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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  2003 saab 9-3 turbo convertible - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By william palmer - May 6 - 2:16 pm

  This is one of the finest autos Ive owned. Ive owned mercedes as well as other expensive autos. The fit, and finish is excellent. The performance is superb especially when you realize its coming from a 2 liter engine.

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  One of the best looking vertables - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By gp - May 1 - 11:00 pm

  Went from an 04 Audi S4 to this car, and although I miss the kick off the line, I realize I went with this car for a totally differant mindset. The car does have good passing power, but the turbo doesnt kick in right off the line. Steering wheel feels like a GM. Little loose, but can get used to it. Quick quiet drop top. beautiful dash with green night lights. 2 semi useful cupholders.

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  9-3 turbo hatch, irresistible - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By baxter10 - April 27 - 4:20 pm

  I had one of these for 4 years. Bought it at 45k miles when it was 4 years old. It had all the reliability issues everyone talks about, including the sump oil problem. It was totaled last month when someone hit it while it was parked. I looked at other cars, and ended up buying the exact same car again (except stick instead of auto), now at 80k miles. Theyre as spacious as a small wagon, very quick and great handling, heated leather seats, premium sound, climate control, sunroof, power everything, 30+ mpg, and the style of a classic suit from a vintage store. All for under $6,000. Irresistible.

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  The key just flies into the ignition - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By mbest - April 23 - 10:00 am

  For years I have been searching for an automobile that was as much fun to drive as my first BMW2002 in 1967. I tested the new 325 and the Audi and the 9-3. Two years and over 50,000 miles later I am still excited driving my 9-3!

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  First new Saab - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Angelo - April 23 - 10:00 am

  Leased this car for my wife in Feb. 2003. She is in love with this car. It has every bell and whistle for her and looks awesome. We had room to negotiate with our dealer and came away very satisfied. The car handles as well as any car Ive ever been in. This is a keeper when the lease is up.

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  Performance/Design Yes, Build Quality No - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By peco - April 17 - 2:00 am

  I have put 1,000 miles/month on my 9-3 since the end of April 2003. It is a joy to drive. I love the exterior and interior design. It offers the best balance of performance, design and features for $30,000. My only reservation is the apparently spotty build quality. In my car, this has manifested itself in my car as squeaks and rattles in the front doors and the dashboard (where it meets the firewall). I have also had a few instances of cold engine stall on startup (I live outside of Chicago). However, I enjoy driving this car so much that I would be willing to take a chance on a 2004 9-3 convertible because it is built in Austria, not Sweden.

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  Saab defeats BMW hands down - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By car nut - April 15 - 7:13 am

  My past two cars have been BMWs, this car blows them away! Fast, fun and roomy. Seats very comfortable, convertable top is a gem. Car enthusiasts and mags are negative on front wheel drive, BUT I live in the northeast, their is virtually no torque steer and I am much more likely to drive in inclimate weather than take a turn at 90 mph. The car is distinctive and a blast to drive.

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  Power in your seat - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By SAABTX - April 14 - 11:43 am

  I have been a SAAB guy for 6 years now & I simply love these machines. I just bought the SAAB Turbo X only 600 out of 2,000 made it to the States & what a car. Hands down AMAZING!! I have to say the ONLY thing GM helped SAAB with was their electrical systems that are much better. And the dealer was willing to let this baby go at more then $12,000.00 off the sticker!! $32,000.00 out the door with tinted windows and front clear rock chip protection at no charge, and they went for it!! Now IS the time to buy...they are hungry. The XWD system is rock on.....I could not break this one off the road. SOLID CAR ALL AROUND!!

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  Sweet Car / Good Value - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By jackpinewi - April 13 - 8:53 am

  Weve only had the car for a short- time so take this review with grain of salt. Really like the vehicle. Nice power off the line that gets better as the turbo kicks in. Very solid on the road with nice road manners. Nice look to 9-3 Aero. Interior comfort is good. Seats are supportive and comfortable. Headrests are functional and lower back support of the seats is excellent. Back seat is usable even with decent sized adult in front (6- 0). HIDs are excellent. Finish and fit of the car are very good. No annoying rattles or other noises. Car makes commute more enjoyable. Daughter thinks the car is cool!

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  Been a good car... - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By Jony T Bone - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I just rolled 30k miles and I still love this car...Ive swapped out the stock springs with some B&G and installed the sport exhaust...The springs really toned down both body roll and the way the car reacts during acceleration...You know the push, pull sway...Im sure it has a name... A few more mods and Ill be screaming when Im on the gas (from 185 to almost 250hp/300+flbs)...And getting 30+ mpg on the highway...Crazy... I have to agree with a bunch of the