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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  More bang for your buck - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Alexander - March 8 - 11:10 am

  After one year I still in love with this car. Quick,stylish,secure and handsome. The only thing that bothers me. The navigation system is available now and last year that was not an option.

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  a very special car - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By K28 - March 7 - 10:33 am

  I never though id own a Saab in my life, until one day when i randomly decided to drop by the dealer and take a look at the 9-3. After taking a test drive i was sold and bought one with the turbo 6...Ive been very happy ever since, i am always fascinated when i get behind the wheel, its really fast, fun to drive and at the same time its the most comfortable car ive ever driven. No car has ever made me feel this good!

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  2001 Viggen - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By jay smith - February 28 - 2:00 am

  Simply a great car.

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  New 9-3 Just What Saab Needs - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By jimdl - February 28 - 2:00 am

  The new Saab 9-3 Linear is just what Saab has needed for many years. This car epitomizes fun to drive -- truly a pleasure in wet, snow, and on dry pavement. The 9-3 is sure footed and give the driver all of the information needed. Smooth acceleration and all the power you need for around town or on the road. Great storage and styling and phenomenal safeth features. The radio controls are a little daunting at first, but once you get used to them, theyre really quite logical. A definite winner!

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  I love it!!!! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By drae - February 23 - 10:00 am

  Plain and simple: I love it! Its only been a little over a month, but I couldnt be happier. It has solid power and incredible comfort--Im 64" and I have room to spare in all directions. And if I dont watch it, Ill be driving 90, but it feels like 40. Its better than my mothers Lexus and brothers TL. It has every gadget my fathers 7-series has (and is more comfortable sit in). The plain and simple truth is that I now find reasons to go out and drive.

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  9-3 convertible - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By B. Rich - February 21 - 12:50 am

  This is my second Saab, but first convertible. I absolutely LOVE it. 2006 engine much smoother than my 2003 Sedan, both 2.0 Turbo. It is so much fun to drive, and the seats are a perfect fit. Had a slight rattle with the top down, and my dealer solved the issue within a hour. I am now a confirmed Saab owner.

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  2nd times a charm - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Voelkner - February 20 - 5:33 am

  This is my second Saab. First was a 2000 9-3. Very quirky. Had a mind of its own. The 2004 is much better in many ways. Have driven this car for 2 and a half years w/o any major problems. Battery did die at 2 years; replaced under warranty. It was a stock battery, knew it would happen sooner or later. Also had a problem with tire wear; replaced at 50%. Otherwise, car has been very good. Gas mileage is great, seats are comfortable, trunk is huge.

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  Better than expected - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By tom - February 20 - 4:36 am

  I purchased this car used with 45,000 miles on it and 6 mos. left on the factory warranty. The car has been great, looks and runs like a brand new car with no problems. It was a one owner car that I purchased from the original selling dealer.

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  52,000 miles and going strong - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By needashower - February 19 - 12:20 pm

  This has been the best car I have ever owned. The car is a blast to drive and has proven to be extremely economical to own over the last 4.5 years. Very pleased with how its holding up. Outside of oil changes, tires and brakes, no issues whatsoever.

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  Not as bas bad as the reviews suggest - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By annonymours - February 18 - 11:33 pm

  This is the 3rd saab Ive owned and the first since GM took over. All my Saabs have been good to me as far as reliability goes. Ive never had any problems and have only had to replace tires in addition to routine maintenance. My only complaints about my 9-3 is that for the price, it should have more performance/HP and the interior material quality is noticeably inferior to my older 2000 9-5 wagon. Braking and cornering on this car are excellent. Acceleration is not, but it handles well at higher speeds and on the highway. You can probably get more out of a car for the same price, but it won;t look as good. As for the reliability of my saab 9-3, I have no complaints.