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 at Any Price - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Demetri - August 29 - 10:36 am

  I feel sorry for those Saab owners whove had a bad experience with their 9-3. Ive owned the car almost two years and have been completely happy with it. The Linears motor puts out 175hp, but with a low curb weight (for this segment) and the great-shifting 5sp, I can get off the line quick enough for most situations. Great gas mileage (27 mpg mixed), plenty of back seat room for our 3 kids, massive trunk, and Saabs unbeatable safety rating. The important stuff is all standard - traction control, dynamic stability control, brake assist, 8 air bags, etc etc. My wife likes it so much, were getting her the 9-3 Sport- Combi and ditching our minivan.

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  Too cool - first Saab - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Marc Lobell - August 15 - 10:00 am

  Former Honda / Taurus person. Have new Linear with stick, wont go back to others. We compared with Acura TL, Passat GLS, Honda Accord EXV6 and chose this as most roomy and fun to drive.

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  Glad to go from Volvo to Saab - 2009 Saab 9-3
  By Rob - August 13 - 8:00 am

  Much like one of the previous ratings, I too have had 5 Volvos and have watched their quality and reliability degrade over the years. Recently traded a 2006 S60 wrought with problems for a slick, black 2009 93 and I couldnt be happier. Same perks as other ratings - a blast to drive! great acceleration, comfortable, sporty, handles great, better MPG than advertised. I think Im now a Saab guy and will probably buy another if this keeps up. Very happy with this car.

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  Dealerships Best Friend - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By High Maint. - August 12 - 12:56 pm

  I bought my Saab 9-3 Vector brand new 17 months ago. It is a fully loaded, 6 speed (210 hp), which currently has approximately 22K miles on it. Performance wise the car has met/exceeded all expectation, but I continue to have numerous problems with several different features on the car(I have been to the dealership approx. 15-20x). The tires (Pirelli Rosso Asimmetrico) that come standard on this model generally need to be replaced after 10-12 months. I have had the lug nuts replaced twice now because of rust and Saab knowingly continues to replace them with the same defective lug nuts. Before buying this car, I would highly recommend inquiring about these issues in particular. Best of luck!

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  Fun and Safe Car - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By driver-pilot - August 12 - 5:56 am

  I got a Saab 9-3 Arc used and this car is definitely something different. You have to notice the sloped hood and clean exterior styling, a testament to Saabs new-age design. The interior is pretty roomy, but the paint can scratch off and some parts feel like cheap plastic was used. The CD changer works well as does the radio. This car drives excellently, and using the sport shifter allows you to get some pretty solid acceleration times, with the turbochargers help though! Highway performance is EXCELLENT, and the car handles exceptionally especially when the ESP control is on. We even took it up to the mountains and it handles excellently even with front wheel drive.

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  Guess Ive been lucky - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By kjsouth725 - August 4 - 2:30 pm

  Ive owned this car for 5 years and its the most comfortable car Ive ever driven. And everyone loves how it looks. The biggest negative is the cost of repair. I havent had many (knock on wood) but those that Ive had are expensive. Then again, its less expensive to than an Audi or BMW. Second big complain is that the wheels are held on my bolts, not lugs. All five need to be at proper torque for the wheel to balance. Also, the wheel hub and bolt are softer metal, so Ive already had to re-tap one wheel twice due to electric wrench happy mechanics.

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  Great on Highway, Hard on your Wallet - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By ifthecar - August 1 - 3:53 pm

  I purchased the my 9-3 Convertible with 18K miles and now has 107K. When running, it is great on the highway, and so much fun with the top down. The great things are the stereo, very comfortable seats (could easily drive cross country). The bad things: I had it break down 3 times (would not start), and each time it would cost around $1000 to fix. The build quality is not good, and my top had to be replaced even though it is suppose to last a lifetime. Buy this car for a great ride, but expect to pay for maintenance.

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  Disappointed - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Unfortunate - June 28 - 4:26 am

  I hate to have to write a negative review. I have 4200 miles on my 06 SAAB 9-3 Aero and had to have the engine replaced in the car. Engine coolant light to leaky head gasket to engine replacement. Unbelievable!! I love the car other than that. The V-6 has a problem that they wanted the engine back to the factory to investigate. Beware folks!!

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  My First Saab and First Wagon - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By drewtoo88 - June 14 - 1:10 am

  Really like the looks of the 60th anniversary edition with the 17” rims. Black on black with the rear wing and front fog light. I get 23-24 at best. Highway you will get 27-28. Driving impressions: Stiff in the corners can be tedious on rough roads, lots of tire noise. Given this, it handles very well and passes like my VW GTI did. Corning is a blast with the manual mode. Inside impressions: Seats are really well done. The cargo area of the wagon is astonishingly roomy. Controls are nicely done and easy to operate. Back seat fit IS tight. The fit and finish are good, but a little cheap with some of the plastics. Over all though, it feels nice to sit in and look out of.

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  Expected more... - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By e.j. - June 11 - 10:00 am

  i was sorely surprised at the poor quality of my 02 Saab 93, which i leased new. i expected much more of a $30,000 "luxury car". Ive had this car back to the dealer an average of once every couple months for constant nagging quality problems. Door handle snapped off, sunroof frame cracked when opening, spoiler popped off, etc. etc, etc. Not to mention the annoying rattles, creaks, & vibrations. My daughters 99 Cavalier rides more quietly. Really disappointed... Ill never own another one.