The 9-3 is a superb and true Saab (Full review) 

I've got a 2006 blue vector one, also a BMW 9 years old 320i and I prefer the Saab by far. It's a love for life.

one thing I love about saab is that its old enough to be obscure but not obscured to the point of oblivion I daily a Saab 900 sedan and always people ask me what that car is makes me proud of it

Awww thank you man! Love SAAB. Miss them a lot. We had nearly every kind of SAAB in our family since the 1960s. We had so many SAABs in the driveway that occasionally someone would knock on the front door inquiring if we were a SAAB garage as they needed a SAAB mechanic. Yup. It was really something. And we got our neighbors into SAAB also. We were SAAB central on the main st in our town.

I got a 1.9ttid 180hp. On a 2008. FSH. My first Saab . Love it

Thnaks for this review. As a Saab 9-3 owner I agree 100% all you say (trying to be objective). I was lloking for an affordable saloon car 2 years ago and realized that the 9-3 was much cheaper than similar saloons. Here, in Barcelona, I bought my 2007 9-3 TiD 150hp Vector FAP model with aero package (17" wheels and aero kit) with 165kkm for 4500€. Similar saloons like Accord, A4 similar year and spec were easily above 6500€. I admid I had doubts about it but now I cannot be more happy with it. Zero problems after 20kkm done... such a good purschase! Some people asked why don't I buy a "proper" car... and my answer is "I already have it!"

When you talked about the loss of SAAB, you really looked emotional. In Sweden, we call people like you a true believer (it's a compliment).

HEY JJ , just an fyi. The Turbo X came with one turbo not twin turbo. It was single turbo with twin scroll.

Saab 3d print makes cup holders that pop out. Saabs were definitely underrated

The cubby in front of the center armrest has a flip down bit of plastic that converts it to a cup holder. Not that it makes it much more convenient, but it does hold a bottle a bit better that way.

Great review. I bought my -04 1.8t from a friend 7 years ago and I still drive it. It hasnt failed me yet and when it finally gives in I will buy another one. There are still many around in here in Sweden.

I've got a 1998 4-door 9-3, it's been in the family since new and having recently passed my test I've been fortunate enough to properly get behind the wheel! I can't help looking at the car sometimes and admiring what a gorgeous beast it is. Going down the RU-vid SAAB rabbit hole, it's such an amazing feeling to see so many people share the same love for SAAB as I have. Spot-on video, you cover all the stuff I love about my SAAB. Keep up the good work!

I had a 2006 2.8l turbo, manual 6-speed. Sunroof. Sold it in 2020 to an enthusiast. Nicest car I've ever owned. Preferred it over BMW 325 for comfort.

Saying it is based on a Vectra, is like saying we are all using the same skeleton.....which is about as much as Vectras and 9-3's have in common. Owned 8 saabs so far, and the 93 really is a fantastic package of comfort, sport, power and economy. Imagine an early 2000's gm car that had 210-280hp, luxury interior, loaded, with excellent handling and got over 30mpg on long highway trips, averaging 27mpg mixed for the last 8yrs I have owned them. Nothing gm or any other American car company sold back then, did that. Now imagine if you owned one now, outdoor all it's life, and rust is still not on the rockers and fenders. GM never built anything with that level of metal treatment, but the Swede's car companies have done it for decades.

I have had quite a few SAABs and the thing I love most of all is the ACC...Automatic Climate Control. It works so perfectly. Punch is the temp you want and forget about it. Although there were some engineering things I thought were troublesome, overall, a very reliable car.

Fantastic looking things. Love the estate with the foil effect rear lights. Great video, thanks JJ!

Hi! Turbo X owner here, I must say that it really is something between a canyon and highway cruiser. It's got a lot more complicated machinery than the Linears, being that it's basically an up tuned Aero with their XWD system, which means that there's also a lot to go wrong... It's a magnificent car when it's all working properly, but mine just so happens to have suspension components nearing the end of their life (blown rear auto leveling shocks) so that's always something to consider. Other than that, it's been reliable for the 10,000 or so miles that I've owned it, having around 186,500 miles at the time of posting this. Excellent review, and an excellent first car!

Love my SAAB 9-3 convertible 2002 anniversary model, had it since new, still get a kick driving it.

Love the Saab. Also agree that early 2000 through about 2015 was the best period for cars where the balance between tech, design and materials was perfect. Basically it all went down hill when they started using cold LED lights in the cabin! PS you should review the previous gen Volvo S60 next. I've been driving my dads 2012 and don't want to give it back!

Thanks for the review. I've a 2011 9³ Turbo Edition. Love it. Will keep it as long as it keeps going. Would be great if SAAB came back.

Nice review JJ, enjoy watching your content..well laid out and informative. Look forward to your next one

It’s a shame about losing SAAB as a car manufacturer, they were something different on the roads and they are genuinely nice cars especially the last of the “breed” Insignia based cars. I’ve owned a Saab 99 briefly which was an original SAAB and had its quirks, handbrake on the front wheels, slant 4 engine, and that SAAB key start by the handbrake. That looks a nice cared for example, credit to the owner. Thanks for that interesting review!

Best car ever. I love my 2.0 9-3, my hubby has one too, my dream is to own a TurboX but it's a very distant dream. ...hate how people compare it to the vectra, it's nothing like it!!!

Saab broke every rule laid down to follow the vectra brand..and thank god..and i had a v6 vectra which was nice.

My ‘07 has zero play in the steering wheel and is quite sensitive. Maybe something they worked on in later years but yea they are lovely cars! Plan on getting a whole collection because why not and they deserve more love tbh.

Love the Saab... then again that`s probably why I presently own 3! A 9-3 Aero Vert, 9-5 Aero wagon and a facelift 9-3 V6 Aero Saloon. I was hapy with the two but the V6 came up and it was just to good to turn down with having only done 40k genuine miles. Love them all in different ways.

I have a 2010 Vector Sport Convertible, 5 years now, and would never give her up! Beautiful car!

Had a 9.3t Vector as a rep car. Best car I ever owned. It made travelling from Cornwall up to Bath an absolute delight! 😢 Sadly missed.

I got a 2007 Saab 9-3 Aero Convertible in Electric Blue Metallic as my first sports car 4 years ago and I've loved it since. Its got nearly 100k miles but still drives super smooth, no play in the steering. Fast as hell also thanks to the 2.8L high pressure turbo V6! Cruises on the highway like no other. I feel very fortunate to own it!

My first car ever was a 6 speed 2005 9-3 Aero and this video just made me regret the day I got rid of it. Loved your personal stories stitched within the car review! Made the video seem genuine

Mine's a 2007 Aero with the face-lifted dash. 6 speed manual, passive rear wheel steering. The steering wheel doesn't seem to have any slack in it. The buttons are much simpler. The SiD is moved from the top of the dash to the speedo area. It's been breathed on a bit and is now around 300 bhp and 430 Nm. Apart from the performance improvement, it's more flexible and fuel consumption is very good - around 36 to 37 mpg on a long trip. I've been driving turbo Saabs since 1988 and this is the best yet. I have yet to drive a Turbo-X.

I agree with everything you say and wish that they had survived, I have a 20yr old 9-3 convertible and 💖it to bits 🥳🤩💫🎉🎊🌟

I fell in love with Saab in 1992 and have only owned Saab since.. Currently driving a 2002 95 .. Love it..

I'm coming across these videos an appreciate Saab more an more each time..thanks for the videos

Nice review. Bought myself one today, licking it up this Friday… hyped.

i Love them, my friend has an NG 9-5 2011 2.0 Diesel and its amazing, 300.000km and going strong! Great review JJ! :D

Great cars, I'm on my seventh all 93 comfortable quick in Aero form, and very tuneable plus a great buy, thanks JJ

I've bought mine 9-3 '05 Aero just a few weeks ago with a lot of work but I couldn't stop myself from buying it. This car deserves bringi g back to factory state and this particular exemplar has never been modified by any of previous (2) owners. 212k km for B207R is nothing. Thanks mate for this review and a lot of good words about this cars!

Bought my first SAAB a couple of weeks ago, been looking for a while (9-3 estate) needed a load lugger to fit the dog or just stuff to the tip, I bloody love it, bought it for practicality but really fell in love with it

I have had one for 17 years. Driven it coast to coast of the USA. Great car

Great video. I have a 2008 Aero, and there's nothing better than pulling onto a highway, the turbo just gets you from 30 to 70 mph almost in an instant

Thanks JJ I've watched your Saab videos and it made me go out and buy one and I love it thanks again love the videos keep up the good work.

I have a black 1.8t vector sportwagon. I thought I was the only SAAB lover out there. Tried an Audi and BMW before buying and the SAAB was my favourite by far. After watching this I think I will give it a good valet and take pride in my SAAB. Enjoyed this. PS I do technical drawings for a living, need a polar neck now.

I have a 2004 9-5 Aero with a 2.3t 250hp. It's loads of fun and super comfortable. It's done 380000km but I got it for 1500 and it's top trim.

I’m looking to buy an 03 arc in November. It’s in pristine condition aside from the drivers seat being a lil cracked and rear inner tail light missing. Also I follow this Saab enthusiast on here (Auto Autopsy) he’s done some nice upgrades on his 93 (better suspension, engine work, paint, swapped out his plastic door handles for leather ones and a heated square bottom sport steering wheel) I want to do all of that and add a roof rack. Nice review btw mate ✨

LOL - 1 year later and my 2006 9-3 Aero 210bhp vert (Petrol, and mapped, so probably more than the 210 factory spec) has still only done just over 80k miles. I don't recognise the creaky plastics bit, mine seems solid. Mine's a bit odd. It has some of the internal facelift elements, but has the pre facelift exterior (I think that's a good thing), and is, by far, the most enjoyable car I've had in my 42 years of driving. It has cost me over £2,000 in the last year to get some stuff sorted (previous owner had straight piped it, which led to MOT emissions failure, and the clutch had started slipping. so needed to be replaced. Total just for those was around £1,600. Add to that a break calliper rebuild and a couple of new tyres, but I don't begrudge a penny. Unfortunately, reversing the decat was only done last Wednesday, and I can't get it in for MOT until next Wednesday. Never mind, I can go start it up on the driveway, put the roof down, and at least feel like I can still drive it. Roll on Wednesday.

Currently driving a 2.0t vector sport. One of those cars where you look forward to a drive over to Leeds or Liverpool

Great review, the algorithm is finally giving me some Saab stuff after posting several Saab videos of my own 😂👍

I had a 1.9TiD saloon, and apart from the random fumes entering the cabin, which I never got to the bottom of, the rear o/s door that used to lock itself randomly, and wouldn't unlock until IT decided it wanted to, and the CIM module that controls the steering wheel lock, occasionally not unlocking the steering wheel when you put the key in the ignition. All of those quirks aside, for comfort, ride quality, speed, and general build quality, it was a superb car, delivering economy approaching 50mpg too, on a run, and average 38mpg around town. Mine was also the 150bhp 16valve diesel, so not bad fuel economy for the thrills it delivered.

I love my 2006 9-3 conv., 2011 9-3 sedan and even my 2011 9-4x.

Drove one for 7 years, loved it…..

Love the design of the 9-3's. Timeless as the BMW 3 series. I really want to get a 9-3 .

I bought a new 93 Aero around 2006 - absolutely loved that car !

Another great review of a great car

Great review JJ! I’m looking for my first car and considering a 9-3/9-5 or E120 corolla. I’m also surprised u haven’t reviewed the 9-5 cuz i’m wondering how does it compare to the 9-3.

Had a 2005 Linear Sport 1.8 which I really liked. Had it for just over 5 years then I traded it for a 2011 TTiD which I still drive now. It's such a shame that Saab are no more; their cars were different, quirky, comfortable and a little bit cool. There's nothing now that appeals to me in the way that Saabs did / do. Nice video JJ.

Saab forever ❤ My dream is to own a TurboX

Thanks for the review! How does it handle bumps and uneven roads? Is it a soft and comfortable ride?

Great reviews. I think you are 20's (guessing your vintage) something romantic loving these early 2000's cars. I'm completely the same. They are just an edge above the 90's cars with a little more finesse and sophistication but deliver on some styling which has since passed and unlikely to be revisited. I'm driving 2 x e39's and love everything about them. Bought them both combined for under 11K (aud) and can't believe that in their day these rolled out of the show room floor for 80-90K each.

Great review... I've also found SAAB very interesting and I think GM missed an opportunity to bring it back as an EV brand... As with the reliability, I'm one of those people that are a little concerned as the Holden Vectra's here in Australia (or most Opel products) were considered really unreliable and it's pretty rare to see a 2000's Astra or Vectra these days, even though they sold decently well when new... In hindsight, it's a shame that SAAB is gone and it will be greatly missed :(

My SAAB is a 93B from 1959 (B=back hinged doors) two stroke engine. A true SAAB through and trough😁 Just the sound is to die for😍

Got my 9-3 vector 2007 1.9 TiD (150bhp) on Friday. Turbo feels a bit slow, but I'm coming from an 08 1.9 Tdi ibiza that used to shift.

interesting review JJ . Im on my 3rd saab. first one an 02 plate SE stage 3 ,then went all economical with a 150 hp 07 diesel sportwagon but missed the extra 127 hp the SE had so im now the proud owner of a low mileage full service history 05 standard aero saloon (for now)😁

got 2010 turbo edition very quick car has paddle shift on steering wheel in maanual mode150 hp auto fantastic drive just body work lets them down as prone to rust b cause gm vauxhall took over making them

Very nice review. Thank you. I really miss Saab. It would fit perfectly into the e-mobility age. If we take a look at the Hyundai Ioniq6, there is so much Saab, especially in the back and Polestar is trying to fill a void there. In the end Saab remains unique. RIP

Ill take a look at one on wednesday Im excited

9-5 vertical cup holder was vastly superior. I always say this, but it could hold a pint of beer!

Story : Back during lockdown, I amended my commute home to include the A5 between Gailey and Telford in the 9-3 Aero I still have. One evening, on the A5 which is straight as a die and has perfect visibility, I decided to "relax" my right foot. Not pressing down, but just relaxing it to leave my right foot at a comfortable position. Suffice to say, it was a relaxed three figures on the speedometer.

I have a 99 9-3. I wanna dyno it, do you think a dp up would work? It has some garrett turbo on it, I wanna keep exhaust stock cuz it’s quiet but interested in fuel pump or injectors but idk at those power levels if I need to. Ty

I come from a 2001 Volvo V70 to a 2006 9-3 2.0T and I dont think the interior quality compares, but it is not a bad place to sit in. It definitely feels a bit of a squeeze at 6'2" :P

I had a SAAB 95 HOT Aero, from new. Tuned and lowered by Hirsch, it was not a car it was a missile! The instruments lit as required, low on fuel then that alone lit up, when night panel was on. SAAB theft figures were uniquely low because of the gear stick lock, a feature that Cretin Clarkson couldn’t understand. With moderate driving the first set of tyres, Pirelli, lasted 6,000 miles. Second set of Michelin 23,000 miles 😳

Saab's are absolutely stunning cars to look at. Theres a 9-3 convertible on Auto Trader for £10,995 with 10k miles on it. Looks brilliant.

Have a 2008 9-3 sc biopower i like that car . Owned it since 2019

Would be awesome if you could review Volvo S40. Used to own 53 plate one with an awesome 2.4 l, 5 cylinder engine. It was non turbo but they also have T5 with a turbo.

As an owner of a 2003 Saab 9-3, I have no critique for this video. It's just so extremely lovely to drive

I love the 9-3 wagon im in love 💓😘💓

I have a 9-3 2008 convertable 2.8 Aero best car i have ever bought and will never part from it, not my daily driver because lets face it i don't own a petrol station but it is a perfect car.

I have a Saab 93 1.8t Vector Bio Power 2008 in Black. If you visit Madrid. Great Car. Great Video.

I have been looking at the 2ltr estate 2011 but have read they can be problematic engine wise any info on this would be appreciated 😁

nice review !

I have 3, the first gen 93 soft top 2.0t SE, and 2x 95 2.2TiD Estates (one is for sale if interested 🙂). Incidentally, I've found out the 95 2.2 variant is pretty rare now - only 13 left (10 on the road). Both wonderful to drive, and the 95 is possibly the most comfortable car I have ever driven. Also helps that I have a Saab specialist local to me.

I just purchased a2003 -93-2.0T. I'm looking forward to fixing the accelerator cable/pedal and driving it ...

Ah, back to a proper car, now that's more like it! I recall that Wheeler Dealers 'did' a Saab many moons ago, and Edd China mentioned that they can have a problem with the bulkhead cracking, and he installed some bracing in the engine compartment, although I don't think he mentioned how you would actually know if the bulkhead was cracked. It's nice to see you down my neck of the woods - Salford Quays is a nice back drop (compared with the very nearby Coronation Street type of housing) and there's also the added fun of tram-dodging!

Spot on 😄👍

I have owned three, and still own my 2000 93 Viggen. That would be a fun review if you can find a local one to drive!

And they have passive rear wheel steering.

I love saab too❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

Hope you get your hands on the last gen 9-5, they look really cool.

I have had 4 saabs 2 900's, 1 9000 and a 9-3 convertible. I am still here because of the 9000 and the 9-3. Two REALLY big accidents. if I hadnt been in Saabs I wouldnt be watching this video

I have a 2004 Saab 9 3 ARC Convertible. I am still in the learning phase for it. With that written, what are the M , plus and minus signs on the gearbox for?

i have two 93x ttid combis a 2010 with a maptun stage 1 210 bhp 450nm upgrade and a 2011 stock ttid 180BHP 400nm combi. do ya want to have a go?, before i upgrade the 2011

I have a 9-3 with the big T and am considering the X if the owner decides to sell it (I offered her 5,000€, it only has 55,000 Km and I've known it since it was bought new from Auto Sueca). Blends in well with modern traffic, you say? I'd say it is usually the most beautiful car on the road. Almost all modern cars look like they were built by McDonald's and took a very long time to leave the "factory". I can't think of a car after 2015, aside from the "Exotics", that I would pay to own. Since I know everything about my neighbour's X and it has been so well taken care of I am willing to go to 7,500 (It's a really weird situation, I saw her two days before Christmas and she looked fine for a seventy-something, about six days later, out of nowhere she went blind, only has 10% view from her right eye). Anyway, since her husband doesn't drive, I guess the cars (rarely used) are up for sale.

It is beautiful👑👑

needs a new universal joint on the steering,I bloody love Saabs !

I love this cars , i have beautiful cars in my channel but this i like it saabi hope found one

The 2008 is said to be the last of the true Saab before GM pressure and the design team resigned.

Hey, I'm just wondering what you think about this as a first car as I've found one which is in good condition and has a decent price. Would be grateful for any feedback..

You missed to flip down the cup holder in the middle-console...

A nifty addon was the hidden ice scraper you could buy for the smart slot opposite the hand break handle. 👌 Great video ♥️

The first I saw was the check engine light was on when you showed the night panel!

Beautiful car