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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  2007 to the old Saab of yester year.. - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By justin - August 7 - 5:40 pm

  Solid car owned a fair share of Saabs, better build then my 2000 Saab 93 SE. However lacks the road feel and fun of an old pre GM models from the 80s and early 90s.

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  Fantastic Drive!!! - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By ? - August 5 - 7:00 am

  After attending the Aero Academy, I realized this car has excellent handling and is built for fun driving AND safety. Its got a sporty ride & a nice interior. It was obviously built with comfort in mind & attention to detail. Its my first Saab, & I will never buy another type of car if I can help it. Go to the Aero Academy if you can! Its the most fun Ive had in I dont know how long! I love my Saab!!!

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  highlands - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By JAIMEB - August 3 - 8:06 pm

  I bought this car in central Mexico in the city of San Luis we are 6000ft or more over sea level like all the region, in these highlands the turbo shines, my first option was a BMW325 but for ten grand less and a better financial offer I get this one. The testdrive - _ cant believe the huge diference in response between both cars the turbo is fast and has a killer gas milleage. The BMW is more refined but not for the $10k gap in a similarly equipped car. The Saab for me has a very unique personality and performs like an a wolf in a sheep clothes. The quality - I only have a minor problem with a coolant drop that was corrected under warranty, good buy.

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  2000 9.3 SE Convertible - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By jsfdds - August 3 - 2:00 am

  Great car and fun to drive. Window controls in bad spot. Driver seat is wearing at lumbar area rather quickly. 5 speed is awesome. Drives well in NYC snow. No problems with rims.

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  The funnest car you will ever own!! - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By martinj281 - July 31 - 8:36 pm

  This car is fun fast and slick. It has great handling tire traction is awesome! This car is great and turbo is a great feature. This would be the best car you will ever own!

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  Dont buy one Because.... - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By ATX Teacher - July 23 - 10:00 am

  There are many problems with the 9-3 that are unfixable, especially if you live in a hot climate like Texas. The Fuel injextions system has many problems that the manufacturer is choosing to ignore, causing many of these cars to be irrepairable, but these problems are not showing up in statistics b/c the manufacturer is repurchasing the cars from the owners without having "Lemon Law" suits filed. The car looks great and is fun to drive, but dont be fooled. Many problems need to be fixed with this car.

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  Money Well Spent - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Colin B - July 7 - 5:36 pm

  The Saab 9-3 is a crown jewel. After driving this car for the past 6 months, i will never drive anything else. It was designed with the driver in mind (especially the ARC). This car is the perfect balance between a sports car and luxury sedan. The sound system is amazing, acceleration is superb, and interior very sleek. Ive had the car for the past 6 months and am also impressed with the handling in poor weather. As for safety, the car is top ranked. Trust me when I tell you that youll get what you pay for with this car.

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  Save big. Enjoy a lot - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By slow - July 4 - 10:00 am

  I was looking at BMW and my friends told me about the Saab Convertible. Great. Same european ride for a lot less and this is unique.

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  First Month - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By ESB - June 30 - 10:00 am

  Love the car. Traded from a 2001 LS430 to this for something smaller, sportier, and more fun and we love it so far. Dealer experience was incredibly good. Great deal on a great fun car. My first SAAB and likely not my last based on my so far limited experience! Classy alternative to a Japanese car.

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  Saab FUN - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By mschae - June 23 - 2:03 am

  Fun and exciting to drive. Recently had two rather large rocks hit windshield. However, on further inspection not a mark was noticed. This car has very rapid pickup in the 70-80 mph range.