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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  Unique, Handsome...but competitive? - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By damonTodd - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Came from a 1991 Saab 900 that I loved. 9-3 hatch is no where as versatile compared to classic 900 or other hatchbacks in market. There is a large ridge that creates a bottleneck in the loading area. I cannot fit half of the things in my 9-3 I fit in my 900. Mid range power is amazing. Great highway car -- mediocre city/town car. Turbo lag is ridiculous. Im experienced with manual trannies and I still have trouble getting quick launches. Throw the car into a curve and it feels overpowered for the suspension. If you dont pay dealer prices it can be a good,quirky buy. But give saab and others a good test drive.

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  just average - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By TONTO - February 2 - 10:00 am

  the 9-3 is OK but I expected better handling and more responsive pickup. i just hope it doesnt wind up in the shop too many times.

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  Great Car - High MPG and Performance - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By RAQues - January 30 - 11:40 pm

  This car has great lines, handling and performance. With the turbo charged four cylinder engine you get both great gas mileage and performance. If you want to accelerate off the line there is a half second delay before the turbo kicks in and snaps you into the back seat. Open the sun roof and take it though the corners and you have to be impressed.

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  Me and my Aero - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By beefa - January 19 - 4:14 pm

  Absolutely love this car. Had mine for two years now as a daily driver. I put 100 miles a day on the car and my drive is the best part of my day. Great performance out of the 2.8T 6 cyl, matched with the manual 6 speed. The car accelerates effortlessly. No slowing down in the corners, the car holds the road while the seats keep me steady and comfortable. This truly is a FUN car to drive. Gas mileage is better than expected.

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  The BEST european sport sedan under 35k - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Juanjo - January 8 - 10:00 am

  Absolutley the best sport sedan on the market, far superior than AUDI A4 and BMW 3 series; VOLO S60 doesnt even come close to this car really a jewel

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  I am not a Saab car salesman! - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By Albator - January 7 - 4:56 am

  Bought the 2007 Saab 93 2 weeks ago. I had the following issues with the car: Spoiler had too much paint. They ordered a new spoiler and they dropped off a Saab 95 at home and picked up my car to replace the spoiler. The program in the radio seems to have a glitch. One of the buttons was not working properly. They resolved thes problem. The engine makes a funny noise between 2500 and 3000 RPM, some light buzzing noise (sounds pretty cheap). They could not reproduce the problem (hard to believe). Will meet the mechanic to discuss this. Fuel: 14.8 L/100km

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  Saab 4 U - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Saab 4 U - January 5 - 10:00 am

  Wonderfull in winter weather. Great response for a 4 cyc. Great fuel milage.

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  All is well in Sweden - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By jupp-shannon - January 5 - 10:00 am

  Exterior styling looks extremely sleek from previous year. The interior is extremely comfortable and attractive. Controls are layed out nicely. The mounted steering stero controls are an added bonus. Rear cargo space is ample. Steering and handling is extremely agile and fun to drive. Smooth and quiet at freeway speeds.

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  One year mark - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By scj - January 5 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding 1st year. Have owned Audi Mercedes, BMW, Porsche, Volvo, Acura in the past. Saab 9-3 represented the best value when we went for a new car in August 03. Car has lived up to expectations. The car has the right amount of torque for daily driving. It is pleasant and smooth with adequate power when pressed. The Linear is a nice balance of riding comfort and handling agility (only my Porsche handled better). The car is one of the safest ever built (refer to crashtest.com for testing done worldwide).

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  Very High Maintenance - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By stoker999 - December 31 - 3:06 am

  Replaced the following items: 47K miles--serpentine belt broke, timing chain replaced. 56K miles--turbo replaced 57K miles--DI electronics replaced 58K miles--balance chain, water pump and head gasket changed With the 60,000 suggested maintenance, the repair costs exceed $6,000. Saab corporate thought this was acceptable.