Saab 9-3

Saab 9-3 at a glance

The 9-3 replaced the Saab 900 in 1998 and was the brand's volume model until the end. It competed with the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Volvo S60. What set it apart were the turbo engines, the ignition key between the front seats and an aircraft-inspired cockpit with a "Night Panel" that switches off all but essential instruments. Built by a company that began in aviation, the car kept that heritage in its marketing to the last day. The full brand story is in Saab's history.

First generation (1998–2003): the 900 reborn

The first 9-3 was a heavily revised Saab 900 of 1994, built on GM's GM2900 platform and launched in 1998 for the 1999 model year. Saab built it at Trollhättan in Sweden until 8 May 2002 and at Valmet in Uusikaupunki, Finland, until 25 April 2003, where the convertibles were built.

The range settled on 2.0-litre turbo petrol engines. The low-pressure 2.0t gave 113 kW (154 PS) and the 2.0T 136 kW (185 PS); from 2000 the Aero had the "HOT" engine with 151 kW (205 PS). The 2.2 TiD diesel gave 85 kW (116 PS), later 92 kW (125 PS). The Viggen, developed with TWR, used a 2.3-litre turbo from the 9-5 with 165 kW (225 PS), later rated 169 kW (230 PS), a strengthened manual gearbox and firmer suspension. Valmet built 4,600 Viggens between 1999 and 2002; they are known for strong torque steer.

Second generation (2002–2014): saloon, estate and convertible

The second 9-3 arrived in July 2002 as the 2003 Sport Sedan, built on the GM Epsilon platform shared with the Opel Vectra. For the first time there was no hatchback. A convertible followed in 2004 and the SportCombi estate in late 2005. The 2008 model-year facelift brought more than 2,000 changes, including new frontal styling and LED signature lights.

In March 2008 Saab added XWD, a Haldex-based all-wheel-drive system, and in 2009 the raised 9-3X estate with four-wheel drive. Limited editions included the Turbo X of 2008, built for 30 years of Saab turbocharging, and the Aero Carlsson of 2010, of which 96 were made. The old 1cars text lists three trims for this car: Linear, Vector and Aero.

Engines and gearboxes

The 206 kW (280 PS) V6 of the Aero XWD has 52 kW more than the 2.0T, which explains its appeal and its thirst. Gearboxes were five- and six-speed manuals and a five-speed Sentronic automatic, later a six-speed automatic. The 1.9 TiD and TTiD diesels average more than 50 mpg (UK), about 5.6 l/100 km.

Practicality, safety and running costs

The saloon has a 425-litre boot, according to the old 1cars text, and seats five, though rear legroom is tight for adults. The 9-3 was one of the first cars in its class to earn five stars from Euro NCAP, and in the USA it was an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2007, 2008 and 2009. Later in its life it no longer met the newest pedestrian rules, which limited European sales of each body style. A large specialist network keeps parts available. Compare the boot space with rivals in the biggest boot saloons ranking.

Common problems by generation

First-generation cars are now cheap, and their weak points are well known. Owners and specialists report:

• oil leaks from the cam cover and the exhaust camshaft end, and loose cylinder-head bolts on early cars;
• oil sludge in turbo engines that did not get fully synthetic oil at the right intervals, which can starve the cam and balance-shaft chains;
• failing direct-ignition cassettes, sold only as a complete unit, and boost-control valves on Trionic 5 engines;
• a steering rack mounted on the bulkhead that can crack, especially on convertibles;
• split clutch hydraulic pipes, worn gearbox mounts and a soft suspension with torque steer on turbo models.

On the second generation, check the service history first. Look at the diesel's particulate filter and swirl flaps, the convertible roof mechanism and sensors and the electronics, and listen for timing-chain rattle on the 2.8 V6. Parts are still supplied through the successor parts company and specialists.

Rivals: how the Saab 9-3 compares

Reviewers liked the 9-3's engines, comfort and value, but found it less engaging to drive than a BMW and dated towards the end. Use the 1cars comparison tool to set it against any rival.