2003-2007 Saab 9-3 Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Saab 9-3. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Saab 9-3.

2003-2007 Saab 9-3 Review

Saab redesigned its entry-level near-luxury car for 2003, retaining front-wheel drive and hallmark turbocharged four-cylinder engines, but dropping its traditional hatchback body style in favor of a conventional sedan. The new 9-3 was the same length overall as the outgoing version, but had new styling and greater width, built on a wheelbase almost 3 inches longer. A four-door sedan replaced two- and four-door hatchbacks, though the previous-generation two-door convertible carried over temporarily, pending a redesign for 2004. General Motors owns the Swedish automaker, and the 2003 9-3 introduced GM's Epsilon platform, which would soon host a redesigned Chevrolet Malibu. Saab's base version, introduced first, was called Linear. Luxury-oriented Arc and sporty Vector models followed in spring of 2003. All had 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engines. The Linear's engine produced 175 horsepower, with a choice of a five-speed manual or a new five-speed automatic. Arc and Vector models used a 210-hp version, with the automatic or a new six-speed manual gearbox. Automatics had a separate gate for manual shifting. Vectors included redundant steering-wheel-mounted manual-shift paddles. Antilock four-wheel disc brakes were standard, along with traction control and front side airbags. Saab's first curtain side airbags protected front- and rear-seat passengers. Alloy 16-inch wheels were standard on the Arc and optional for the Linear, to replace 15s. Vector sedans had 17-inch rubber. All had a 60/40 split folding rear seatback, with a ski pass-through and leather upholstery (leather-cloth in the Linear). The Arc added wood interior trim. GM's OnStar assistance system was standard. Rivals included the Acura TL, Audi A4, and BMW 3-Series. The carryover convertible had a power top with heated glass rear window. It retained a 205-horspower engine and SE trim, but a new option package mimicked the appearance of the previous year's high-performance Viggen version.

Year to Year Changes

2004 Saab 9-3: Saab's best-selling line added a convertible for 2004. This year's 9-3 sedan came in three versions: Linear, luxury Arc and sporty Aero. Convertibles came in Arc and Aero form, including a "one-touch" power top with heated glass rear window. A rollover bar popped up if sensors detected an impending tip. Aeros with an automatic transmission included manual-shift paddles on the steering wheel. Aeros had a sport suspension and 17-inch wheels, which were optional on Linear and Arc models in place of 15s or 16s, and included a tire-pressure monitor. Sedans had front side airbags and head-protecting curtain side airbags. Convertibles replaced those units with head-and-thorax side airbags. All 9-3s had leather upholstery; the Linear got cloth inserts. Convertibles had a lockable pass-through to the trunk. OnStar assistance system was standard in the Aero, and optional elsewhere.

2005 Saab 9-3: A base-trim Linear convertible joined the 9-3 group for 2005, and a navigation system was newly available for Arc and Aero models. Linear models moved up to 16-inch tires. Wood interior trim moved from standard equipment to the option list on Arc models. OnStar and a tire-pressure monitor could no longer be installed.

2006 Saab 9-3: 9-3 gets a wagon bodystyle, called the SportCombi, for 2006. Also new is a turbocharged V6 made available on Aero models.

2007 Saab 9-3: Saab's best-selling car gets a freshened interior for 2007. All '07 9-3s get revisions to the instrument panel and interior trim.

2003-2007 Saab 9-3 Road Test

Pros	Cons

Handling/roadholding

Acceleration (210-hp)

Build quality (solid convertible construction)

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Value for the Money
Its front-wheel-drive layout prevents the 9-3 from competing with the best-in-class for ultimate handling prowess. Then again, front-drive has been a Saab hallmark for decades. Key rivals offer all-wheel drive for better handling all-weather security. Still, this is a dynamically capable, fun-to-drive automobile--especially the solidly-built convertible. Though it trails rivals for overall value, the 9-3 is a non-conformist alternative to Acura, Audi, BMW, and other near-luxury brands.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Arc sedan w/auto.	Rating

Performance	7

Fuel Economy	5

Ride Quality	6

Steering/Handling/Braking	7

Quietness	7

Controls/Materials	6

Interior Room	7

Room/Comfort (rear)	4

Cargo Capacity	4

Value within Class	5

Total:	58

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

2003-2007 Saab 9-3 Reliability

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Air conditioner: The A/C compressor may fail to engage or fail to disengage due to a faulty thermo contact, which is now available separately from the compressor. (2003)

Cold-starting problems: Cars equipped with an engine heater may be hard to start when the heater runs but the temperature is at or above freezing (23 degrees F) requiring reprogramming of the engine control computer. (2003)

Ignition switch: The key will not come out of the ignition if it is turned off while the vehicle is still moving. (2006)

Manual transmission: Difficulty shifting manual transmission up or down into 2nd gear requires adjustment to the shifter mechanism. (2003)

None: Rough idle and/or low engine speed may be due to the brake booster vacuum hose coming loose from the intake manifold. (2006)

Oil leak: Oil leaks from the timing cover, valve cover or main seal due to excessive crankcase pressure require installation of ventilation kit. (2003)

Steering noise: Snapping or popping noise from steering shaft requires removal and reinstallation of steering shaft joints using thread locking compound on bolts. (2003)

Suspension noise: Banging from front suspension over bumps may be due to faulty thrust bearing on the tops of the MacPherson struts. (2006)

Wheels: A campaign to replace the right-front wheel sensor harness was conducted to prevent corrosion of the connector. (2006)

Windows: Side windows may be noisy, may go up slowly or not at all, may leak in rain or carwash because window support bar is weak and gets twisted or breaks. (2003)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.


Item Name	Repair Cost

A/C Compressor	$550

Alternator	$440

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$4,500

Brakes	$370

Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing	$620

Constant Velocity Joints	$1,730

Exhaust System	$505

Radiator	$680

Shocks and/or Struts	$3,110

Timing Chain or Belt	$670

NHTSA Recall History

2003 9-3 sedans and convertibles: The fuel pump retaining tabs holding the fuel lines were damaged during production. Over time, this could cause the fuel lines to loosen from the pump resulting in fuel leakage. Dealers will install a bracket that will secure the fuel lines to the fuel pump.

2003: Engine in some cars can stall.

2003-04 Sedan: Seat belt retractor may have been damaged during manufacture; over time, automatic tensioning cable could break, preventing belt webbing from retracting.

2003-05: Vacuum pipe check valve for brake booster on some cars may fail from high-temperature exposure, which could result in sudden loss of power brake assist.

2003-2007 Saab 9-3 Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

2003
9-3 Arc, Vector	$11,600-13,000	$10,400-11,700	$6,400-7,200
9-3 Convertible	$13,000-14,500	$11,800-13,200	$7,500-8,400
9-3 Linear sedan	$10,500-11,500	$9,500-10,400	$5,600-6,100

2004
9-3 Arc, Aero	$13,500-16,000	$12,300-14,600	$8,000-9,400
9-3 Convertible	$17,000-20,000	$15,600-18,400	$10,900-12,800
9-3 Linear sedan	$12,000-13,200	$10,800-11,900	$6,700-7,400

2005
9-3 Arc, Aero	$15,700-19,000	$14,300-17,300	$10,000-12,200
9-3 Convertible	$21,500-24,500	$19,800-22,500	$14,000-15,900
9-3 Linear sedan	$14,000-15,300	$12,700-13,900	$8,500-9,300

2006
9-3 2.0T convertible	$25,000-27,500	$23,300-25,600	$16,500-18,200
9-3 2.0T sdn/wagon	$16,700-18,200	$15,200-16,600	$10,700-11,600
9-3 Aero convertible	$30,000-32,500	$27,900-30,200	$21,000-22,800
9-3 Aero sdn/wagon	$21,000-22,500	$19,300-20,700	$13,700-14,600

2007
9-3 2.0T convertible	$30,000-32,500	$27,900-30,200	$21,000-22,800
9-3 2.0T sdn/wagon	$20,000-21,500	$18,400-19,800	$13,000-14,000
9-3 Aero convertible	$35,000-38,000	$32,600-35,300	$24,900-27,000
9-3 Aero sdn/wagon	$24,500-26,000	$22,800-24,200	$15,900-16,900

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:

Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.

Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.

2003-2007 Saab 9-3 Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	2-door convertible (2003)	4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	102.6	105.3

Overall Length, in.	182.3	182.5

Overall Width, in.	67.4	69.0

Overall Height, in.	56.0	56.8

Curb Weight, lbs.	3200	3175

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	12.5	14.8

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	17.0	16.4

Seating Capacity	4	5

Front Head Room, in.	38.9	38.9

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.3	42.3

Rear Head Room, in.	37.9	37.0

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	33.0	35.1

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

Two turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines have been available under 9-3 hoods. A 175-horsepower version went into the Linear edition, with a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. Vector/Aero and Arc models got a 210-hp four-cylinder, with a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic. In 2003, the carryover 9-3 convertible used a 205-hp engine, with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. For 2006, a turbocharged V6 was added and made available on Aero models.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

Turbocharged dohc I4	2.0 / 121	175	195	5-speed manual: 22/31	5-speed manual: --

Turbocharged dohc I4	2.0 / 121	210	221	5-speed manual: -- 6-speed manual: 22/31 5-speed automatic: 21/30	5-speed manual: -- 6-speed manual: -- 5-speed automatic: --

Turbocharged dohc I4	2.0 / 121	205	207	5-speed manual: 23/33 4-speed automatic: 21/29	5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: --

Turbocharged dohc V6	170.0 / 2.8	250	258	6-speed manual: 18/28 6-speed automatic: 17/28	6-speed manual: -- 6-speed automatic: --

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Built In: Sweden, Austria

Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive

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Also in the 2003-2007 Saab 9-3 Review:

Saab 9-3

Saab 9-3 Road Test

Saab 9-3 Reliability

Saab 9-3 Prices

Saab 9-3 Specs & Safety

Saab 9-3 Photos

Saab 9-3 Full Review