History/Description: Selection, uniqueness and Scandinavian design were the largest draws to the quirky Saab 9-3 lineup. Available in sedan, wagon or convertible variants, and with a whack of turbocharged powerplant options, there was a model suited to nearly any shopper.
Front or all-wheel drive were available, depending on the model. Powerplant choices included a number of boosted mills including 4-cylinder units with 175 or 210 horsepower. A turbocharged 2.8L V6 with 250 or 280 horsepower was also available.
Look for manual and automatic transmission options, depending on the model selected. Note that "XWD" is Saab-speak for All-Wheel Drive, and that "SportCombi" is Saab-speak for station wagon. Higher-performing models wore Vector or Aero badges.
Feature content included navigation, OnStar (a result of GM's ownership of the brand), heated leather, automatic climate control, cruise control, keyless access, Bluetooth, power seats, and more.
What Owners Like:Ride quality, handling, and a "solid" and safe feel combined with the understated uniqueness of the 9-3 were the most common owner-stated positives. Performance, trunk space and fuel mileage on models with smaller engines were also highly rated. Many owners report great seats, too.
What Owners Dislike:The flimsy cupholder, rear seat space, turbo-lag and higher-than-expected noise levels were the more common complaints.
Common Issues With A Used Saab 9-3:Start your test drive with a check for signs of a worn turbocharger, which may give itself away in a number of ways. Ensure the engine hasn't been pre-warmed ahead of your testdrive, insist that you want to watch it start up "cold." Look for smoke from the tailpipes during idle or acceleration, and have a mechanic look for heavy oil deposits in the charge pipes or the intercooler. Assume the seller is trying to pass an expensive turbo replacement onto you until you have reason to believe otherwise.
Front or all-wheel drive were available, depending on the model. Powerplant choices included a number of boosted mills including 4-cylinder units with 175 or 210 horsepower. A turbocharged 2.8L V6 with 250 or 280 horsepower was also available.
 |
| The Saab 9-3's styling is unique yet it ages well. (Photo: Luc Gagné) |
Look for manual and automatic transmission options, depending on the model selected. Note that "XWD" is Saab-speak for All-Wheel Drive, and that "SportCombi" is Saab-speak for station wagon. Higher-performing models wore Vector or Aero badges.
Feature content included navigation, OnStar (a result of GM's ownership of the brand), heated leather, automatic climate control, cruise control, keyless access, Bluetooth, power seats, and more.
What Owners Like:Ride quality, handling, and a "solid" and safe feel combined with the understated uniqueness of the 9-3 were the most common owner-stated positives. Performance, trunk space and fuel mileage on models with smaller engines were also highly rated. Many owners report great seats, too.
What Owners Dislike:The flimsy cupholder, rear seat space, turbo-lag and higher-than-expected noise levels were the more common complaints.
Common Issues With A Used Saab 9-3:Start your test drive with a check for signs of a worn turbocharger, which may give itself away in a number of ways. Ensure the engine hasn't been pre-warmed ahead of your testdrive, insist that you want to watch it start up "cold." Look for smoke from the tailpipes during idle or acceleration, and have a mechanic look for heavy oil deposits in the charge pipes or the intercooler. Assume the seller is trying to pass an expensive turbo replacement onto you until you have reason to believe otherwise.
 |
| A long list of features was one of the strong points of Saab's lineup. (Photo: Luc Gagné) |