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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  Anything But a Saab Story - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Wicklund - April 6 - 7:50 am

  I went in search of a Saab 9-3 based on styling, reliability, and its impeccable safety record. I thought the car would be nice to drive, but was very surprised at how much fun it really was. I have to be careful, for it seems to really want to move. Its comforting to know that I have the responsiveness and acceleration capability from a safety-through-avoidance standpoint.

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  best car in class - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By jeff jones - April 1 - 10:00 am

  my new 9-3 has been one of the best cars that I have ever owned. Saab of Santa Ana as well as my dealer representative Jeff Jones have been great. GO SAAB!!!

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  2003 Saab 9-3 - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Dr. Worry - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I love my Saab 9-3. It is solidly built, with no shakes or rattles. Pick up is quick thanks to the turbo. Fit and finish is top notch and equivalent to BMW and Audi. Interior design is such that you feel comfortable and not crampt. Service is top notch, a step above my previous Japanese and American service experiences. My 3 year old said it best, "Cool car Dad...I like it"

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  GREAT CAR - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By saabian - March 24 - 10:03 am

  I recently got this car for a Christmas present from my parents. Im seventeen years old and previously had a 2005 accord. So far I loooove the Saab. It drives like a dream and has wonderful gas mileage. All my friends love my car. It doesnt take long to get used to the ignition in the console but leaving your sunroof open while raining it could cause a problem.

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  Great Car! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Jack C - March 21 - 10:30 am

  I moved to this from a 200SX Nissan RWD Turbo Coupe. I was at first apprehensive about getting a FWD but I was pleasantly surprised once I got behind the wheel. While its still a tad not as fun as my previous ride, it surprisingly comes close to it, for the heavy car that it is! Fuel economy is miles better than my ex and its way more comfy. Not sure about the reliability though. After a month the passenger side window stopped working and I had to get the entire rail changed. Other than that, its been sweet but its been only 5 months. Very good boot space and spacious at the back. The worst thing about this car is the stereo system, my 150 dollar self installed HU in my ex is WAY better.

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  A swedish sedan - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Bart - March 20 - 4:06 am

  While not a quirky as Saabs past, this car still maintains distinctive Saab Features: Nightpanel, Key in the middle, hidden cupholders. This large sedan gets better MPG than my Focus, and has performance when needed. The seats are comfortable, standard with leather.

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  My Favorite Car Yet! - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Joey Salemi - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I recentley bought my 2004 Saab 9-3 Cabriolet! I have always had Saab Convertibles. I am now 25, and got my license when I was 16 so, as you can see, I have had quite a few. This one, is my favorite one yet! I love the ride, room, and design. I love watching the top go up/down. It is quick & quiet. It is fun to frive around with the top down cruisin round town!

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  We Cleaned Out the Garage for Our Saab - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By mkgw824 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Who knew a Saab could be so fun to drive? Although we have had our Saab only a month, I can attest that we are extremely pleased with our purchase. I love the design of the car (I really did not before this body style). Gas mileage has been great, and the trunk is gigantic. I am sold on Saab.

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  Bad experience - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By automobile - March 12 - 10:00 am

  This car is fallaing apart.Since I had it,I started to have all kind of problems. Ready to sell it!!!!!

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  Excellence - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By tank96 - March 10 - 8:33 pm

  This is the best car that I can think of. Has styling elements of a BMW without the cost. It can hold its own against V6 competitors while saving gas with a V4. This is my first car that I bought and am very pleased with what I got. I am in college and was still able to pay for it in cash. I have the nicest looking car of anyone I know. Saab is easily the best value car on the market. I can compete with other sports cars and save gas. I got 28MPG when I first started out while driving Very aggressively the whole time. The interior is spacious enough to fit larger people (Im 63")and is very well designed. Saab does its job making you feel like youre in an airplane cockpit. Comfortable car!