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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  Saab Shoots - Saab Scores!! - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By B-Dog - February 28 - 6:16 am

  I picked up my 2005 Linear (w/8200 miles) on 2/27/07, and put about 1800 miles on it in three weeks. Sweet performance, smooth shifting, and terrific comfort and mileage are all part of the package. Even with "only" 175 horsepower, it has pickup aplenty. The control layout is excellent, and I love the Night Panel, manual transmission and console-mounted ignition. Those who whine about the ignition should drive one for three weeks, and theyll get used to it. Besides, who wants a key in their knee in an accident?? All in all, I LOVE my Saab.

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  06 9-3 SportCombi Aero - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By boutteman - February 24 - 10:53 am

  I have owned this car for one full year and have had an overall enjoyment of my experience with it. It has suited me, as well as my growing family, in many environments and situations. Its handled traffic in Houston, TX, snow/slush in Pittsburgh, PA, and mountainous terrain in Reno, NV. It has performed well in some huge cross country road trips (sometimes getting 33 mpg). I love driving in manual-mode (it not only helps with the gas mileage, but it is a bonus when traveling across the Sierra Mountains on a regular basis. This is a straight-up fun vehicle to drive! I am a mechanical engineer, I did a lot of research, and I picked the Saab over the BMW 3-series and Audi A4 sportwagons.

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  My third saab - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By saab1216 - February 22 - 6:13 am

  I find this car so much fun to drive not matter what the weather. It drives great in the snow and handles those mountain roads in the summer.I love the sharp looks and attractive interior. I just had to take it into the shop as my radio/control center stopped working. I know that saabs can experience some problems but I never drove a more enjoyable car.The acceleration and braking are superb and so is the c.d.player. The radio doesnt sound as well.If you buy Saab,get a warranty for peace of mind...then enjoy the ride!

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  The opposite of Zeke - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By brucec32 - February 16 - 2:00 am

  Critics calling this car bland need to drive the car first. The new car has barely any turbo lag, unlike the old 9- 3, No torque steer, unlike the horrible torque steer in the previous car. Add in comfortable seats, fresh styling, more interior room for passengers, no body roll , great brakes, better interiors, and improved safety. And it costs thousands less than before. Unless your lifestyle involves carrying 36" TVs on a regular basis, the sedan is useful enough for most. the old 9-3 came in near the bottom in most sport sedan comparisons for a reason. The new 9-3 is a big improvement.

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  Certified Saab - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By vtsnow - February 11 - 3:53 pm

  I have 88k on my certified 9-3. Performance and comfort has been good to very good. Gas mileage averages 33 on the highway!! Snow traction and safety on Vermont roads have been excellent. I am glad it is certified though. Problems every 3 months including various leaks, yellow warning lights and electrical. I would recomend but get the 100k warranty!!

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  Saab 2001 - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By Phylclar - February 10 - 2:00 am

  Outstanding value for the price- all th efeatures of a luxury car with superior performance to boot.

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  Saab 2.0T, the new sports car for N.E. - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By SAABSNOB - January 31 - 10:00 am

  The new Saab 2.0T eats the road. In New England, we need a car that can handle the in-climate weather, narrow roads and steep hills. FWD or AWD vehicles are a necessity. So, buying a "sport" vehicle is a really tough choice. RWD is what "sport" is all about, right? No longer. Curves, hills, rain - forget it. The 6M tranny is smooth and accurate. FAST. Do the research and drive the cars - BMW 3, AUDI A4, INFINITY G35 - the Saab Arc (or Vector) is the best ride/bang for the buck.

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  saab is great - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Steve - January 30 - 1:36 am

  Love to drive, fight over it with the wife

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  SAVE YOUR MONEY, DONT BUY A SAAB - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By bwmusicboy - January 29 - 11:40 pm

  I have many cars within the 11 years of driving. I had heard for a long time that Saabs were fairly good cars. I waited on my Saab to be shipped from Sweden for 60 days, it was a special order. I have had that car in the shop 32 times in less than a year. The brakes were horrible from the day I picked it up! Ive had consistant problems with the door lock system. Different random doors will just unlock at different occasions. I will lock it in the huge parking garage at night and come down some mornings and all 4 will be unlocked. It will die going down the hwy., the horn will go off while driving, the O2 sensor hesitates and hangs which has caused the car to not accelerate.

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  Been lucky - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By ron - January 24 - 1:00 pm

  Been in for non-scheduled visits twice in two years. both incidents were releated to non-serious computer malfunctions. The dealer has done more than one could expect. For the size of the engine, power and mileage are better than expected. Car is smooth but noisy. Interior ergonomics very easy to get used to. Almost bought a new A3 but realized what I have.