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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  AWESOME CAR - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By JXD - November 4 - 3:56 am

  GREAT EUROPEAN RIDE. MORE SPORTY RIDE THAN LUXURY. FUN DUE TO TURBO PICK UP.

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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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  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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  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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  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.

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  My Saab - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By Carlos Santos - October 15 - 9:13 pm

  A lot of fun to drive. Great interior/ exterior design, comfortable and reliable. Great fuel economy.

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  Buy this car now if not sooner. - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By GaLawdog - October 14 - 9:06 pm

  Run, do not walk, to your Saab dealer and buy this car. Now. Not tomorrow. With only 600 imported into the US, and I suspect only 200 are Combis, this will turn heads and you will be one of a very few. High performance, and, yes Virginia, practical as heck. Took this bad boy through 3 horrible driving rain storms between PA and KS, and handled like it was on dry road. Messes bad with the heads of the young lads with hopped up Civics etc and ticks off BMW and Merc owners. High ego gratification while loaded with subtlety. Total aesthetic is well executed - a piece of Swedish art. Dont believe the tepid reviews - if you love cars, this is the real deal. Saab hits another home run.

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  Love the car - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By dstan02 - October 14 - 4:52 pm

  I am the original owner. The car now has 132000 miles on it. Two years ago, in the winter, I drove it ALONE 4545 miles from Charlotte NC to Anchorage Alaska and that includes driving the Alcan Highway and then repeating the journey back home 6 months later. I now have driven it 2768 miles across country to Portland. This car never even "burped". I love this car. If I had any complaint, it would be the SIDs pixels going out.