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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  Great Car! - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Tim Choppin - November 2 - 3:13 am

  I purchased the Saab after driving the Audi A4 and the BMW 3-Series. The BMW really left me cold. I really liked the Audi driving experience, but the interior was far more cramped and the price for an equivalent trim level was shocking. The Saab has been fun and generally reliable, with the exception of the rare and mysterious message from the computer about the engine immobilizer. The car keeps running, so I ignore it. The top goes down rapidly and the seat heaters allow me to drive top-down whenever the outside temperature hits about 40. The car has plenty of pep. The rear seats are unique in this class for being truly functional for passengers. The digital media input jack is nice.

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  No ordinary Euro sedan - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By scdo - November 2 - 2:00 am

  I considered several of the other high- end vehicles, but I was truly convinced that Saab offered much more and was all around the best choice. Now the Jones will have to try to keep up with me!

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  Great car, but no Acura - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By 1saabowner - October 31 - 3:20 am

  I currently own a 2005 Acura TL 5AT with navigation. My wife traded in her 2001 Lexus ES for the 9-3 Aero with everything, for about the same price as my TL. I really like the seats on the 9-3, which are slightly more comfortable than my TL. However, we werent impressed by all the hard, black plastic throughout the interior, especially when compared with the TL. Acceleration is good throughout the RPM range, but the normally aspirated TL is better. The Saab does shine in safety, with a BEST PICK side rating (1 notch above TL) and GOOD rear impact rating. Not a bad choice, but we like our TL a lot more.

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  9-3 Sport Sedan 2.0t - LOVE IT - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By lenderbee - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I decided not to wait for the 210hp ARC and basically got the 175hp vector fully loaded minus the 17" sport wheel package. I thought the sport suspension was a little to rigid for my confort. Overall the car is roomy and fun to drive. There is a little turbo lag when making that zero to 60 jet merging into traffic, but overall the car responds well.

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  Stay away from this Saab - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By abarcius - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car for my wife last month, I had so many problems that I am seriously considering selling the car at a huge loss. The ride is harsh and uncomfortable, the quality of the parts on the dashboard are noisy since are shared with other less expensive GMs. The driving position is odd and unsual.

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  Great Car - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By car enthusiast - October 28 - 2:00 am

  after considering the following cars, i choose the saab. i test drove: bmw 325xi(all wheel drive) audi a4- bmw drove -ok not great, it had no trunk space and tiny backseat. the controls were boring looking and the spedometer had 65 mph very low on it like a race car. the audi- only comes in 5 speed. i have owned 5 speeds and dont like luxury cars with lots of shiftin. Saab- 1)looks better than the other 2 2)better gas mileage, huge trunk and backseat. the spedometer has 65 mph right in the middle were it shouldd be!

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  My Jet - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Islah - October 25 - 2:46 pm

  I saw the Combi in 07 and i fell in love with the car, it looked like a Red jet coming from the other side, It looked beautiful and since then i was trying to buy this car but they seldom come out for sell, used that is. I finally bought the car last week, and in love with it. cant stop thinking about it. I didnt know, driving a car could be this much fun. I also have an 02 525i, and it delivers its own fun, but the sheer driving pleasure that this car provides is out of the ordinary. There is plastic all around is because the car needs to be light on its feet like Acura RDX.

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  I love my Saab 9-3 - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By Jenna - October 21 - 11:33 pm

  Its the best car that Ive owned. I test drove an Audi A4, Lexus IS 250, and an Infiniti G35. I enjoyed driving the Saab way more and nothing compared to the super-comfy seats. You also get way more for the money. I get get really good fuel economy, about 30-32. It handles really well in the rain and its quiet. I LOVE IT!

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  The Ultimate Tanning Machine - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By mbm135 - October 18 - 5:46 am

  Wonderful car, turns heads, powerful, and best of all hardly anyone owns one. I rarely see another Saab Vert. I bought mine used with only 16K miles on it and it is like new. If you want a head turning, fast, unique sports car, this vert is the one for you. Loaded with luxury features and designed for sheer fun.

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  turbocharge your life - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By chad clarke - October 16 - 10:00 am

  -YEAHHH, ever since the purchase of my new saab i have had nothing but good times. I can honestly go out and just drive this car for fun. It has enough room for me and four of my friends to go golfing anytime and gas mileage that will blow your mind with all the power that the car has. Also I like the fact that I didnt pay ten thousand dollars to much for this car like a consumer who went out and bought a bmw like a fool.