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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  awesome car - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Suey - May 2 - 10:00 am

  no sites on saab in singapore so have to participate in this one to get news on views and news on the car... have had the car for 2 weeks now and its so fun to drive! And like in the US, they are less common than Beamers...which are as common here as Toyotas are Do get an intermittent error msg about low dim light failure although the lights work fine.

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  Great Value - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Kuribo - April 29 - 1:03 am

  Just purchsed a 2006 9-3 Sport Sedan for my wife. The 9-3 Sport Sedan is very well equipped so we just added Cold Weather package and Sentronic Automatic Transmission. It is much quicker than the old 1.8 Audi and the engine has a nicer character and better gas mileage. A really beautiful, under appreciated car.

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  Split Decision - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Gunny23 - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Driving 35K+ per year puts me in the used car category, and I just couldnt say no to the price and great warranty of my 99 9-3. Cupholder in front stinks, but the seats are awesome and highway ride is second to none. I really want to love this car, but a few glitches make it a split decision. Everyone has had the AC knob problem, it seems, and when I had that fixed, the backlights on the SID went out. It doesnt stand up to a 328, but for 10 grand less, I can live with it. If I have no problems for the next year, Ill call it a great car!

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  No more Europe for me! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Slappy - April 20 - 11:10 pm

  Bought this car used in September of 2009 w/ 85K miles, now has 94K (just traded it in). Had to replace all 4 rotors and sets of pads, crankshaft positioning sensor (twice), oil pressure sensor, and the head gasket was blown, this was all after the place I bought it from said it was in tip-top condition. Strut mounts were noisy (known issue), headlights were too dim, vehicle rode like a tank, gas mileage only around 21 - 23 mpg HIGHWAY. I owned this vehicle less than a year. After this and my Audi, I will never buy another European vehicle.

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  Saab is Different, Different is Good! - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By italiancousin - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Love the car... Im told its not quite as nimble or sharp as, say, a BMW, but I would never know. (And unless you drive the autobahn, neither will you!) Whats best? Its not an A4 or 3- series. In a month of owning the car, Ive only seen three others on the road.

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  Unique and Economical - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By DanaS - April 15 - 12:26 am

  After owning a 2001 Saab 9-3, there were questions about getting a new Saab. The 2001 was solid, but dated. The car was designed in the early 1990s. The new 9-3 handles better, has many more features, better layout, more room and is far better quality. The doors, fenders and quarter panels have minimal gaps. The fit and finish is superior to the domestics or japanese. I compared a Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and the 9-3. When comparably equipped, the Saab was cheaper. The Saab rode better and there wasnt a gazillion on the road. 31-34 MPG during mostly highway driving. GM should quit playing sticker games. It scares too many potential buyers away and affects published resale values. Its a good value when priced right.

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  HUGE Mistake - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By brian - April 10 - 8:53 pm

  Traded my infinity g20 (loved that car) to saab of tampa (only because the miles were getting high). I picked a 2003 9-3 linear with 38,000 miles on it. The price seemed too good to be true. The car looked great... And thats about it!!! To many problems to list, about 2,200 dollars and a year later traded it in for a 2009 xterra. DONE WITH SAAB!!!!!!

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  So Sad - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By liz in az - April 9 - 10:00 am

  My first luxury car loved it but it was in the shop every couple of weeks for the first four months. Undiagnosed stalling, clutch lost pressure, wouldnt restart. Dealership tinkered and replaced the turbo. After almost a year it still has stalling/restarting problem. A beautiful piece of art but I need a dependable ride. Fun to drive but I can get C-class Mercedes for the same - Im out of here when lease is up.

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  BEST CAR EVER!!!!!!! - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By SaabDriver - April 5 - 9:06 am

  This is the best car Ive ever had! My color is Flame Red Metallic. It changes from orange to red in the light. The interior is a creme color with black inserts in the comfortable sport seats. The ReAxs suspension is very tight andoffers great steering and ride. Thecars appearance is very low to the ground and sporty. Its not a car that you would say "Whoa, thats the 5th carlike that Ive seen today" about.

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  Almost 2 years now and love it - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Jayson - March 28 - 10:00 am

  I have had my 9-3 SS almost 2 years and still absolutely love the car. It is a real head turner, fun to drive, and still gets great mileage.