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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  Nice car - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By KJ - June 10 - 11:10 pm

  We enjoy our new car, it is responsive and fun to drive.

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  This car rocks! - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By johnG - June 9 - 9:53 pm

  Overall, a fine car. Some strange internal operation decisions lower the overall score.

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  Went in for a BMW - Drove home a SAAB - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By BryanM - June 8 - 10:00 am

  I NEVER even considered buying a SAAB!! I went to the dealership looking to buy a BMW. One test drive later and I was was signing papers. Was impressed with the new design. When I drive the family around, I feel safe knowing all the safety features that SAAB puts together. The car just begs to be driven. Step on the pedal and go! A real head turner both on the road or parked next to curb. The only time the car has seen a mechanic was for the 30 day service. I cant say enough about it, THANK YOU BMW!!!!!

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  Saab gets the 9-3 right. - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By ek900 - June 8 - 5:30 am

  When I drove a 9-3 Linear in 2003, I was very disappointed with what Saab had done to 900. I owned a 1998 900 S Turbo, and I felt it had many pluses over the new 9-3. Four years later, the changes to upgrade the model are startling, and I was sold. The new 6-speed is the best manual trans. Saab has ever had, and the driving dynamics are superior to my old 900 in every way. The car is buttoned down and feels smaller that it is. I also really like the interior, which theyve now made lighter and brighter. The best thing I can say is that I started shopping feeling that Id owned my last Saab, and after sampling the sub-$30,000 competition and the 9-3 2.0T, I fell in love with Saab again.

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  Never Again Will I Buy a Saab! - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By vonkruize - June 6 - 2:56 am

  My car has only 54,000 miles and the engine is shot. It fell victim to the "Saab oil sludge problem" that so many other 9-3s and 9-5s from this era have succumbed to (Google "Saab oil sludge" and read all about it). Long story short, Saab admitted the oil sludge accumulation is due to an engine defect, NOT consumer negligence, and they "extended coverage" on 99-03 9-3s and 9-5s. What they dont tell you is that youre not eligible for coverage unless you can produce oil change receipts for the entire life of the car. So for those, like myself, who bought their car used, youre essentially fresh out of luck. Its either pony up $6000 for a new engine or scrap it for parts.

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  What a love hate relationship! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Joe - June 1 - 8:43 am

  This is the best of cars, this is the worst of cars. Sound familiar 03 Saab 9-3 owners? Whats good is good- and thats handling, braking, cornering, traction, and great responsiveness from the outstandingly smooth (for a 4 cyl) engine. Great aerodynamic exterior too-a holdover from the Saab-Scania days. The interior is techy rich though the myriad of chicklet sized buttons is obnoxious. Now, whats bad is bad- and thats just plain lack of fit and finish and totally ridiculous reliability. I have the same problems I have read before- plastic rattling dashboard, OnStar meltdowns, thunking shocks (BADDD!!), run on transmission. Just get it right guys. This car has incredible potential.

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  fast/dependable/flexible - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By djdozer - May 30 - 2:00 am

  perfect in every way,except for the bumpers.. if you live in the city,, people of course bump in to them, and scratch them and they quickly look like s///t even if the rest of the car is perfect.. a design flaw in my opinion.. but otherwise.. great job. Standard radio/speakers// also kind of suck.

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  Best car ever - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By soggy - May 29 - 8:00 pm

  the only downside of this car is that theres no AWD, which will hopefully be out in 2008. Other than that, Im in love!

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  Saab 9-3 subpar on reliability - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Lauri Welch - May 28 - 12:20 pm

  Since owning my Saab 9-3 it has been to the shop at least 15 time for maintenance. From 2 front end tire rod issues, struts, motors for power window failing, radio issues, stability control failures, immobilizer failures to broken flimsy cupholders.

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  2003 Saab 9-3 Linear Sport Sedan - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Alonsdale - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Nice handling, decent 175 HP turbo engine, gorgeous 17" wheels and Pirelli perf tires, interior not Audi quality bit good fit and tight, excellent safety features, easy to use Saab Info Display computer.