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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  Apply sunblock and say Gbye! Audis,BMW3 - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Bigcat - April 27 - 10:00 am

  Wow, what a car! simple handsome,spirited and fun to drive. This baby is nice looking, you stand out!

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  WOW!!!!! - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By RYAN - April 24 - 8:36 am

  This is the most fun car I have ever drove in my entire life. I am leasing this car and am having the time of my life. The pick-up is better than my Eclipse, and top speed i havent even been able to hit. I would recommend this car for anyone, its a family sports car.

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  VROOM with ROOM - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By goosaab - April 22 - 12:30 am

  Excellent car, VERY stylish. Good handling and comes with enough space to actually be useful. Highly recommend it. The cars looks better than most in its class.

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  Saab #2 - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By RT - April 21 - 11:10 pm

  Leased my 9-3 Aero 2/06, previously had 03 Arc. Although the Arc was fun to drive, this Aero is a totally different car. The new turbocharged V-6 has significantly less turbo lag, way more satisfying exhaust note, tons of torque. This car absolutely loves to be driven fast, bummer given the number of speedtraps around Seattle. Looks are greatly improved with dual exhaust, lid spoiler. 4k miles so far without any real issues. Only thing is moonroof wanting to stick in tilt mode. Fit and finish not quite up to BMW/Audi/Benz standards, but then again, this car was a hell of a lot cheaper with comparable equipment.

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  Thank God it isnt a BMW - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Lostskiier - April 20 - 10:00 am

  Although it is not the fastest car I have owned off the line, this car is unusually fast on the highway. At speeds in excess of 100 mph, the car acts as if you are going along at 65. Over all the car is a great value too, SAAB is always offering incentives so it was easy for me to walk out of the dealership with a car valued at $34,000 for $28,000. These days $28,000 wouldnt get you into a base BMW or Mercedes, but it can get you into a almost fully loaded SAAB 9-3!

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  Great BMW alternative - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Chuck E - April 17 - 2:00 am

  This car has everything we need, good looks, safety, decent power, sporty handling, and a reasonable price. Until recently, you had to sacrifice something if you didnt get a BMW. This new Saab isnt a BMW, but costs less and comes very close. Quick and smooth for a 4 cylinder turbo car.

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  The car to buy - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By saabdog - April 15 - 10:00 am

  I have test driven the acura tl, bmw 3 series, infiniti g35 no room in this car, and I traded my problem riddled mercedes 320 to buy a real car. I feel this is the best looking car on the market for the price and you get the performance to go along with it. The interior of the car is very modern looking and very ergornomically friendly. I freguently go on long road trips and this is by far the most comfortable car I have ever driven. I dont even need to say this but the safety is unmatched by any other car manufacturer including the parent company GM.

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  Finally Did It - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Satisfied Customer - April 13 - 11:06 am

  I hesitated to spend so much money for this car but my dealer made it easy with a great lease and, of course, the GM Discount. This car is much better than my old 9-3 even without the hatch back. I dont even miss it. My new Arc has a quality look and feel and power when I need it. And it is a head turner with its Chili Red metallic paint, parchment interior and the 17" wheel option. I should have done this sooner. I look for any excuse to get out and drive it.

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  FUN TO DRIVE - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By IN SOO KIM - April 6 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the car for the unique design and sporty stylish.

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  outstanding! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By loanplanet - April 6 - 10:00 am

  With so few Vectors in the Washington DC area, I feel very lucky to have gotten one. After test driving the sea of competition (audi, 04 maxima, G35) this was the car for me. Great handling, performance, acceleration, and design. I get lots of looks and complements on my car. The interior is well thought out, the seats are remarkably comfortable, all the gauges are easy to read, and the "driver settings" for heat, air, etc are great and the xenons are a must have!! Drive one and youll be sold! Ive got BMW owners drooling over this one!