium package - well worth the money. And if you live in a cold climate, the heated seats are a must.

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  Do not buy this car - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Esmir K. - July 14 - 8:30 am

  I bought this car about 10 months ago and i have had terrible experience with this car, all kinds of repairs from ignition switch, oxygen sensor, new tires, steering rack, headlights died on me that cost me about 210 per 1. I would not suggest nobody to buy this car.