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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2009 Saab 9-3

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2011 Saab 9-3

Overview

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2009 Saab 9-3 Review

By KBB.com Editors

Saab claimed a whopping 2,157 changes and enhancements for its premium compact 9-3 series in 2008, so it should come as no surprise changes for 2009 are relatively few. A new Cross-Wheel Drive (XWD) option is available on 9-3 sedan and SportCombi models with the four-cylinder 2.0T. Saab's 9-3 Sedan and SportCombi compete against the Acura TSX, BMW 3 Series, Volvo S60, Audi A4 and the Volvo V50 wagon. Saab also continues to offer the front-drive 9-3 Convertible with a fabric roof.

You'll Like This Car If...

Some shoppers gravitate toward the Saab 9-3 partly because of its "stealth" personality; it delivers more in performance and handling than its straight-forward appearance suggests. Others simply like the car's solid, tight Eurosedan feel, which is likely to be enhanced further yet when the XWD option arrives.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Even more than their Swedish Volvo cousins, Saabs used to be known for various quirks and idiosyncrasies, which fans adored but some others disdained. Things like the console-mounted ignition – a long-standing Saab hallmark – can still prove too peculiar for some.

What's New for 2009

XWD on the base 2.0T model is the big news for 2009. The V6 Aero sees a significant bump up in horsepower, while an electronically controlled limited slip rear differential is added to Aero models with XWD. OnStar 8.0 now features Turn-by-Turn navigation and Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity.

Driving the 9-3

Driving Impressions Each 2009 Saab 9-3 exhibits a serious Eurosedan personality. Confident handling is the rule, especially in Aero trim. An Aero SportCombi exemplifies what the modern wagon experience should be: Well-behaved...

under all conditions. The 2.0T steers with a rather light touch, but one that's sure-footed. Spirited reaction from the 2.0T's engine, even with the automatic, exhibits little turbo lag but suffers a bit of downshifting delay and a slight hesitation on light acceleration. The Aero's V6 feels more effortless, and you immediately notice a difference in handling and roadholding. Aeros can be pushed vigorously into curves, remaining impressively flat and centered, and they ride more taut than front-drive 2.0Ts, but not uncomfortably, overcoming most pavement imperfections without fuss. Harsher bumps produce sharp body motions, but only for a moment. Saab's manual gearbox ranks among the best for easy shifting.

Favorite Features

Sport Button (With Automatic)
For those occasional moments when energetic driving proves irresistible, the Sport button keeps the transmission in each gear long enough to boost responses smartly. Surprisingly, it works better with the 2.0T. Sport operation in the Aero is more stern, and high engine revs get rather raucous.

XWD Availability
As a front-wheel-drive car, the 9-3 is often left out of conversations that include the BMW 3 Series, Infiniti G and other rear-wheel-drive sport sedans. A new performance-enhancing all-wheel drive system should have more people talking about the 9-3.

2009 Saab 9-3 Details

Interior

Sedans and SportCombis have seating for five passengers, versus four for Convertibles. Designers have substituted a black interior for the prior gray. Straightforward in layout, the instrument setup was clearly developed for easy and helpful reading. A big center speedometer is accompanied by relatively large fuel and temperature gauges and a sizable tachometer, but the optional navigation system's screen is rather small. Aero seats, in particular, are seriously sporty, keeping you in place and well-supported as well as comfortable and bolstered – though not excessively snug. Getting used to the console-mounted ignition key doesn't take too long.

Exterior

Influenced by the sleek Aero X concept car, the 2009 Saab 9-3 wears a sweptback face with a semi-wrap-over hood and curtly-tapered three-hole grille, reminiscent of front ends in notable previous Saabs. Aero-style wraparound headlamps can incorporate a headlamp cornering feature, which is standard on Aero models. Aeros have a unique front bumper, plus air intakes and brawny exhaust outlets that "really accent the power," according to Saab. Flared side-sill extensions and rain-sensing wipers are standard. SportCombis are a few inches taller than sedans or convertibles.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Standard equipment includes XM Satellite Radio, GM's OnStar communications system, rain-sensing wipers, a tire-pressure monitoring system and Saab's "quiet tuning" package. On 2.0T models, 14-spoke alloy wheels hold 16-inch tires, whereas Aeros and SportCombi XWD editions roll on 17-inch five-spoke alloys. Buyers of Aero models are entitled to a session at the Aero Academy, to learn to drive their Saabs safely and effectively. Both engines are available with either a six-speed manual gearbox or an automatic transmission, and automatic Aeros may be shifted using steering-wheel paddles.

Optional Equipment

Only a handful of options are offered, including an automatic transmission, power moonroof (for 2.0T models) and a DVD-based navigation system. Semi-aniline leather seat trim, with sport buckets, also is available. The 2.0T's Premium Package includes such extra as high-intensity-discharge headlamps, foglamps, memory for driver's seat and mirrors, rear park assist and walnut wood interior trim. A Cold Weather Package adds headlamp washers and heated front seats.

Under the Hood

In the base-model 2.0T, a turbocharged and intercooled 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produces 210 horsepower, driving a six-speed manual transmission or an optional five-speed automatic (six-speed auto with XWD). A 280-horsepower, 2.8-liter turbocharged V6 engine goes into Aero models, with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. Each automatic includes a manual-shift provision, with a Sport mode that holds gears longer during acceleration and alters the shift points for braking..

2.0-liter in-line 4 Turbocharged
210 horsepower @ 5500 rpm
221 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/29 (manual); 19/26 (automatic, sedan), 18/24 (automatic, SportCombi), 18/26 (manual XWD), 17/27 (automatic, XWD)

2.0-liter in-line 4 Turbocharged
210 horsepower @ 5500 rpm
221 horsepower @ 2000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/29 (manual), 19/28 (automatic), 18/26 (manual, XWD), 17/27 (automatic, XWD)

2.8-liter V6 Turbocharged
280 horsepower @ 5000 rpm
295 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1900 rpm (XWD)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/24

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Saab 9-3 vehicles for sale near you.

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

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2009 Saab 9-3 Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.2

Out of 10

Based on 544 Ratings for the 2003 - 2011 models.

Review this car

Value

8.4/10

Quality

8.4/10
Reliability

8.5/10

Performance

8.9/10
Comfort

8.8/10

Styling

9.0/10

6 yrs old and drives like a dream

By Sharon (FL) on Saturday, June 08, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 60,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "smooth driving; solid high end interior"

Cons: "expensive replacement parts; radio glitch"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I've had this car for 6 years. Every time I get in it and drive I really feel lucky to own my SAAB. The only repair we ever did to it was replace the front and back badges. They seem to fade/chip after a few years. It handles great if you have to stop quickly. I slammed on the breaks once and it did skid for a bit, but It never felt like it was out of control. It handles great when driving has smooth steering. The engine is very responsive! I love that you can use the shifter to get around slow-pokes. lol The interior feels luxurious. It's very comfy seating, even in the back. The stereo system is it's downfall. The speakers are so so. More on the radio in the next paragraph. I love the moon roof too. It has nifty hidden pouches in the front seats to stick things in like tissues. It also plays my iPod. It has 2 cigarette plugs in it. The radio has an unfixable glitch. Apparently it's like it on all of the cars, at least that is what the dealer told me AFTER it was purchased. :-/ It's really hard to explain, but I will try...Scenario: It's tuned in to first programmed station (no. 1) While driving I select the "next" button on the stereo, Station no.2 and listen to that song for a bit and decide to go to no. 3, so I hit "next" on the steering wheel. It does not go to the next station, but goes back to station no. 1. So no matter which station I listen to, it will ALWAYS revert to station no. 1 when I hit "next". I have to hit "next" quickly to get to any of the other stations. It's irritating, but I still like the car. Just for reference, the following were my previous cars: 1976 Buick La Sabre, 1984 Ford Ranger, 1993 Mazda MX-3. (I usually drive my car for 8-12 yrs because I hate car shopping) I hope this helps anyone looking into SAABs."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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I love my SAAB 9-3 Aero

By Christa (IN) on Wednesday, April 24, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 101,323

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "handles great at 100mph. great car for great price"

Cons: "not much room for back seat riders."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I purchased this car new. I have driven it in Europe and it held up well on the roads and drove well at higher speeds authorized there. I did not need much service work on the vehicle for the first 3 years. The last 3 years I have had regular maintence, had to have the front coils replaced as well as the sway bar link. I have had a few other misc items done to the vehicle, but I do as much preventative matenience as I can. I have plenty of room in the driver and passenger areas, I love my Saab and will do everything I can to keep it for as long as I can. Take care of your Saab and it will take care of you. All I wish is the emblems stayed on it!!!"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Best overall value in a car at the price point.

By Cris (WI) on Thursday, March 28, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 91,499

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "great handling, styling & options. Impressive!"

Cons: "road noise may be a problem for some. Not me."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I am thoroughly impressed with the 2004 Saab 9-3 Aero.It's a classy car and a good family car, my children are nearly in their teen years and are actually enthusiastic to drive in it."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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AMAZING DRIVING EXPERIENCE

By a3ro747 (FL) on Thursday, December 13, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 150,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "price,fun to drive, build quality,functions"

Cons: "parts cost,availability of parts,resale value"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"i've owned this car for a few months now and i have to say this car is a great vehicle. i live in florida so i have my top down at least 5 times a week. i do my own maintenance so its not too expensive to maintain, car is super reliable even with 150k+ miles, no cel's or troubles of any kind, the cons of this car is the resale value, and the availability of parts ex- a hose broke 3 months ago and if ordered at the dealer it would have taken 5-8 weeks to arrive ( a $19 part), i had to manufacture it myself.other than that i recommend this car"

7 people out of 7 found this review helpful

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Classic Saab engineering and driving pleasure

By SaabOwner (MI) on Friday, November 23, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 47,500

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Driver's dream"

Cons: "Expense of dealer repair"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Quietest and best engineered convertible. Real rear seat and trunk. Carry on a normal conversation at highway speeds with the top down and windows up. Designed for drop top cruising and cooler weather. Great in the snow. Beautiful styling, turns Beemer and Caddy heads regularly. Windscreen accessory keeps the ladies' hair in place. Saab engineering detail is amazing. 4 cyl turbo performs like a V8. High upper 20s mpg on highway. Mid 20s mpg in town. Easy to work on. Pure pleasure to drive."

11 people out of 11 found this review helpful

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Great Value

By jd (VA) on Wednesday, November 07, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 31,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Value, fit and finish, fun to drive"

Cons: "cost of maintanance, soft performance handling"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"With Saab restructuring their finances you can pick up a 9-3 with low miles at a very low cost and have a zippy luxury vehicle for a fraction of the cost of an A4 or BMW 3-series. My experience has been that while costs for up keep and repair can be more than modest, visits to the mechanic are few and far between. Gas mileage in a 2.8L Turbocharged engine has been excellent and the car is very fun to drive."

4 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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See all 544 reviews