Saab 9-3 Saloon (02-11) - Review

Review by David Ross on
Last Updated: 10 March 2011
The Saab brand has always appealed to buyers looking for something a little different to the mainstream and the 9-3 is a prime example. It's less obvious than a BMW for instance and has an air of understated style about its looks while still retaining a premium reputation. Sadly the model is starting to feel dated, especially inside and although Saab promotes it as being sporty to drive, it's not as enjoyable as the marketing would have you believe. It's safe though and was one of the first cars in the class to have a five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating. A facelift in mid 2007 brought a fresh look and a redesigned interior - it's still good value but lacks the sophistication of newer alternatives.
3 out of 5

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3 out of 5

Summary

New price range:

£17,515 - £33,950

Used price range:

£1,312 - £16,968

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Offers something different from the mainstream, good engines, decent value, comfortable

Starting to look and feel dated, uninspiring to drive, cramped rear seats

The Saab brand has always appealed to buyers looking for something a little different to the mainstream and the 9-3 is a prime example. It's less obvious than a BMW for instance and has an air of understated style about its looks while still retaining a premium reputation. Sadly the model is starting to feel dated, especially inside and although Saab promotes it as being sporty to drive, it's not as enjoyable as the marketing would have you believe. It's safe though and was one of the first cars in the class to have a five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating. A facelift in mid 2007 brought a fresh look and a redesigned interior - it's still good value but lacks the sophistication of newer alternatives.

Driving & Performance

  • Performance

    4 out of 5

    "There's a single, non-turbo 1.8-litre petrol engine at the bottom of the line-up which is a little..."

  • Handling

    3 out of 5

    "The ride is excellent on standard models, smooth over every surface, without being wallowy. The..."

Comfort

  • Comfort

    3 out of 5

    "Front passengers get a highly-supportive seat and loads of legroom which means excellent..."

  • Practicality

    3 out of 5

    "Like the Volkswagen Passat, the Saab 9-3 is available as a saloon or estate - but there's no..."

  • Equipment

    4 out of 5

    "The original model line-up consisted of Linear, Arc and Vector, plus a high-performance Aero model."

  • Behind the wheel

    3 out of 5

    "Saab likes to make associations with it's aviation heritage and the dash layout of the 9-3 certainly..."

Costs

  • Running costs

    3 out of 5

    "The 9-3 has 18,000-mile (or two-year) service intervals but Saab dealer servicing tends to be pricey..."

  • Green credentials

    2.5 out of 5

    "The 9-3 scores reasonably on the eco front. With an average of 186g/km CO2 across the model line-up,..."

Safety & Reliability

  • Safety

    4 out of 5

    "The 9-3 gained a maximum five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating and was one of the first cars to do..."

  • Reliability

    4 out of 5

    "Previous Saabs have a reputation for longevity and the 9-3 should hopefully continue that trend. It..."

Buying & Selling

  • Buying new

    3 out of 5

    "The facelift in 2007 breathed new life into the 9-3 with a sportier and more athletic look. But that..."

  • Buying used

    3.5 out of 5

    "The 9-3 was launched in 2002, with the first significant revision coming in 2006, when the interior..."

  • Selling

    3 out of 5

    "Saabs have quite a following among buyers looking for a leftfield choice. All are easy to sell on..."

Gallery

  • Interior Saab 9-3 Saloon (02-11)
  • Exterior Saab 9-3 Saloon (02-11)
  • Exterior Saab 9-3 Saloon (02-11)
  • Exterior Saab 9-3 Saloon (02-11)

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Owners' reviews