2001 Saab 9-3 SE Review - Maybe GM Wasn't So Bad... 

5:35 SAAB placed the ignition switch between the seats for safety reasons, as to avoid knee injuries in the event of a frontal crash.

I was a Saab salesman in Canada in 2000 and you could absolutely get a 9-3 SE with the 2.0T (turbo) paired to a 5-speed manual transmission. In fact, most of the 9-3s I sold were manual SE turbos. If I recall correctly, all Saabs in 2000 and 2001 were turbos in North America. The one you tested in this video is not the SE trim. The giveaway are the manual cloth seats and manual climate controls; the SE had power leather seats, automatic climate control and a wood trim dashboard fascia. Exterior-wise, the SE had a sportier look with a front bumper spoiler, side aero rocker covers and bigger wheels. I decoded the VIN that's showing at 11:53 to confirm and it's the standard version, not the SE. The 5-speed 9-3 SE was my favourite to drive, it had a good balance of size, performance, comfort, and amenities. Not to mention practicality being a hatchback with a huge trunk. A very smooth ride, I loved it! A few years ago, I went back to Saab and bought a used 2004 9-5 with the 2.3T and a 5-speed gearbox, great car for road trips. BTW, the "W" button on the automatic transmission is for Winter, not Weather. It makes the transmission start in second gear for a smoother start on slippery roads, otherwise the wheels would want to spin, but the Traction Control System (TCS) would prevent them to spin and the car would struggle to move. Love your content! :)

What drove GM nuts with SAAB was how much they kept "improving" all of the car planforms GM gave them by making the cars safer and more reliable. Unfortunately, all that R/D doesn't come cheap and SAAB was losing money constantly due to the higher price they were having to charge per car for all the "improvements".

A few corrections: -That is not an SE model, but a base model with the low-output turbo making 185hp. An SE would have power leather seats, ACC, the high output turbo, would say SE on the side, etc. -It's likely a 2000 model since it still has Saab/Scania badges on the hood (though the rear hatch emblem is from a 2001+...) -You could get a manual in all models: base, SE, and Viggen. -The 9-3 started with the '99 model year in the US, which was basically a warmed over NG900 model which started in '94.

I have this exact car! Finding one of these with cloth seats is EXTREMELY rare (vast majority had leather)... also worth noting the SE trim with the "high output turbo" could be had with a 5spd manual - that's what mine is. While a naturally aspirated version was available in other markets, it never came to the US. All US 9-3s were turbos, base models had the 185hp "light pressure turbo".

5:51 Crash Safety! In a crash = Key could be stuck inside you somewhere Since the Saab has the ignition at the bottom = When crashing, no key in you

Saabs are cool in their dorky way. Even with the GM platform, you can still see the engineering and unique styling that made them great. Every car needs Night Panel, especially now with screens everywhere. Saab may not have lasted as long as they did without GM's cash but I wish they hadn't gone away. Saab today would be like Polestar, making futuristic EVs with maybe a spicy 9-3 gas hatchback still in the lineup.

Before they changed it's name to 9-3, I had a 95, 900 SE with a 2.5L V-6. I drove it through out college. It was a great car that was mostly reliable. I put nearly 100,000 miles on it, and in that time it had to have two starters. Rocks also loved to crack the windshield, that happened about three times in the five years that I owned the car. It was fun, and it's sad Saab is no longer around. I now drive a MINI, which reminds me of Saab in a way. Because BMW is starting to take away all the great things that made a MINI a MINI. The next generation MINI coming out next year won't even have a manual transmission. A lot of MINI enthusiast are angry with BMW about that.

2005 9-3 2.0T SportCombi was a really nice car. My dad had one and I’d love to have one again. Such a nice wagon

I fit a 65 inch TV (in the box) in my old 9-3. Thing was massive hahaha. Thanks for the saab review!!! I love saab stuff!

Low-key the key ignition in the center console was pretty cool 😎

Even though GM had a big hand in these 9-3s the still seemed very Saab to me. I wanted one so bad coming out of high school. My dad talked me out of it on the argument that nobody drives a Saab in Texas. I ended up with a Volvo 740 then a W126 S class. I still like these though. Next gen was where GM was too involved in my opinion

Still looking forward to when you make it up here to MA and review my real Saabs (73 Sonett 3, 90 900 turbo vert & 97 9000 Aero)

Nice review! Funny to see the automatic standard on the turbo engine. A manual is by far the usual norm for the EU spec.

Well, Zack, there was a big difference between GM USA and GM Europe back in the days. Even if that Saab was just a modified Opel, this car cuold be much more than US customers could've imagined.

You could get a 5 speed manual 9-3 SE of that generation. I should know, I almost bought one.

I have a 1999 Saab 9-3 SE. Naturally aspirated 2.0 engine, 5-speed manual, 3-door coupé, Automatic AC, leather upholstery, wood trim in the dash, front fog lights Color is Imola Red, much more rare than the Laser red Some default features: rear fog lights, front heated seats, electric front windows and mirrors

I drive a 1997 NA 5 speed as a daily driver, i was searching for the 9³ turbo with a manual but i didn't know they never came with one, so i settled for the NA motor which explains why i could never find one lol, bought it at around 60k and im getting close to 100k, they're kickass little daily drivers, extremely fun with the 5 speed plenty of room to haul anything you'd ever need. like i said ive been daily driving one (for around 3 years) and my advice for anyone looking to buy a 900NG or 9³, they definitely need an upgraded sway bar to fix the body roll the car has if you're looking to do a little more spirited driving, upgrading motor mounts does wonders for the car as well. for normal daily driving the car doesn't need any real big upgrades, atleast in my experience. also another note if you wanna buy a 900NG (94 - 97) with a manual transmission the clutch is a cable clutch and not hydraulic, its a bit weird to get used to driving with it compared to a hydraulic one, also expecg the cable to snap at some point, i didnt think it would and it did snap eventually lol, luckily its an easy fix and you can always convert it to hydraulic. anything after 1997 has a hydraulic clutch tho, as for the automatics, I'm not familiar with them i dont drive automatic cars as much lol. but look for a later generation model if reliability is what you want basically. ask any other questions if you want to know more 👋 if you're ever within a few hours of new jersey id love to let you drive one with a manual for a review 🙏 love your reviews and always look forward to the interesting cars like these

I've heard the reason for the position of the ignition switch is so your knee doesn't shoot toward it in the event of an accident.

I had a car very similar as my first car. However, it was 2001 with a 5-speed manual, with the 2.0T engine. Certainly available with a manual and turbo. Mine was the base trim with a few options, like leather and sunroof. Loved that car, lots of torque, cavernous hatchback, and very comfortable seats.

you really cant go wrong with a saab, even as a normal specs like this, such a lovely good looking car, lovely on the inside, lovely to drive, love the feeling you're safe inside as well knowing saab pretty much on par if not better than volvo in terms of safety

We had a two door stick non-turbo 900s with this same body style. Loved it. However when we took it into the dealer for work and I looked at the bill - I thought I was supporting a French mistress!

Had a 2012 Saab 9-3 auto. Really cool car, not quite the quality you would expect for the price, but deceptively fast (highway pulls would surprise quite a few more powerful cars). Unfortunately it had one of the worst ride qualities of any car I've owned, and the very stiff leather seats didn't help. I did enjoy it though, quite unique and built like a tank. If they hadn't gone out of business I'm sure I would have kept it longer, but I got out due to worrying about service/parts once the company was defunct. Was hit from behind in mine in 2013 and the car was down for 6 months due to lack of available parts. Shame, I really dug Saab.

Unfortunately GM used cheap plastics to reduce costs. This is why quality is down at GM. Instead of focusing on improving quality, the Big 3 are focused on making higher profits and reduce costs

Yessssss, more Saab stuff.

waiting for this one for a long time, you ought to review a convertible viggen next

In EU markeds you could get the 9-3 with six(!) different engine options. 1 - 2.0 16v Without a turbo making around 130hp. 2 - 2.0 16v Turbo making 150hp (Both with standard and SE trim) 3 - 2.0 16v Turbo making 185hp (Both with standard and SE trim) 4 - 2.0 16v Turbo making 205hp (Only for Aero trim) 5 - 2.3 16v Turbo making 230hp (Only for the Viggen model) 6 - 2.2 16v Turbo-Diesel making 120hp All models except for the Viggen was available with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Manual transmission was standard for all models.

Great review, that's one Saab story I don't mind listening to.

That’s one beautiful red OG 9-3 there in IL, and those are some fair points about GM ownership being like record company deals. There are pros and cons, but overall it’s pretty amazing for a brand that “died” a decade ago, we can still get parts and service to keep these fun, safe, and reliable cars alive and on the road. My own ‘99 9-3 CV 5spd celebrates this month, Feb. 2024, 25 years since it arrived in CA, USA (not from Sweden but Finland.🇸🇪🇫🇮🇺🇸)

I was going to buy one of these as my first car. Was 300€, had a failed turbo though, but probably not that difficult to fix. Also, pretty sure you could get the turbo in manual here in Europe. Also also, headlight wipers certainly aren't useless if you live in a snowy area. Even with the heat of a halogen bulb, they can still get caked with snow if you get into a blizzard. They're good for wiping away salt too.

Got a slew of info wrong my guy. Thats not an SE, and it may not be an01 depending on if the hood with the Saab/Scania badges which were phased out post 2k is the original hood or a replaced part. Also, it was the 900’s that had naturally aspirated options. The 9-3s *all* had turbos, and you could get manuals easily on all trims. Also the W stands for Winter, not weather. The 9-3s started in ‘99, not ‘97.

The key between the seats was originally an ergonomic decision. Start the car, move your hand right to the shift lever. As originally an airplane company, their engineers were sent to investigate crashes involving SAABs in Sweden. They found the keys between the seats didn’t impale the driver’s thighs in an accident. As for the cup holder, in that era, few Europeans ate or drank in their cars, so the cup holder was a mild concession to the US market. As several others have pointed out, the car you tested and drove was not an SE. An SE would have “SE” badging on the front fenders above the turn signals behind the front wheels as well as a leather interior. I also think the car is a 2000, as I had a 2001 and mine did not have the SAAB/Scania badging. As for the space under the hatch, the 9-3 (and the 900 that it derived from) were referred to as “Swedish pickup trucks” due to the cavernous space particularly with the rear seats folded down.

2:00 In europe every engine and spec are avaible with a manual transmission.

As others have said this is not an SE but the base model. I had one just like it in midnight blue with a five speed manual, drove it till it crossed 200k miles with just a few issues. Died because I was in an accident. Great, fun car- drove very sporty with suspension upgrades- especially the hatchback brace, under carriage brace, upgraded anti-roll bar and poly bushings. I liked the clothes seat better than the leather in my '02 SE convertible.

I loved my 99 9-3 with the 2.0t I had in 2008

I have a laser red 2002 SE with 185 hp and I love it. Only difference I see is that the skirts are in body color and the interior is skin and fabric combined. Turbo is stamped in the front seats too😄

I love my 1999 9-3 coupe. Be interesting to know exactly which components were GM and which were not. That red one seems to have the higher output turbo because it has the turbo gauge, mine is a lower output turbo - (has no turbo gauge). It still goes pretty hard though.

The central key position triggered the anti theft gear lock function. Please do your research thoroughly.

It may have lost some SAAB - ness compared to the originals, but it had far more SAAB-ness than my Citroen when I used our company pool car in 2003. A great day long drive. Liverpool and back with 30mpg and seats to die for. Miss you SAAB.

I dig the wheels bro. I'm a sucker for straight spoke wheels

Love the color 🔥

I just got my first car and I got a 2002 Saab 9-3 SE and I love it. I have a lot of work to do on the engine and stuff but it’s really awesome. I got sun green if anyone is wondering

Can anyone help me? I drive the 9-3 soft top. It's now 24 years old but it's mysteriously taken to opening the boot/trunk whilst I'm driving. I wondered whether anyone else has experienced this and how I can rectify the issue?

...and the cupholder fails [insert RU-vid commercial right on cue]. I see a pattern here.

Hey man you can get a manual with any trim level. The viggen only comes in manual actually if I am not mistaken. Source: I owned and know several people with a manual 93 SE

was this turbo a DI or NAE????

you mean 5 gauges....? nice review i like this car.

Saab was an aviation company before automotive. hence the design inspiration.

I have never seen or heard of a 9-3 without a Turbo. I could be wrong but at least from what I've seen, all of them have had a turbo. Either the small Garrett turbo or the big Mitsubishi turbo

Apart from the obvious safety aspect of the key location and the anti theft consideration, bear in mind that Swedish winters are very severe therefore having to engage reverse gear allowed you to leave the hand brake off and so not end up with rear brakes frozen on. The saying goes " Saab.........A way of life". I drive a 1998 93 N/A 37,550 mls from new, as the saying goes " read it and weep".

The 01 was still mostly Saab parts. The 99 was based more on the 900

I always thought these have a nice look.

A 2001 Saab 9-3 SE does come with a manual I have the manual version

I just bought one for $275? Is that a deal?

few comment were you are wrong there was a base model in europe with a turbo diesel, there were no naturaly aspiraed engine. there is 2 version of the turbo for the 2.0L low pressure and high pressure. this SE model has the high pressure turbo. all model were available with a 5 speed manual transmission. I own a 2001 SE convertible and it is manual

This is kinda trippy because I own a swedish saab 9-3 01 se and its like your missing a bunch of features and mine is manual from factory

Sweet cars

The key was positioned there for safety mate

I liked the stealth mode in the G8 better

You could get manual 2.0 turbos. See em in Canada all the time.

1:50 In Europe you could have a manual with this engine. I have one!

In 2002 they had the turbo with a 5 speed

I had a 2002 Saab 9-3 SE 2.0T with a 5 speed.

The door lock buttons were made that shape so that thieves couldn’t hook them with a coat hanger

Damn I miss SAAB

Saab FTW

Key in centre console so you can lock I n gear stop car being stolen .

My gf had one! She let me drive it! And it comensed to talk to me! " let's roll let's roll " hit the gas pedal dude! And we did!

It's 185 HP Aero was 205 and was a manual.

The 9.3 is a 4.80 m lenght car. Not sure you can call this "small". Same size as a V70 Volvo wagon of the same era.

That version is essentially a revamped 900

You can get every 9-3 with manual transmission.

Cool 😀

Even though GM had a large play inside Saab. Saab still would fightback against GM. that's why Saab had its unique design- that's why Saab also had the most safety features of any car even better than Volvo - the best seats in the business- engines and drivetrains were of Saab design and engineering- yes gm put their plastics in but Saab really went after gm to keep some of their own identity and uniqueness. It's sad that GM ruined another car company and the crap they're producing today

Always hated Saab designs, always hated silver cars. A silver aero w/ smoked taillights can be quite a looker tho.

I thought saab wasnt gm till 06?

i have a 2002 2.0 Turbo manual 😆

You can get these with a manual I don't know what you're talking about

growing up, is knowing you really cant blame GM for the death of saab. sure, you can blame GM for making saab using their plasticy parts bin. but rather, it was really.. saab's own fault, they always had a poor management, they were always thinking outside the box (insert volvo here) thus, they weren't too conservative about money, they kept trying to innovate and in the hands of their new parent, GM, saab is like a rebellious child. for example i heard saab once costing GM 1 million dollars to R&D a cup holder. saab couldn't convince GM about their sales either so obviously, GM closed it down.

ha 😅 you actually could get a 9-3 with a manual 5speed and turbo. my mom had one lol

i mean is it really a GM if its made before 2003...? its using swedish technology only right now

My Mom had a 2001 9-3. IMO, it was an awful car. It had leather seats, so she had to get the beaded-wood covers to make them tolerable in the summer. In the winter, any car needs to be able to blow warm air from the dash vents onto your hands on the wheel. The center vent on this 9-3 is SO far away, that it can’t do this. And as with lots of European non-executive cars, the rear-seat knee room is insufficient for tall people.

People have a tendency to idolize the weird era of a company when it's not making money not realizing that era was the reason The company got bought by someone else

Manual in Europe

Wish GM or FCA buy SAAB

I thought Saabs were meant to be premium? Beyond the heated seats it's seem like a mainstream compact I do think it's a nice looking car however.

GM kill best cars ever, yeah they wasent so bad. wtf ?!