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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  It looks great - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Saabstory - November 22 - 2:00 am

  I want to like my 9-3. The greatest shortcoming in the car is its very very substandard structural integrity. To put it kindly, the car is "floppy" like a recently dead fish. When you are driving on smooth pavement in a straight line, the car feels great. Hit a bump, or take a twisty lane and you notice that the car doesnt feel like one piece. Go over rail road tracks and the car feels very loosely held together. Rattles abound, and electrical problems have plagued mine. That said, the engine is a 10 and the car is very thoughtful. Little things like how it remembers to use the rear wiper when you put it in reverse in the rain make a good impression.

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  I give up - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By 2-years Saab owner - November 22 - 2:00 am

  The car definately falls short in its structural regidity (convertible only). Therefore, you are bounced all over the place on bumpy roads - honestly I feel more comfortable riding my skies on bumps than the Saab convertible. Also the general interior setting becomes enoying very quickly. There is no cetral lock, and the romote car key only works from about three (3) feet of the car - funny you would find many of us Saab owners sticking the key to our chin to make the door open or lock from ten twenty feet of the car. Having said all of this, I am going to sell this car this spring and by another German or even a Japanese car.

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  I love my 9.3 Linear sedan - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By JasonS - November 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought in March and have really enjoyed this vehicle. It handles great and I love the CD changer and the fun "extras". I commute about 30 miles each way and this car makes the time fly by!

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  Not too happy with my convertible - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By atlantaowner - November 19 - 9:03 am

  I first bought a 93 Aero, it shook terribly, turned it back in and got a 93 Arc...this one shakes! In a loaner from the dealer and it shakes at 70 mph. My car has been in the shop for over a month just because of a simple (I thought) balancing job. But it turns out that it couldnt get fixed, so they had to replace all 4 tires! Not even a year after my 2nd purchse, I am already planning to trade in after summer. Do not buy a 93 convertible unless youre prepared for it to be in the shop time after time after time. Its in the shop for updates seems like every month. If you want a high maintenance car, this ones for you!

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  A great car - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By aborwick - November 17 - 2:03 am

  We drove the car to Gatlinburg TN from our home near Washington, DC. The car drove flawlessly, nary a squeak nor a rattle. The four-cylinder engine was economical, yet peppy and and provided six-cylinder power. I found the dash ergonomics excellent, the seats were comfortable and the built-in XM Radio nice on the long drive. There was no torque steer from this front-wheel drive automobile. On-Star provided peace of mind. This car is a good value in todays near-luxury market.

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  Loads For Your Money - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By dseyemd44 - November 16 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellent vehicle which is fun to drive. There is no feature lacking in this car. While it may not be quite as quick as some of the other vehicles in its class, it is still plenty zippy. Forget about automatic in the Vector, get a stick. I have test driven most of the competitor vehicles and I feel that you get much more for your money with the Saab. This is a car for those who like the driving experience. If you want a fun vehicle to drive and you are not obsessed with impressing your friends and neighbors with a brand name, then Saab would be your choice.

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  lovely car - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By sweatheart - November 13 - 4:56 pm

  Ive had the Saab 9-3 4 door linear sedan for almost two weeks now i absolutely love it! Its very fun to drive. Stick shift is smooth. The only thing wrong is my emergency brake gets kind of stuck when trying to take it off. The car is very clean inside and out. Trunk size is good its pretty big for a sedan.

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  Great So far - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Lovin it - November 9 - 5:13 am

  Got this car about a month ago and I can say I am very satisifed so far. It is a little smaller than what I am used to but the gas mileage improvement is more than worth it in this $3/gallon gas world. The performance is awesome for a wagon, the stereo sounds great and it is pretty luxurious inside. I liked the Aero better but it wasnt worth the extra dollars. It feels great on the highway and the only turbo lag I have found is in first gear. If you keep the RPMs high enough, you will never notice.

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  AWESOME CAR - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By JXD - November 4 - 3:56 am

  GREAT EUROPEAN RIDE. MORE SPORTY RIDE THAN LUXURY. FUN DUE TO TURBO PICK UP.

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  OK - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Scott - November 2 - 12:43 pm

  Alot of turbo lag unless you are going 60+. For the price does not come close to the audi or bmw. Spend the extra 5- 7k and stick with an audi or bmw. Terrible winter vehicle. Salespitch noted "this car is made in sweden". Must have made it in the summer.