2003-2008 Saab 9-3: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Pros
- Handling/roadholding
- Acceleration (210-hp)
- Build quality (solid convertible construction)
Cons
Vehicle Highlights
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.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | 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 Score: | 58 |
Year to Year Changes
Our road test for the 2003-2008 Saab 9-3 includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2003-2008 Saab 9-3 and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2003-2008 Saab 9-3 is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
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.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | 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 Score: | 58 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| 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 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
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| 2008 | |||
| 9-3 2.0T convertible | $27,500-30,000 | $25,600-27,900 | $18,400-20,100 |
| 9-3 2.0T sdn/wagon | $19,500-21,500 | $17,900-19,800 | $12,700-14,000 |
| 9-3 Aero convertible | $31,000-34,000 | $28,800-31,600 | $21,700-23,800 |
| 9-3 Aero sdn/wagon | $23,500-26,000 | $21,600-23,900 | $15,300-16,900 |
| 2007 | |||
| 9-3 2.0T convertible | $22,500-25,000 | $20,700-23,000 | $14,600-16,300 |
| 9-3 2.0T sdn/wagon | $16,000-18,000 | $14,600-16,400 | $10,200-11,500 |
| 9-3 Aero convertible | $26,500-29,000 | $24,600-27,000 | $17,500-19,100 |
| 9-3 Aero sdn/wagon | $19,500-21,000 | $17,900-19,300 | $12,700-13,700 |
| 2006 | |||
| 9-3 2.0T convertible | $19,000-21,000 | $17,500-19,300 | $12,400-13,700 |
| 9-3 2.0T sdn/wagon | $13,500-15,700 | $12,300-14,300 | $8,000-9,300 |
| 9-3 Aero convertible | $23,000-25,500 | $21,200-23,500 | $15,000-16,600 |
| 9-3 Aero sdn/wagon | $16,000-18,200 | $14,600-16,600 | $10,200-11,600 |
| 2005 | |||
| 9-3 Arc, Aero | $12,800-15,000 | $11,600-13,700 | $7,300-8,600 |
| 9-3 Convertible | $16,500-20,000 | $15,000-18,200 | $10,600-12,800 |
| 9-3 Linear sedan | $11,200-12,200 | $10,100-11,000 | $6,000-6,600 |
| 2004 | |||
| 9-3 Arc, Aero | $10,700-13,000 | $9,600-11,700 | $5,700-6,900 |
| 9-3 Convertible | $13,000-15,000 | $11,800-13,700 | $7,500-8,700 |
| 9-3 Linear sedan | $9,500-10,500 | $8,600-9,500 | $4,900-5,500 |
| 2003 | |||
| 9-3 Arc, Vector | $9,000-10,000 | $8,100-9,000 | $4,700-5,200 |
| 9-3 Convertible | $10,000-11,200 | $9,000-10,100 | $5,200-5,800 |
| 9-3 Linear sedan | $8,000-9,000 | $7,200-8,100 | $4,100-4,600 |
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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 |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Powertrain Options and Availability
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
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. |
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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%. Sideimpact 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%.
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