Saab 9-3
Overall Score - 7.8 (Good)
The 9-3 delivers an upscale style and a sporty feel, but it doesn't quite match the performance of an Audi A4 or BMW 3-Series. If you're in the market for an upscale small car and want to stay under $30,000, you should also consider the Audi A3 and the Volvo S40.
The 2007 Saab 9-3 earns overall high marks as a well-priced and sporty upscale sedan. Car and Driver finds that the Saab 9-3, which is available in two sedan trims, the 2.0T and the Aero, "strikes an intelligent balance between luxury and high performance." Turbocharged acceleration is seen as more than adequate with the 2.0T's four-cylinder, and powerful with the 9-3 Aero's V6. Although the Saab 9-3 does not carry the brand status of a Volvo or Audi, Kelley Blue Book describes it as "an aggressive competitor worthy of a test-drive." The 2007 Saab 9-3 also comes as a convertible.
The Boston Globe calls the Saab 9-3 "pricey" but also puts this in perspective, considering it "among the best models the company has built in some time. Your money will be better spent on this one than it was on any Saab of the last generation." IntelliChoice gives the Saab sedan a rating of "poor" for its predicted five-year total cost of ownership.
9-3 Performance - 8.2 (Very Good)
A number of reviewers emphasize the Saab 9-3's quality steering and acceleration. Kelley Blue Book calls the 9-3 "solid as a rock, stable at all speeds and sports a sense of newfound athleticism." continue
9-3 Exterior - 8.1 (Very Good)
Reviewers' consensus is that those Saab enthusiasts who enjoy a distinctive exterior design will still find it in the 2007 Saab 9-3. As Kelley Blue Book says, that the "traditional Saab styling cues are visually in place." continue
9-3 Interior - 7.0 (Good)
Reviews are mixed on the ride inside the 2007 Saab 9-3 sedan. Most reviewers are pleased with the front seats' comfort and the overall cabin appearance. Edmunds says that "the Saab 9-3's cabin boasts a clean, contemporary look." However, other auto writers complain that Saab cut some corners in the quality of some materials. continue
9-3 Safety - 9.6 (Excellent)
All 2007 Saab 9-3 models come standard with full braking features and an assortment of air bags and other systems. While the 9-3 falls short of achieving perfect scores in government frontal crash tests (it receives 4 out of 5 stars), it was awarded a "Top Safety Pick" rating by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. continue
9-3 Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)
The 2007 Saab 9-3 reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 9-3 comes with a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty. continue
