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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  LEMON - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By jaime - February 9 - 6:06 pm

  We first bought this car at a dealership that went out of business,not knowing that. Saab corp., decided not to contact anyone about this. The car has too many electrical problems.The car has been in the shop about 20x the first year. Every time we turn around there is a problem. We will never buy a Saab again, cant wait to sell it. Very disappointed in every aspect of Saab and there corporation. Consider this a LEMON.

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  My Third, And Last, Saab - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By BadSaabBad - October 20 - 10:00 am

  Im getting ready to turn my Saab in from my lease. The whole experience has been nothing but disappointing. My biggest complaint: TIRES! Ive replaced 6 - yes 6! - tires (at $250, per). All 5 of my rims are bent - which I REFUSE to replace. (FYI: A class-action lawsuit was filed regarding the tires. Now, there is a disclaimer on the new brochures). I LOVED my car. I fought for this car with my husband...LOL. This is my third Saab and I would have been loyal for life. I wanted the convertible next, but after 3 years and just 24000 miles (I never drive during the week), Im ready to throw the keys back at the dealership and never look back.

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  No more Europe for me! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Slappy - April 20 - 11:10 pm

  Bought this car used in September of 2009 w/ 85K miles, now has 94K (just traded it in). Had to replace all 4 rotors and sets of pads, crankshaft positioning sensor (twice), oil pressure sensor, and the head gasket was blown, this was all after the place I bought it from said it was in tip-top condition. Strut mounts were noisy (known issue), headlights were too dim, vehicle rode like a tank, gas mileage only around 21 - 23 mpg HIGHWAY. I owned this vehicle less than a year. After this and my Audi, I will never buy another European vehicle.

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  Swedish Lemonade - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Smatti - March 1 - 2:00 am

  I hate this car. Believe the editors reviews and spend your money on a teutonic import or a Lexus. This vehicle is a GM knock-off full that lacks function and performance. My experience has been more like a "State of Intense Misery" than a state of independence.

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  The State of Dependence - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By sjames - March 1 - 2:00 am

  After years of driving second hand cars, I purchased a Saab 9-3 in the summer of 2003. I love everything about the car, except that it doesnt dependably start, has frequent electrical problems that are never fixed, and lastly, an abrasive and unempathetic service staff. DO NOT BUY THIS CAR. REPEAT. DO NOT BUY THIS CAR.

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  SAVE YOUR MONEY, DONT BUY A SAAB - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By bwmusicboy - January 29 - 11:40 pm

  I have many cars within the 11 years of driving. I had heard for a long time that Saabs were fairly good cars. I waited on my Saab to be shipped from Sweden for 60 days, it was a special order. I have had that car in the shop 32 times in less than a year. The brakes were horrible from the day I picked it up! Ive had consistant problems with the door lock system. Different random doors will just unlock at different occasions. I will lock it in the huge parking garage at night and come down some mornings and all 4 will be unlocked. It will die going down the hwy., the horn will go off while driving, the O2 sensor hesitates and hangs which has caused the car to not accelerate.

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  Never Again Will I Buy a Saab! - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By vonkruize - June 6 - 2:56 am

  My car has only 54,000 miles and the engine is shot. It fell victim to the "Saab oil sludge problem" that so many other 9-3s and 9-5s from this era have succumbed to (Google "Saab oil sludge" and read all about it). Long story short, Saab admitted the oil sludge accumulation is due to an engine defect, NOT consumer negligence, and they "extended coverage" on 99-03 9-3s and 9-5s. What they dont tell you is that youre not eligible for coverage unless you can produce oil change receipts for the entire life of the car. So for those, like myself, who bought their car used, youre essentially fresh out of luck. Its either pony up $6000 for a new engine or scrap it for parts.

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  Bad experience - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By automobile - March 12 - 10:00 am

  This car is fallaing apart.Since I had it,I started to have all kind of problems. Ready to sell it!!!!!

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  truly a saab story - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By SaabStory - July 7 - 12:40 pm

  I purchased the Saab 93 used and let me tell you. When I first got the car, the first thing that happened, was the Engine light coming on. This car only had 21k miles by the way. Took it to a dealership. Had it looked at 6 times in 4 weeks. The interior plastics were fading and had to be replaced 3 times. The door handle faded. Transmission slipped shortly after 35k miles. Finally the transmission died at 60k miles. I maintained the car well. even though saab has the "lowest maintenance in its class". Which I feel personally was misleading. I had to pay for a oil change and other maintenance that was covered under Saabs "free scheduled maintenance plan". I wouldnt buy another Saab.

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  Terrible Car - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Chad Schwartz - December 22 - 12:13 am

  We purchased our 9-3 from a private seller with about a year and 11,000 miles left on the factory warranty. We quickly began to get use of the factory warranty and have already gotten nearly $2,000 of use off an extended warranty we purchased. This is, by far, the most un-reliable car I have ever owned. The electronics don’t reliably work (Saab consistently updates the program which amounts to a patch before the next issue), the CDs get stuck in the changer, there are countless rattles/squeaks, broken plastic junk on the interior, failed A/C Comp., failed alternator and now the check engine light is on. The small 4 cylinder lacks torque and the car handles (bad) much like a family sedan.