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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  A fun to drive convertible - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By sandstones - July 4 - 2:30 am

  Trying to decide whether to buy out my lease, and thought Id see what others had to say. Overall for me car has been a blast to drive, and have only had a few minor maintenance issues. Think it will age better than new GM based Saabs, but only time will tell.

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  So Far, So Good - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Richard - July 1 - 6:13 pm

  Love the ride, the eurocar-snobs like to put this cars ride down because it is front wheel drive, but do they all live in California where it doesnt snow? Front wheel drive is so much better in snow and wet conditions, I wont buy a rear wheel drive car because of this simple fact. I like the handling, and I am most surprised at how much power this turbo 4 cyldr car has, makes for a fun driving experience.

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  Luv my 9-5 Arc! - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By xflanders - June 30 - 11:30 am

  This car is the best ever. The ESP feature is great. What a ride.

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  Try sob not Saab - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By still saaabing - June 26 - 1:46 pm

  Bought our Saab used with about 40K on it. Had electrical issues, wiring actually melting, and multiple speed sensor problems. The car has 2 speed sensors and within a year we had to have one replaced 3 times. This car was fun to drive, but other than that it was awful. I will never buy a Saab made during the GM time again. Youd be better off buying a pre-GM one with 200K miles than a newer one. Seriously dont buy one!

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  Fun and quick, reliable and great mpg! - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By nott-me - June 25 - 11:23 pm

  I have had the car about 2.5 years and total of 36,000 miles. Fun to drive, turbo is great! I have the 2 door version, and the trunk area will swallow anything with the seats folded! Repairs are usually happen like clockwork every 10,000 miles on my example but worth the upkeep in enjoyment and uniqueness. I have 124,000 on the odometer now.

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  Beats the Beamer! - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By Brad Fridell - June 17 - 10:00 am

  Coming from a convertible BMW, I couldnt imagine anything else. I was all set to buy it, but my neighbor, a service manager at the Saab dealership, asked me to take a look just for comparison-sake. My plan was to spend 30 minutes at the Saab dealership, and then go buy my new BMW. Well,I never made it to the BMW dealership. Superior engine kick off the line, quieter with the top up or down, better gas milage, much more spacious front and back, more trunk space, more gadgets standard, and much more unique. By the way, the price of the comparably equipped BMW Convertible was about $6,000 more.

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  Fun. Practical. Unique. - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By John D. - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Base model has power to spare and turbo is a rush. Car merges practicality (safety, mileage, storage capacity) with pure fun. Car offers unique styling and near-luxury for the price of a boring Japenese family sedan.

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  First Two Years have been Great - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By jp - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned my 2T Sedan for 2+ years and its been great. Comfortable, even with two car seats in the back. Fully loaded for vacation there is plenty of room. The car gets ~24 mpg in the city (worse when my wife drives it) and ~34 mpg on the highway at a comfortable 65-70 mph. Leather interior is easy to clean when the kids spill food/drinks. So far reliability has been impeccable...knock on wood because servicing will be pricey on this car. Useful speed warning feature as you can pass 70+mph easily. We bought a 2nd Saab (2009 2T Sedan) when it looked like Saab was going under. Look forward to 2013 redesign although not in the market. Wish Saab would remove some features and sell for ~20K.

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  What a rush! - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By bostonsaabfan - June 12 - 11:33 pm

  I was initially a little skeptical about leaving the safe but bland world of Japanese made cars, but after just a test drive in the 9-3, I remembered how much fun driving is! The other reviews that mention the rush that comes from 40-70 mph are right on. This car has been a pure joy to drive. I have a friend with a BMW 3-series, and in terms of comfort, interior and trunk room, competent snow handling (as I anticipate for next winter), and overall cost, the Saab 9-3 seems a hands-down winner.

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  Saab 9-3 - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By kumar383 - June 12 - 2:00 am

  When I went to the dealership, I was not prepared for what was in store. Just like the commercial states "Those who test drive a SAAB usually buy one." Well, I bought it that night on my first test drive. Handling, performance, comfort & styling... all came together to create a winner.