Used 2009 Saab 9-3 Consumer Reviews
Used 9-3 for sale
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2009 9-3, so we've included reviews for other years of the 9-3 since its last redesign.
Saab 9-3 > Acura TSX
Dave, 03/30/2008
2008 Saab 9-3 2.0T 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I was debating between the Saab 9-3 or Acura TSX. The Acura advanced in technology, but it seemed as if the car didn't have any soul, and it felt as if it was a Honda over an Accura. I bought the Saab with the stick shift, cold weather package, and the bi- xenon headlamps in silver with black leather. Build quality remains pleasing for the past couple of months I have owned it, reliability has been great, fit and finish can use some work, but suits my high standards. This car is worth looking at if you are looking at the Lexus IS and Acura TSX.
1st month of ownership
Fernando, 04/12/2008
2008 Saab 9-3 2.0T 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have own my 2008 9-3 for a month now, driven it both city and on twisty highways in coastal California from San Diego to Santa Barbara. Overall, I am very pleased with the car: great ride, amazing in the highway when the car settles and just lets you enjoy the ride. Based on other written reviews on line, I was concerned a bit about apparent manual shifter long throws and comments about interior built quality: my concerns disappeared once I got the car and started to drive it. 6 speed manual transmission works just fine, and clutch is great too. In sum, so far this car makes me smile every time I drive it.
2009 Saab 9-3 for sale near you
Showing 3 of 14 listings
- Sport SedanMSRP: $5,7941,012 mi away
- Aero WagonMSRP: $6,9501,723 mi away
- Sport SedanMSRP: $4,5001,948 mi away
See all 14 listings
Great car
Ron, 04/18/2008
2008 Saab 9-3 Aero 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We use this car as our "high mileage" car. This is our 2nd 9-3. This is a solid car, great design. The car is perfect both in town and on the freeway. Could not go for the four banger as it just has to work too hard. The Aero is still great on mileage and a great performer. Only turbo I have ever driven with no noticable turbo-lag. Incredible brakes.
2008 Saab
Barry Brooks, 03/24/2025
2008 Saab 9-3 Aero 2dr Convertible (2.8L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Would give it 10 stars if I could. Properly maintained this car, based on owner reviews, should provide 100,000 plus miles. Loved every minute with it but am running out of garage space. Too bad Saab stop producing all models.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
What a bargain
ws, 12/26/2008
2009 Saab 9-3 Comfort 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
You cannot find a better combination of price, features and performance. No appreciable turbo lag, responsive handling good visibility and comfortable seats. Workmanship and quality of materials are good; don't know what Edmund's was describing - maybe we got lucky. We are getting over 25 mpg in mixed driving. We could not be happier with this car.
Great Deals on SAAB right now
Jean, 02/01/2010
2009 Saab 9-3 Touring 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased a SAAB yesterday - first time buyer. I am extremely happy with the sales price. The cash rebates are amazing. Coming from a Mini Cooper S, the fun factor is not there since the Mini is so much fun. But the 4 doors and huge space in the trunk and backseat are nice to have again. I feel very safe in the car and it has some get up and go! But the best part is still the price!!
great car great deal
kdd, 02/19/2010
2009 Saab 9-3 Touring 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Best car I have ever owned. Fast, nimble, unique, beautiful design. NO problems. And such a deal. Cheaper than a loaded Civic. What's not to love?
It's a Rocket
LPA, 03/18/2010
2009 Saab 9-3 Sport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I know they say Saabs are "made from jets," but this car is a rocket! In my first two months of ownership, I've come to appreciate the outstanding acceleration of my Saab while experiencing awesome gas mileage (until I just reset it, my mileage calculator registered 29.7 mpg for a full month's worth of driving), far better than expected. Heated seats, rain-sensing wipers, quality climate control all make driving a pleasure. My impeccable timing -- I bought the car just before the Spyker deal was finalized -- yielded me a new entry- level luxury car for $23,400, a huge discount from the $36,500 sticker price.
Better than a subaru? Time will tell.
jp-stl, 03/21/2010
2009 Saab 9-3 Comfort 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We purchased a 2008 93 for my wife two years ago so when it was time for my new vehicle I was comparing Legacy vs 93. The 93 was on a steep price cut due to GM selling Saab. Paid 22K. It has features which would have cost 7K on the Subaru. Now we have matching cars which should be good from a maint. standpoint since I will do it after the 3-yrs is up. My old Subaru was reliable. I hope this 93 will be, also.
Saab 93...With GM Warranty
rtp_owner, 10/24/2012
2009 Saab 9-3 Touring 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
First (and I'm guessing last SAAB). Very happy with this car. Purchased a "stripped down" model at the going out of business sale - did not get the BIG deals that others claimed to have gotten, but I did get a 0.0% loan!! 6 speed manual - overall car is very good. It's comfortable and good on long trips. I average 30 MPG COMBINED in the real world - pretty psyched about that - I will generally be in the high 30's on the highway. That's great mileage. I don't play boy racer, and generally only go about 5 MPS above posted limits on the highway which probably helps my mileage. Back seat is tight. Fold down rear seats nice. Rear air vents are nice. GM warranty is nice.
2009 9-3 Aero - Saab's most powerful convertible
EJL Ohio, 09/28/2023
updated 03/31/2025
2009 Saab 9-3 Aero 2dr Convertible (2.8L 6cyl Turbo 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
PROS - Very competitive with similar convertibles from Audi, BMW, Mercedes, and Volvo - Very pleasant to drive with agile handling and no turbo lag - Quiet cabin with top up, still fairly quiet with top down and windows up - Usable trunk space even with top down, unlike convertible hardtops -Large rear window provdes better visibility than most competitors - IIHS Top Safety Pick is outstanding for a convertible - 280 hp V6 is the most powerful ever offered and over 2 seconds faster in 0-60 than 2.0T 4 cylinder - Excellent seating comfort for 4 normal sized adults. - Power bolstering and adjustable lumber support on front seats provides outstanding comfort - Saab parts are readily available CONS - V6 requires premium fuel and has worse fuel economy that the 2.0T four - Fairly large C-pillar with top up limits side visibility - V6 produces more noise in rapid acceleration that 2.0T Four - Fairly stiff ride - Stout passengers may find front seat bolsters and rear seat too confining. - Desirable 6-speed manual became an option with the V6 convertible for '09 and only 19 were built. - Saab never offered a navigation system with a backup camera; Kenwood offers this as an aftermarket option. Convertibles should be hand washed rather than using an automatic car wash.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Update: 6 months of disappointment
Ric in ATL, 11/03/2008
2008 Saab 9-3 Aero 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is a 6-month update. Check out my "First 90 days" review. My Aero has spent even more time in the shop since then. The stereo system is still a major issue, but now my problems have extended to the stability control system and general build quality. About to go through my 2nd set of floor mats. 1st service interval came at 6700. I've spent more time in a loaner car than my own car in the last 2 months. Squeaks & rattles have multiplied. This 9-3 has been a terrible disappointment. For a $40k car, it is seriously outclassed by the competition. While I loved Saab, I feel totally let down by this car, and I don't plan to return when my lease is up.
SAAB Driven
SAAB Doyl, 07/12/2009
2008 Saab 9-3 2.0T 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Fun to drive, mocking a BMW with the MPG of a mini cooper. 3 years service with this lease costs the owner nothing. Hope the new company purchasing SAAB keeps tradition... superior value for the buck!
Best Car I've Owned So Far!
luxman, 05/07/2008
2008 Saab 9-3 2.0T 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have wanted a Saab 9-3 for a long time so I looked at one last year, but I figured they were going to restyle them soon, so I waited. I'm glad I did, because the new one looks AWESOME! I got a silver one with all the options. Tan leather, wood trim, heated seats, 6 cd player, fog lights, and power seats. I like the headlights a lot too. they look cool driving at night. Standard satellite radio and onstar is nice too. This thing handles like a dream too. I have the automatic with tiptronic, and it is fun to drive it in tiptronic mode. If you want a high quality, sporty car for under $45,000, you MUST get this car!
Great Car!
willg, 05/03/2009
2009 Saab 9-3 Aero 4dr Sedan AWD (2.8L 6cyl Turbo 6A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Just like the other guy said, once you buy a Saab, you will buy one every time you buy a car. Very great car and you can pick them up cheap right now!!
AWD!
Shayla , 05/10/2020
2009 Saab 9-3 XWD 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
It’s a Saab! Ya gotta know how to fix em !