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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  Hard to do better - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By SShukovsky - March 26 - 3:30 am

  Bought the car since three neighbors had them (as old as 900 series from 10 years ago). All relatively reliable. Mine has been great on gas mileage (26 city, 34 highway), has good acceleration, and appears well built. After 6000 miles and 7 months no problems yet as a few have reported. Car rides well and like the sport suspension. Would not choose differently.

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  Not a sports sedan - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By teacher - March 21 - 5:13 am

  Dont get me wrong, I like my Saab. It is safe, reliable, comfy, quick and gets great gas mileage. However, this is not the sports sedan that Saab makes it out to be. I dont understand how all of these consumers give this car a 9 or 10 in performance. I dont know what they drove before their Saab. This car is much too soft, leans much too much in corners and turns. The steering is much too light and there is excessive torque steer. Bumps in the road upset the suspension and the car never really feels under control when driven quickly. All of the professional reviews from car magazines and even Consumer Reports agree with me on the handling. This is NOT a BMW. Born from Jets?..ha ha

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  9.3 2.0T + - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By Rip - March 20 - 1:16 pm

  I have owned this car for about a year. It has been all that was advertised by the dealer . .plus good milage (about 27 both C & HW combined). The only minor points I have are the headlights are set too low. On high beam, however, they are perfect. The stearing is also a bit " squirrelly", so you have to pay attention to your driving. Now, if only it had a little more kick!

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  love my SAAB - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Brian S - March 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought my vehicle used at 30,000 miles, it is now at 65000, and all I have to say is that it is a total joy to drive. It handles like a dream (though my friends get queezy because of the high seating position) and the reliability is great. I have had a ew small problems, but the dealer here in Orlando is totally awesome. I would recommend this car to my friends, and have. The 4cyl Turbo never feels like it is straining to pull the weight of the car, and Ive actually had a friend ask if it was faster than my prvious car (a supercharged 5.0 mustang convertible).

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  Look out BMW - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By BlueGoose328 - March 19 - 10:00 am

  I have never owned a car I enjoy driving as much as this one. For looks, comfort, features, performance its the best deal on the planet. I did encounter a defective park assist and the programmable garage door opener in the rear view mirror was defective as well. Hopefully these features will be fixed this week.

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  Fun to drive - easy at the gas pump! - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By casbon - March 18 - 2:10 pm

  I have driven my Saab 9-3 for six years. Have about 71,000 miles on odometer. Fun to drive, comfortable and reliable. Amazing gas mileage with the 185 engine (low to mid thirties on the road) and a five-speed stickshift. Plan to keep it for another five years or so! No car is perfect - but this car comes close when one considers the designers fidelity to the Saab heritage. My first Saab was a three-cylinder. I know what I am talking about!

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  Love convertibles but lots of headaches - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By tber - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This is my third (and priciest) convertible and have had it for 25 months with almost 20K miles. Has been at the dealer three times this year with a check engine light problem, fuses for the convertible top had problem and recently, towed in for a bad fuel pump that leaked gallons of gasoline! While I appreciate the many gifts and apology letters from Saab, for high cost and inconvenience, will have to look elsewhere for the 4th!

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  People Smiler - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By jtp - March 1 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd Saab, though first in 20 years. Never owned a car that made people break into big smiles before, though I suspect the electric lime/yellow has a wee bit to do with it. (Whats the point in owning a conservative convertible, anyway?) Reluctantly traded in my 98 Jaguar XJR. Except for sheer power -- the Jag would get to 60 in 5.2 seconds -- the Aero appears far the better car. Tighter build, slick 6-speed, handles fabulously and the power curve suits the car well. Audis and BMWs are boring and dime-a- dozen in the Bay Area. They hold zero cachet. This car gets noticed (and I mean that in a positive way).

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  Swedish Lemonade - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Smatti - March 1 - 2:00 am

  I hate this car. Believe the editors reviews and spend your money on a teutonic import or a Lexus. This vehicle is a GM knock-off full that lacks function and performance. My experience has been more like a "State of Intense Misery" than a state of independence.

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  The State of Dependence - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By sjames - March 1 - 2:00 am

  After years of driving second hand cars, I purchased a Saab 9-3 in the summer of 2003. I love everything about the car, except that it doesnt dependably start, has frequent electrical problems that are never fixed, and lastly, an abrasive and unempathetic service staff. DO NOT BUY THIS CAR. REPEAT. DO NOT BUY THIS CAR.