1999 Saab 9-3 Review
1999 Saab 9-3 Review
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Used 9-3 for sale
Appraise This CarSaab 9-3 model years
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Comfy interior, versatile hatchback model, torquey turbo motor, quirky personality.
Cons
- Controls not always intuitive, offbeat image, spotty build quality.
What’s new
Saab changed the car's name to the 9-3, giving it a mild exterior freshening to boot. Around midyear, a high-output version of its 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder (making an amazing 200 horsepower) becomes the standard engine in the uplevel SE five-door and SE Convertible models equipped with a manual transmission. All SEs also get new five-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels. All five-speed manual 9-3s get revised gearbox ratios and a numerically higher (4.05-to-1) final drive ratio for better off-the-line feel. A revised 9-3 interior headliner provides more padding for increased protection in the event of a crash. And five-door SE variants add an integrated driver-seat armrest and a centrally located cupholder that swings out from the instrument panel.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1999 Saab 9-3 SE HO Turbo 4dr Hatchback and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$215/mo for 9-3 SE HO
9-3 SE HO
vs
$183/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Saab has faced some tough times. An inconsiderate parent company, General Motors, tried to make Saab fit into GM's large corporate game plan, which has been a longstanding sore spot with Saab defenders. They claim that the giant multi-national does not understand the Saab audience and the special appeal of these cars.
Lately, and more importantly, Saab has been faced with the difficulties associated with having only a two-car lineup. The Saab 900, a beautiful and comfortable car, was a hit upon introduction in 1994, but sales slowed because of increased competition from BMW, Mercedes and Lexus, in addition to nagging customer concerns about the 900's build quality.
Despite some obvious difficulties and shortcomings, we still like Saab. The 900 was replaced this year with the 9-3, an updated 900 by any other name. The base 9-3 comes in three-door Coupe, five-door Hatchback and Convertible models. All come equipped with a powerful 185-horsepower four-cylinder engine. This turbocharged 2.0-liter produces stunning acceleration that can char the front tires into bits if the driver so chooses.The phenomenon of torque-steer (where some powerful front-drivers can literally pull the steering wheel right out of your hands on hard acceleration from a standing start) has always been a problem for the 900. But Saab claims to have settled the swerving down a bit in this year's 9-3 by improving the front suspension geometry.
New for '99 is a high-output version of the turbo four that spins out 200 horses (that's an incredible 100 horsepower per liter of displacement) but available only for SE models equipped with a manual transmission. Perhaps even more incredible is that this motor makes its 209 foot-pounds of torque at an amazingly low 2,300 rpm, and then maintains peak torque all the way up to 4,600 rpm. Talk about a wide, fat, usable power band across the rev range!
All 9-3 models feature Saab's patented pendulum-design B-pillar which deflects side impacts away from head and chest areas; the world's first head restraint system to reduce the risk of whiplash-type injuries; and seat-mounted, two-stage inflating head and chest side airbags.
The 1999 Saab 9-3 is a comfortable, equipment-laden near-luxury car that competes against entries from Volvo, BMW and Mercedes. Prices start around $26,000 for the 9-3 Coupe, and climb all the way to $42,995 for the SE convertible. While the 9-3 is a good car, there are plenty of good cars in the 9-3's price class. If your tastes run a bit on the eccentric side, however, this car's personality and quirkiness may be a better choice for you than a BMW 323is or Mercedes C280. You'll certainly stand out more in the crowd.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1999 Saab 9-3.
5 star(51%)
4 star(40%)
3 star(8%)
2 star(1%)
1 star(0%)
92 reviews
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Most helpful consumer reviews
4.25 out of 5 stars
Sven the Incredible
wspcarguy, 07/07/2013
1999 Saab 9-3 Turbo 4dr Hatchback
I bought my 1999 Saab 9-3 in Sept 99 and have never regretted it. Sven the Saab has never left me high and dry (unless the fuel pump or battery died). Super comfy for all riders and far better MPG than listed on the sticker. Easily averaged over 30 mpg on the hwy.
4.38 out of 5 stars
Bought new; now 11 years old
john, 10/09/2010
1999 Saab 9-3 Turbo 4dr Hatchback
Car requires capable mechanic - not most reliable on the road after 50K. Ignition cassette crapped out at 70K ($600 for T5), seals blew at 80K ($1800.00). I'm at 88K miles today. However, gobs of fun to drive (w/5 speed). I've installed many handling fixes (1999 base version I thought was poor) and it's great fun now. I recently drove 2007 BMW 328i wagon, 2010 MINI Clubman, 2010 Audi … A3, 2010 Jetta Sportwagen, and 2011 VW GTI and decided to keep 'Helga'. None improved on the room, comfort or dramatically in handling to my old SAAB - so what if $2K yearly on repairs?; it's still cheaper than buying/leasing $25-$36K cars above. An enigmatic car, right for me.
5 out of 5 stars
I'll Really Miss this Car
RBG, 09/04/2009
1999 Saab 9-3 SE Turbo 4dr Hatchback
Purchased new and drove it for 10 years and 187,000 miles. I expect it had another 100,000 miles in it. It ended service prematurely after it was rear ended. The vehicle did its job and all occupants walked away with no or very minor injuries. Thanks engineers and assemblers! I'll really miss this car. It did so many things well-a good blend of design, performance, build quality, … economy and utility. And it was FUN to drive everyday. Others correctly point out proper routine maintenance is required. It's not necessarily expensive. Like all vehicles Saabs have quirks and some common part failures. To me they were either endearing or minor annoyances. I'm looking for another one.
4 out of 5 stars
Hot Hatchback
Aaron Moore, 01/21/2016
1999 Saab 9-3 Turbo 4dr Hatchback
I have the 4 door standard transmission version. It is a very powerful car for the price I paid and climate control works great. There are a few interior problems though. The pixels on the head unit have virtually faded away so you cant make out the time and radio stations. Not a big deal though. One other problem is that the driver side door lock made a terrible noise when it locks … and sometimes wont even lock when it is cold out. The alarm system works great after learning first hand. Overall no major engine or other mechanical problems.
1999 9-3 Highlights
Convertible
Base
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $215/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 12.5 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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