Overview & Reviews

For 2009, Saab has expanded the 9-3's trim levels, while the 2.0T is now available with all-wheel drive and some of the Aero trim's performance enhancements. Much of the equipment is the same as last year, although Bluetooth phone connectivity is now standard on all models. Last year's limited-edition Turbo X sedan and wagon have been dropped from the lineup.

• Quiet cabin, precise steering, responsive all-wheel-drive system, supportive front seats, wide variety of body styles.

• Pricey, subpar interior materials and build quality, tight rear seat, too much body roll on Aero model, ride can be rough over bumps.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 21.00

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  I love my Saab - 2009 Saab 9-3
  By Kay - March 16 - 2:13 am

  I had a 2000 9-3 and sobbed hysterically when I traded it for a Prius last year. That portended what was to come. Another year and I have bought a new Saab 9-3 wagon with a stick. I cannot believe how nice this car is! I loved my old Saab; this one is not in any way the same car. It is much nicer but I love it just the same. I am just a Saab lover, I guess. I never want anything else. I love this car.

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  Its a Rocket - 2009 Saab 9-3
  By LPA - March 13 - 6:00 am

  I know they say Saabs are "made from jets," but this car is a rocket! In my first two months of ownership, Ive come to appreciate the outstanding acceleration of my Saab while experiencing awesome gas mileage (until I just reset it, my mileage calculator registered 29.7 mpg for a full months worth of driving), far better than expected. Heated seats, rain-sensing wipers, quality climate control all make driving a pleasure. My impeccable timing -- I bought the car just before the Spyker deal was finalized -- yielded me a new entry- level luxury car for $23,400, a huge discount from the $36,500 sticker price.

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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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  Saab 9-3 excellent car for the money - 2009 Saab 9-3
  By pl - March 25 - 11:36 pm

  No one can drive this car and not appreciate the very smooth and adequately powerful turbo engine. Also, one of the safest cars on the road. As for gas mileage, its consistently been 22 in the city and 29 on the highway, so the 18-23 quoted in the review is odd. Very comfortable to drive. At 26k, its a steal. A great family car.

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  No better ragtop for the price - 2009 Saab 9-3
  By Ken Krutsch - November 20 - 5:23 pm

  Love my Saab convertible. Went from a Mercedes C-class to a 9-3 Bumblebee Yellow 2.0T convertible. I miss the acceleration of the MB, but the Saab 2.0T is not off by much. The handling actually seems to be improved from the 2006 C-class, possibly due to the shorter wheel base and ReAxis feature (passive turning rear wheels). I get a lot of looks in this car, which is fun, and the subtle design bells and whistles are everywhere. For example, with the top down, either in hot or cold weather, the climate control seems to just magically adjust all of the settings for a comfortable ride - including the automated heated seats. You can tell this is a car designed by people that live in the snow

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  Great Car! - 2009 Saab 9-3
  By willg - September 17 - 5:03 am

  Just like the other guy said, once you buy a Saab, you will buy one every time you buy a car. Very great car and you can pick them up cheap right now!!

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  Better than a subaru? Time will tell. - 2009 Saab 9-3
  By jp-stl - June 11 - 7:10 am

  We purchased a 2008 93 for my wife two years ago so when it was time for my new vehicle I was comparing Legacy vs 93. The 93 was on a steep price cut due to GM selling Saab. Paid 22K. It has features which would have cost 7K on the Subaru. Now we have matching cars which should be good from a maint. standpoint since I will do it after the 3-yrs is up. My old Subaru was reliable. I hope this 93 will be, also.

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  Great Car - 2009 Saab 9-3
  By slosh64 - June 7 - 1:20 am

  Just purchased a new 2009 9-3 Comfort loaded. Xenon, tiptronic, sun roof, bluetooth, heated seats,... Sticker was $38k, paid $22k. Im amazed by this car! its fast, fun to drive, comfortable, quiet, and Im getting 32 MPG on my 100 mile per day commute. If GM does the right thing and sells the brand I WILL buy another one. Weve been a Volvo family for years but this Saab blows Volvo away (weve owned 5 Volvos)

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  great car great deal - 2009 Saab 9-3
  By kdd - January 30 - 10:40 pm

  Best car I have ever owned. Fast, nimble, unique, beautiful design. NO problems. And such a deal. Cheaper than a loaded Civic. Whats not to love?

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  What a bargain - 2009 Saab 9-3
  By ws - November 19 - 2:20 pm

  You cannot find a better combination of price, features and performance. No appreciable turbo lag, responsive handling good visibility and comfortable seats. Workmanship and quality of materials are good; dont know what Edmunds was describing - maybe we got lucky. We are getting over 25 mpg in mixed driving. We could not be happier with this car.