Used 2011 Saab 9-3 Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2011 9-3, so we've included reviews for other years of the 9-3 since its last redesign.
Love My First Ever SAAB
jbrtp, 05/21/2011
2011 Saab 9-3 2.0T 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
74 of 75 people found this review helpful
Disagree with reviewers - know the new one is coming but a great deal with 0.0 financing sold me. First interior - yep - radio is a generation old and was plucked from the Suburban but sound quality is good and there is a jack. No gaps in my interior - all tolerances are close and materials are good quality. Car is quick with little torque steer - steering is spot on and ride is comfortable. Brakes are superb. Gas mileage is GREAT much better than expected. I have some trips with 35+ on the highway. Would have liked power seats on the passenger side. Bluetooth is basic but works well with android phone. Headlights are good as well. Manual 6 speed can be a little notchy.
No better ragtop for the price
Ken Krutsch, 05/29/2010
2009 Saab 9-3 Comfort 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
16 of 16 people found this review helpful
Love my Saab convertible. Went from a Mercedes C-class to a 9-3 Bumblebee Yellow 2.0T convertible. I miss the acceleration of the MB, but the Saab 2.0T is not off by much. The handling actually seems to be improved from the 2006 C-class, possibly due to the shorter wheel base and ReAxis feature (passive turning rear wheels). I get a lot of looks in this car, which is fun, and the subtle design bells and whistles are everywhere. For example, with the top down, either in hot or cold weather, the climate control seems to just magically adjust all of the settings for a comfortable ride - including the automated heated seats. You can tell this is a car designed by people that live in the snow
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ok car for the money, very reliable!
chris_gallucci, 02/02/2011
2009 Saab 9-3 XWD 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
Performance: great in snow! turbo lag is very high though Comfort: over roads freshly paved-perfect, anything else-horrid! Value: compared to other cars I have driven/ ridden around in it is not the best, seats are rock hard Fun to Drive: Oh yeah! Interior Design: great the first year it was out, but got old fast Exterior Design: they are like Chevy, they keep almost the same design for a few years, then finally get the idea that people want to see something new Build Quality: the best, except for a tank, I was behind a dump truck hauling logs (one lane road) it dropped a log 6" in diameter, I ran it over, the car suffered no damage Reliability: I can do everything at home (change oil, etc.)
Extremely reliable even after 160,000 miles!
Mills, 01/07/2016
2010 Saab 9-3 Aero 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car new in 2010 for $32,000. I currently have 162,000 miles on it and it has been extremely reliable. The engine runs great and so far the transmission has worked fine as well. I had to replace a drive shaft at 100K miles and a wheel bearing at 140K miles. As of today with 160K miles, I do need rear CV boots, a front vacuum pump and a transfer case seal. It would cost me approximately $1,850 to repair all of those items. I don't know if I will bother spending the money to fix these issues since I have so many miles on the car. I have to say though, it has been a fun car to drive and it has never failed me. I have always serviced it as per the manufacturers specs and I'm sure that's partly why it has run so well. .... A little about me, I am 5'-6" tall and the seats and cabin room are perfect for me!
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Good All-Around Sports Sedan
jbrockwell, 01/16/2011
2010 Saab 9-3 2.0T 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
17 of 18 people found this review helpful
Someone in review forum talking about future of the brand wrote that Saab should position itself as the $25K European sports sedan -- whether that is where the future is for Saab or not, I think it is a good way to position this model. It doesn't have a great interior compared to say an Audi A4 (my previous car), engine is not sublime, handling is OK (AWD helps considerably though I bought FWD version), brand cache is struggling and I will have to see on reliability. But after 2,000+ miles of driving, I have no major complaints. It's a good all around performer and if it doesn't quite excel in any obvious automotive review category, does enough to satisfy and bring the occasional smile.
Better than I'd expected
2Saab, 09/08/2010
2010 Saab 9-3 Aero 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
We wanted to replace a pick up for better fuel economy. Saab's tasteful design, functional and pleasing layout of controls, good fuel economy, safety, and good looks all factored into the decision. In the end our 7 year old Saab (purchased used) sold us on the new one. After several years of ownership, we still flip a coin over who gets to drive it. Instead of a van or CUV that doesn't handle like a car, we have a car that handles well, and still will accommodate a lot of stuff.
SAAB lives
socom18d, 07/18/2010
2010 Saab 9-3 2.0T 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
12 of 13 people found this review helpful
Second Saab, chose over Audi and BMW. Vehicle handles great and does everything well for thousands less than equal competition.The wife had to have manual transmission, only reasonable competition was Subaru but she did not like the design.
Gas Mileage
GET IT RIGHT, 04/18/2009
2009 Saab 9-3 Sport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
The editor or writer has it totally wrong on gas mileage. Around town will be 20 - 24 , and highway is 29 - 32. Your listing of 18 - 23 is really not accurate. I think one of the better cars made. Saab never gets a fair shake from the press or internet outlets. Drive one and form your own opinion. Most people that have one, usually buy another.
my headache...
antonio787, 12/17/2010
2009 Saab 9-3 Comfort 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
After three months of use my car started with a noise in the front suspension upon riding over street bumps. I made an appointment and my car was taken for service and repair March 22, 2010. Mileage: 4849. The car was ready the same day. First maintenance done. After a few months the noise in the front suspension started again. Also a new noise started at the driver's seat. I made another appointment. On June 7, 2010 the car was taken for repair again. Mileage: 8644. The car was seven days at the shop. out of shop June 14, 2010. The noise persisted at the suspension and this time was stronger. I took the car the 8th of July, 2010 for evaluation and a loosen knob at the bushing was found and fixed the same day. On September 20th, 2010 my battery died and they changed same day for a new one. Same day service. Mileage: 13344. This same day the car was re-evaluated by the mechanics because the noise in the front suspension and in the driver's seat decreased but were still present. Another appointment was done and the parts were ordered. Appointment was done for the first day of November, 2010. My car was at the shop until November 4th and the parts were never available, so they did not fixed the car. Only thing done was the maintenance check up. Mileage: 14969. Appointment follow up for parts previously ordered was given for November 15, 2010. I picked up the car Friday 19th of November. Still the car was with the same noise in the front suspension and at the driver's seat. On Monday 22 of November another visit to the shop was done. In view that this was a short week (due to Thanksgiving holiday) they gave me another appointment for service for the 29th of November. The service light was not reset and it was ON at all times. The 29th of November my car went again for service for another week. Mileage: 15799. When I picked up my car Friday 3 of December the car was still with the same or worst noise in the front suspension and at the driver's seat. Total of visits for the same problems: 6 Total of days in shop for repairs and evaluation: 20 days Problems unresolved: Front suspension noise and driver's seat noise I use my car on daily basis for work. For me is important to have a save car. This noises are obnoxious and persistent. Every time the car is in the shop they change a different part of the front suspension as if they were guessing what the car problem is. The front seat cushion has been replaced twice. The truth is that they have never fixed any of these two noises.
2010 Saab 9-3 XWD with 64,000 miles
Sean Lucander, 04/08/2017
updated 10/24/2022
2010 Saab 9-3 2.0T 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
We no longer own the car. We miss it though and wish we didn't trade it in for a VW Passat. We bought the car in 2015 with 48000 miles. We love how well it does in the snow, we live in massachusetts and weather can be crappy at times. The fuel economy could be improved, however, i knew what we were buying so i'm not complaining. I would sacrifice amazing all wheel drive for 4 fewer mpg. we get 24 overall. On a trip from Worcester, MA to Lake George, NY we averaged 29. The car is fun to drive, simple to use. All the controls are easy and not confusing. The interior is nicely finished. The hard plastics are definitely chintzy general motors product. I also have a 2014 camry se v6 and the interior and fit and finish is not as good as the 2010 saab! The seats fold down and split 40/60. The dealership where we bought the car sold us a warrantee. We have used it three times in the 2+ years of owning the car. It is well worth it knowing that the parts come from Sweden and they do not manufacture saabs anymore. I would not like the car as much if i didn't have the warrantee. When people review cars, they need to realize that what they are buying is the same car they test-drove. That being said, know what you're getting yourself into and you won't be surprised with normal maintenance, do your homework and know a great saab mechanic. My family has driven saabs since the 70s. I have know a few people who have walked away from bad car accidents. They are safe as hell and well worth the premium in repairs. the saab has 210 hp, but has amazing passing power on the highway and feels more secure than other cars I have driven. Sadly, we traded in the Saab in sept. 2017. My boyfriend and I regret getting rid of the Saab. We were both struggling financially and he traded it in for a Passat lease. I like the vw but we miss the Saab everyday. Wishing we had kept it. We traded it in with 69,xxx miles and issues after we replaced the instrument cluster and car computer. After driving a passat lease for 4 years, we realized how much we missed the Saab. It was a poor choice on our behalf to trade it in :(
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Nice Car with great Incentives!
jason60050, 11/29/2010
2010 Saab 9-3 2.0T 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
9 of 10 people found this review helpful
Coming from a Lexus GS350 this is quite a difference. I love the way it handles and the XWD with the 6 speed auto is wonderful. I could not pass up the deal on this vehicle. Almost $12k off sticker. Despite what they say as this being an outdated car with not a lot to offer compared to the 3 series, A4, etc could not beat the price with this one.
A well-rounded car
Steve, 11/05/2009
2009 Saab 9-3 Sport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
The 2009 9-3 performs well in every category. Excellent handing meaning just the right feedback from steering and feel of the road. The steering wheel is thick with thumb support that adds to the sense of control. A sense of control of the car in every situation - even in snow storms and driving rain. Comfortable seats that are appreciated more on longer driving trips. Easy to reach and understand dashboard - nothing too fancy like most higher end cars. Good views of the road. A safety record unmatched by most cars - check out the insurance loss chart on the IIHS site - Saab is either the safest or the top two or three safest cars on the road. Why? Re-read my comments.
I love my Saab
Kay, 07/02/2010
2009 Saab 9-3 Comfort 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
I had a 2000 9-3 and sobbed hysterically when I traded it for a Prius last year. That portended what was to come. Another year and I have bought a new Saab 9-3 wagon with a stick. I cannot believe how nice this car is! I loved my old Saab; this one is not in any way the same car. It is much nicer but I love it just the same. I am just a Saab lover, I guess. I never want anything else. I love this car.
Saab 9-3 excellent car for the money
pl, 12/08/2008
2009 Saab 9-3 Touring 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
No one can drive this car and not appreciate the very smooth and adequately powerful turbo engine. Also, one of the safest cars on the road. As for gas mileage, it's consistently been 22 in the city and 29 on the highway, so the 18-23 quoted in the review is odd. Very comfortable to drive. At 26k, it's a steal. A great family car.
Enjoying my Saab
smg, 10/20/2010
2010 Saab 9-3 2.0T 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
5 of 7 people found this review helpful
This is my third Saab. I'm enjoying this new 9-3 a lot. The car is very quiet and has a nice smooth ride. I really like the sound of the Bose stereo. My car has Onstar and I like the turn by turn navigation which shows the directions on the radio display. I got a great deal on the car.
Wow - Great Deal on Great Car
RTP Econo Driver, 05/17/2010
2009 Saab 9-3 Touring 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Took advantage of SAABs troubles to purchase a 9-3 at 0.0% financing. Got the stripper model - no roof - manual passenger seat - 6 speed manual. Bright red. Great car. Downside - no heated seats - no fog lights. Upside - roomy. No matter what Consumer Reports said, build quality is top notch. Shifter little balky, but no worse than previous Audi's. Clutch very easy. Turbo took a week to get used too, but concerns over torque steer overblown. Gas mileage is really good - surprisingly so. Went from a Cad CTS to a Mazda6 to cut payments and get more gas mileage - after 1 year - went to SAAB with - lower payments and better gas mileage!
Great Car
slosh64, 01/18/2010
2009 Saab 9-3 Comfort 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Just purchased a new 2009 9-3 Comfort loaded. Xenon, tiptronic, sun roof, bluetooth, heated seats,... Sticker was $38k, paid $22k. I'm amazed by this car! it's fast, fun to drive, comfortable, quiet, and I'm getting 32 MPG on my 100 mile per day commute. If GM does the right thing and sells the brand I WILL buy another one. We've been a Volvo family for years but this Saab blows Volvo away (we've owned 5 Volvo's)
Glad to go from Volvo to Saab
Rob, 02/05/2010
2009 Saab 9-3 Touring 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Much like one of the previous ratings, I too have had 5 Volvos and have watched their quality and reliability degrade over the years. Recently traded a 2006 S60 wrought with problems for a slick, black 2009 93 and I couldn't be happier. Same perks as other ratings - a blast to drive! great acceleration, comfortable, sporty, handles great, better MPG than advertised. I think I'm now a Saab guy and will probably buy another if this keeps up. Very happy with this car.
Very Pleased with New 9-3
jbrooksws, 03/29/2010
2009 Saab 9-3 Touring 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Unfortunately I couldn't get the deals others have referenced - I purchased a laser red "stripper" model - no xenon - no roof - no Center Point - no park assist et al. I prev had an 06 CTS that was great - sold it last year to improve gas mileage and got a great Mazda 6 - but no soul. Saab is great. Mine has a stick - it's a little bit fussy...exactly like Audi's used to be so to me there's no issue. The clutch pedal action is light - pick up is good. Perfect seats and instrumentation - base level stereo is good. Stripper wheels 16 inch - look good on this car, and saves $25.00 per tire when it's time to buy new rubber. I really like this car!
2009 9-3
Bill Adams, 10/11/2010
2009 Saab 9-3 Touring 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought my Saab in Dec. 09 and got a steal of a deal. Took it on it's first long trip last month 1,800 miles. Fuel economy was excellent (31.8-32.4) on regular gas with cruise at 80 mph. This car drives like a dream however the front seats really need work, our 2010 Jetta has superior seat comfort. This is well made car with a great engine and handling. Although this is my first Saab it may not be the last.
My third Saab, wish there were more.
SnowDriver, 04/26/2022
updated 11/26/2024
2010 Saab 9-3 2.0T 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Unfortunately, this Saab was influent more by GM than my previous versions. The all wheel drive sounds nice but the trade-off in road handling, ground clearance, gas mileage and the lost of the hatch back makes it just another high end sedan. Mechanically it has been a sold car. With 115,000 miles, it has been near perfect. Keep up the planned services and it makes for good dependable transportation. It's 2023 and my 2010 Saab is still going strong. It's the end of 2023 and just put the snow tires on. The Saab is great in snow. Ended up replacing a broken (original) front spring, darn pot holes. It's now May of 2024. Last fall I had to replace a pump for the all wheel drive unit. (Another reason why I liked my old FWD 1999 / 93 better.) The 2010 still purrs and feels solid. It's a comfortable car that does well in snow but could use more clearance. No plans to trade yet.
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Saab safety
wendy cordrey, 10/06/2010
2009 Saab 9-3 Sport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Lucky for me I purchased my 2009 SAAB when they were clearing them out. I love it and I must say that it has kept me safe. It has definitely stopped me from getting into 2 accidents within a 1 month period. Today, I was hit in the rear end by a SUV and the car and I did very well. I expected the rear-end to be crushed when I got out of the car. It was minimally damaged and I was shocked. Very impressive! I will buy another Saab in the future because I cannot put a price on my families safety.
More bang for your buck
John B., 02/10/2010
2009 Saab 9-3 Comfort 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
1 of 4 people found this review helpful
Editorial reviews rate the SAAB 9-3 low compared to the competition in nearly every category but one - price. The sticker may be high but that doesn't reflect the actual price, which is much lower than the competition. If you are splitting hairs then perhaps the editorial reviews are correct, but for the everyday driver this is a fine car over-loaded with power, comfort, and features compared to other cars in its price range. When my wife and I went to buy a new car she was adamantly opposed to buying a SAAB because of the latest troubles - then she drove it. For the price we got ($23,000) there was no comparison to the Mazda, Honda, Subaru, or Nissan cars we looked at.
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.
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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 !
My classy Saab convertible
Harv, 02/22/2022
updated 08/26/2022
2010 Saab 9-3 2.0T 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Needed to update pedal throttle sensor. Otherwise, a real “eye catcher.” In addition, car has a new radio, an installed back-up camera, a new computer, and an updated new turbo. Lastly, a new paint job.
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