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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  Long-time Saab Lover - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By Brad L - May 30 - 10:00 am

  Picked up my 2002 9-3 SE two weeks ago, and have been having a blast! Opted for the 5-speed with premioum pkg and heated seats. The 3-year lease cannot be touched by Audi, BMW, or VW. This baby is deceptive--mild-mannered on the outside, but it can scoot!!

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  First Time Saab Owner - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Mike S. - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Pros: Great torque to the engine. Good off the line speed. Fuel efficient 30 MPG highway. Differentiated design. Not very many on the road. Fun to drive. Comfortable/firm cloth seats. Better suspension than the 2002 9-3 SE model (too firm and bouncy). Cons: Maintenance work 3 times in 2.5 years. Cheap interior materials. Horrible front seat adjustment handles. Wide shifting between gears (hurts off the line performance).

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  The Saab 9.3 is a blast - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By calgordon - May 26 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Saab and I am impressed. The handling is precise. The car can be pushed into tight corners fast with complete confidence and predictability. The exterior design is pleasing carrying a sense of motion even when parked. The interior materials are a bit disappointing. The plastic fascia on the instrument panel looks cheap. However the seats and door panels are simple and pleasing. But, I bought the car for the engineering and handling, and boy am I happy with what they put into this car. My wife ends up driving it the most. I want one of my own!

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  Fun car, but not too sporty - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By Jeff - May 24 - 8:26 am

  This car is one of the most reliable cars I have owned. In over 3 years of owning this car, outside of normal maintenance, which by the way was included in the lease, I have had no problems. Tires and brakes need replacement at 27K to 30K miles. Interior had minor integrity issues, but again, all covered when brought in for service. The interior and top squeak in the winter months; I guess to be expected in a convertible. The back seat is spacious for a convertible and one of the main reasons I bought this car. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a nice, reliable 4 passenger convertible. If looking for a more sport riding convertible, go with the Viggen or Bimmer convertible

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  Fun to drive, but mostly to the mechanic - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Andy - May 20 - 7:33 pm

  A great car to drive! Unfortunately, much of that driving was back and forth to the dealership for constant minor repairs. The engine was generally reliable and the handling was great, but the interior was cheaply built and little things kept breaking. I am convinced that the electrical system was possessed; I had problems with the taillights, the stereo, the alarm, the dome lights, and the dash display, all within a 6-month period. All things considered, this is NOT a car I would wish to keep after the warranty expires.

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  Mine all Mine - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Chirpbird - May 20 - 7:33 pm

  Very fun car to drive, and whats not to like about a convertible on Denvers sunshiney days? Driving in the light snow that Denver gets is another matter. Skids and slides a lot. Dont know if its because I have performance tires or because it just cant handle snow.

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  SAAB Arc - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Andrew McKay - May 12 - 4:30 pm

  The thrust of the turbo and solid handling of the car.

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  Style and Value - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By jrobinson24 - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Being a SAAB fanatic (owned 88 conv., 95 900SE), I was looking for a reasonably-priced used sedan. 9-3s offer great value and lots of style, comfort, and power. 4-door hatchback offers tons of cargo room (please bring it back SAAB!). Automatic requires a heavier accelerator foot to get it moving, but when turbo kicks in it has great power! Lots of nice interior features to make you think you spent a lot more on the car. Reliability has been good, and SAAB service is great - if needed. I highly recommend this car, although performance freaks may want to grab the HO version that came out later in 99 with 200 vs. 185 hp.

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  First Saab not my last - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By RJM - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Just got the 9-3 Vector. Wow, clean lines, more power than needed, handles like its on rails. Innovations galore, some from old Saab some from GM, just a great blend. Tested G-30, A-4, BMW 3 and Baby Caddy.. 9-3 Vector is the very best mix of technology, power, appeal, and price.

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  SAAB convert - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By DJN - May 2 - 10:00 am

  The combination of great styling, handling, performance, and (relative) affordability of the new 9-3 Vector made me a Saab convert! Just as good as its German competitors, with better looks. The Vector is very fun to drive, no sign of torque steer or turbo lag. It handles great and has decent power. The interior is very comfortable and well laid-out.