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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  Aero Convert - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By neal747 - March 24 - 8:00 am

  I bought this car used a year ago and it has been great fun. Sporty and luxurious with lots of convenience features. A solid performer the v6 turbo packs a nice punch and the 6 speed automatic shifts better and quicker than I could, so I never feel required to use the paddle shifters. The variable valve timing really opens up the motor under full throttle as it lets out a ferocious scream. Yet quiet and extremely smooth in typical driving. And Saab stands behind the product, they did a free major repair for me even though the car was 5,000 miles past the warranty period! Massey Saab of Orlando is the best.

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  Awesome Car - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By bonds12000 - March 22 - 10:00 am

  Purchased after EXTENSIVE research on safety, drivability, curb appeal and overall value...NOTHING came close for the price. Ive owned several european cars and this car is by far the best I have driven... including the 2002 Saab 9-5 wagon I own. I upgraded the wheels to the 17" with pirellis....and chose the rich looking metallic midnight blue...this car turns more heads than my red miata convertible!

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  Perfect for a tall person - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By ChemE - March 21 - 2:00 pm

  I am 66" and the Saab fits me like a glove. Ive had the car 3 months now and its still a joy every time I drive it. The last tank of gas I got 30.5 MPG with a little bit of spirited driving (~80% HWY). The 6 speed manual lets you cruise at highway speeds without the turbo (or loss in fuel economy).

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  2003 Saab SE Convertible - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By gggcag - March 20 - 3:50 am

  We recently purchased a used 2003 Saab SE convertible with 25,000 miles on it. We wanted a convertible for summer fun and this vehicle certainly fills the bill! It has outstanding performance and is a thrill to drive. We live in the mid-west and promptly took it on a trip down south to take advantage of the warm weather and driving with the top down. Very little wind noise for a convertible and averaged 31 MPG! What more could you ask for?

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  Love this car! - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By Jamie Jennings - March 18 - 6:26 am

  So much fun to drive. Reliable, no significant issues, even with car over 100k miles!

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  I love my Saab - 2009 Saab 9-3
  By Kay - March 16 - 2:13 am

  I had a 2000 9-3 and sobbed hysterically when I traded it for a Prius last year. That portended what was to come. Another year and I have bought a new Saab 9-3 wagon with a stick. I cannot believe how nice this car is! I loved my old Saab; this one is not in any way the same car. It is much nicer but I love it just the same. I am just a Saab lover, I guess. I never want anything else. I love this car.

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  Its a Rocket - 2009 Saab 9-3
  By LPA - March 13 - 6:00 am

  I know they say Saabs are "made from jets," but this car is a rocket! In my first two months of ownership, Ive come to appreciate the outstanding acceleration of my Saab while experiencing awesome gas mileage (until I just reset it, my mileage calculator registered 29.7 mpg for a full months worth of driving), far better than expected. Heated seats, rain-sensing wipers, quality climate control all make driving a pleasure. My impeccable timing -- I bought the car just before the Spyker deal was finalized -- yielded me a new entry- level luxury car for $23,400, a huge discount from the $36,500 sticker price.

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  Navy Blue Rocket Sled - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Spark9-3 - March 11 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this car for about 2 months now. I love it. If you are good with driving stick this car will satisfy that urge for power. I love everything about the car, testdrive one, you will be hooked VERY quickly. My only advice is to find one with a CD changer as it costs 700 from saab to have one installed, and other than that the only option for CDs other than replacing the radio is a FM modulated changer (I just had one installed from tweeter today) which runs around $350.

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  Lemon for sale - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Never buy GM - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Got my new 9-3 last May. I just picked up the car from Shrewsbury SAAB for the third time. Its been towed twice for a dead battery, replaced the battery both times. They reprogramed the computer. When picking up the car, the info system showed a another failure, another day in the shop. Dealer called, problem hopefully fixed, BUT to add insult to injury, now I have a big greasy hand print on my white headliner. Fun to drive but any bump in the road will cause to lose your spleen. Ive owned Lexus and Infinity, I took a chance on SAAB but never again. At least the Japanese dealers treat you and your car with respect!

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  nervous saab - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By ohiosaab - March 10 - 12:20 pm

  Have owned 3 years now. Still under warranty. Fun to drive. Great mpg. Clock keeps own time. DTE always wrong. Onstar intermittent. Replaced seatbelts (recall), replaced door handles (color changed year 1). Car drives great, but mechanically quality is iffy.