Saab 9-3

Name: 2012 Saab 9-3
Brand: Saab

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

See All Ratings & Specs

Road Test

This iteration of Saab's 9-3 offers secure handling and impressive crash-test results. Additionally, some of its quirky controls have been improved since its introduction. Its size and price tag place it in the upscale sport-sedan class, but the 9-3 doesn't measure up to tough competition. Our top-of-the-line turbocharged V6 Aero model has quick and smooth acceleration, but lacks the refinement of the best sport sedans. The ride is stiff, the cabin is noisy and cramped, and fit and finish aren’t as good as buyers expect in this segment.

2012 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

Saab 9-3

vs. Similar Cars

Acura TSX

BMW 3 Series

Infiniti G

Lexus IS

Volvo S60

See All Models Reliability

Crash and Rollover Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

Crash and Rollover Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

Owner Reports

Worse Better

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Crash and Rollover Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

2012 Luxury compact cars Ratings

2012 Saab 9-3

$ NA

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Acura TSX

$9,025 - $10,500

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Audi A4

$6,400 - $9,050

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 BMW 3 Series

$6,475 - $11,625

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Buick Regal

$5,900 - $7,250

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Infiniti G

$6,975 - $7,675

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Lexus HS Hybrid

$11,050 - $12,825

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Lexus IS

$10,400 - $22,950

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

$6,625 - $17,200

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Volkswagen CC

$4,800 - $7,250

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Volvo S60

$6,075 - $13,425

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

See All Luxury compact cars Ratings

Seating

2 front, 3 rear

Drive Wheels

AWD, Front

Warranty

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

wagon

convertible

sedan

6-speed Automatic
5-speed Automatic
6-speed Manual

2-liter 4 turbo (210 hp)

Model History

2007-

Current Generation

For 2007, the car was freshened with revised styling, better interior controls, an available AWD model and a turbocharged six-cylinder engine. While boasting impressive crash test scores and secure handling, the upscale European sport sedan category in which it competed was bristling with more capable offerings. The ride is stiff, the cabin is noisy and cramped, and fit and finish aren't as good as buyers expect in this segment.

2003-2006

2003 Redesign Year

The original 9-3 had secure handling, a large and versatile hatchback, and a full complement of safety features. However, it rode stiffly, was noisy, and had a cramped interior. For 2003, the hatchback was discontinued, leaving a four-door sedan, convertible, or wagon with a choice of turbo four-cylinder engines. Good points were sporty and capable handling, along with good braking. The front seats are well-sculpted, but the rear seat is tight. Some controls are overly complex and the 9-3 isn't as comfortable as some competitors.

1999-2002

1999 Redesign Year

The Saab 900 was renamed the 9-3 for 1999. The turbo Four and automatic transmission made for a lethargic takeoff. The V6 was dropped, and a high-performance, 230-hp Viggen model was added. A stiff ride, narrow cockpit, and cramped rear seat remained.