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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  DONT BUY a 2003 9-3! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Saab Owner - December 7 - 10:00 am

  In 14 months, I brought my car in for major repairs 18 times! Ended up having to sue Saab before they honored the lemon law levels. I love Saab, but I will never own one again after this experience!

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  Beautiful Car - Poor Quality - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Donervogel - November 29 - 3:13 am

  Me and my partner purchased an 04 Linear back at the end of April. We thought we were buying a very reliable car. NOT. It has been to the dealership service about once or twice a month. 1) Bad transmission programing (happened on an 800 mile trip). 2) Trunk wouldnt close 3)Bad rattles/vibration in the doors 4)Skid control failed (another 500 mile trip) 5) DTE Failed 6) Key would not unlock computer. Could not start after transmission programming fixed ( 800 miles away from home) 7) Service engine soon came on and was a false read. If you dont mind going to the dealership every month, then this car is for you! Wont buy another one. Will buy German from now on.

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  Bad Decision - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Mike29 - November 24 - 9:00 pm

  After I purchased my 9-3 I have had nothing but problems with it. I have had to replace the tires twice in 2 years. I only drive it 7500-8000 mi a year. I have had a check engine light come on several times which three Saab dealers cant come to a conclusion on. I have had my power steering shut off while driving with my young sons in the back seat. Other than the MPG and turbo this car is not a good decision to purchase. I WILL NOT be looking at purchasing another Saab anytime soon!

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  My last SAAB - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By jmklwck - September 21 - 10:33 am

  Purchased new - experience has been less than stellar with immediate recalls of front wheel axles. As the weather got colder the first winter (2 months after the purchase) the car would not immediately start. After repeated trips to the dealership the problem was resolved with an adjustement to the engine software. Multiple recalls on the vehicle - seat belts, gas cap, etc. I have had a constant check engine light issue which I was told was a secondary vacuum pump for the turbo ($600+) that I have chosen not to repair since it service tech stated it only affected mileage which I have seen no change.

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  SAAB Story - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By bblngtme - May 18 - 2:00 am

  Sorry, I cant give my SAAB 9-3 a good review. My car was lemon and was returned to the manufacturer. Even though the engine and transmission worked well, the electronics had problems as well as the parking brake. I had to have the car towed into the dealership 6 times, 3 for the engine immobilizer shutting down the car, and 3 times because the parking brake would not release. Oh well, the car in no longer an issue for me

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  unreliable car in the world - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Worst car i ever had - May 12 - 12:10 pm

  I brought this stupid car and didnt even had it for 9 months, the car spent most of its time in the garage then in my parking lot. has a lot of electrical problems( doesnt start some times, the theft alarm goes off, doors and trunk lock and unlock themselves, the ac doesnt turn on some times, have to restart the car every time , to get this problem fixed). the interior surface peels off, very cheap looking interior and the materials used are so cheap. its nothing but a chevy malibu (with a Saab badge), better we can call it SAALIBU. pls dont get attracted to the looks, every thing else sucks.

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  dont ever buy one! - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By saabing - May 2 - 10:00 am

  i have had my 01 9-3 for 6 moth. it has now 97000 miles, I have replaced the air compressor, all belts and hoses, Transmission, muffler, and more. I have spent more than 5 thousand dollars on top of the purchase price of this lemmon. Dont be saabing like me and never buy one used. Oh and the locks and the seats dont work anymore, electrical problems

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  Read this before you buy!! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By MikeCo - April 11 - 2:00 am

  This is my second review of this car on this forum. Im now up to 8200 miles and the car has spent a total of 7 days at the dealership for different electronic glitches and engine issues. Also, I got into a minor fender-bender and it took five weeks to repair because Saab couldnt provide a tie- rod. Needless to say, parts can be difficult to get for this fairly new model. By far, the least reliable car I have ever owned. I took off the standard 16" Pirelli tires because they were terrible and upgraded to 17" Sumitomos. Big improvement. Please email me if youd like any other info. on this model. There are much better cars out there.

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  Worst Car Ever - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By SaabLemon - November 20 - 8:10 am

  This car has been in the shop every three months, nothing but problems - it looks good, but it doesnt work. Absolutely a lemon. It is 3.5 years old with 35k miles on it and it needs another $2000 worth of work - radiator leaking, transmission leaking, front and back brakes/rotors need replacing, 4 new tires, the battery was replaced one week ago. The electrical system was worked on at least 6 times, the window got stuck open, the alarm would go off randomly even when I was in the car with the key etc. etc. Dont buy a Saab - GM ruined the make.

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  A truly heartbreaking expereince - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Horrified/Sadened - October 2 - 9:46 pm

  After 8 months and only 10K miles my once passionate purchase is now a shop visiting menace. Small things I was coping with. Now the transmission. Completely unreliable even for work commutes. Rattles galore and surprisingly weak gas mileage (24.2) at high altitude. Cant wait to get rid of it.