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Photo of a Saab 9-3

Saab 9-3

From hatchback to 280-hp Aero XWD: the Saab 9-3's turbocharged reinvention.12

Researched October 28, 2026 from 39 sources

Also called

  • OGShort for 'old generation,' used for the first-generation 9-3.1
  • The Last Great True SaabJalopnik's label for the Viggen.1

At a glance

0150300
114–280 hpPower
0510
5.7–7.3 s0–60 mph
0125250
199.6–249.4 km/hTop speed
0200400
177–400 N·mTorque
01,0002,000
1,402–1,690 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.12891011

Engine
Gen 1: 2.0–2.3 L gas, 2.2 L diesel I4; Gen 2: 1.8–2.2 L I4, 2.8 L turbo V61
Layout
Front engine; FWD, plus AWD from 20081
Gearbox
Gen 1: 5-speed manual/4-speed auto; Gen 2: 5/6-speed manual or auto1
Built at
Trollhättan & ANA, Sweden; Valmet, Finland; Magna Steyr, Graz, Austria1
Units built
326,370 first-generation cars1

The story

Launched in 1998 as an updated 900, the 9-3 later chased premium sport-sedan buyers with ReAxs passive rear steering. The second generation swapped its hatchback for a sedan, then added a new Convertible and SportCombi.13

1998: 900 becomes 9-319981999: Viggen takes an aircraft's name19992002: Sport Sedan replaces the hatchback20022004: A much stiffer new Convertible20042008: 280 hp, XWD and an electronic rear diff20082011: 366 Independence Editions announced20112013: NEVS restarts the 9-3 line20132014: Final NEVS-built sedans2014 Saab 99: 1968–1984Saab 99Saab 900 Classic: 1978–1993Saab 900 ClassicSaab 900, second generation (NG): 1994–1998 model yearsNGSaab 9-3, first generation (YS3D): 1998–2003YS3DSaab 9-3, second generation (YS3F): 2002–2012; 2013–2014YS3F 197019801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones12122
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1968–1984Saab 99
1978–1993Saab 900 Classic
1994–1998 model yearsSaab 900, second generation (NG)
1998–2003Saab 9-3, first generation (YS3D)
2002–2012; 2013–2014Saab 9-3, second generation (YS3F)
1998900 becomes 9-3
1999Viggen takes an aircraft's name
2002Sport Sedan replaces the hatchback
2004A much stiffer new Convertible
2008280 hp, XWD and an electronic rear diff
2011366 Independence Editions announced
2013NEVS restarts the 9-3 line
2014Final NEVS-built sedans
  1. 1998

    900 becomes 9-3

    The 1998–2003 first generation revised the 900 on GM2900 with 1,100 claimed changes and quicker steering. It also brought Saab's first diesel.1

  2. 1999

    Viggen takes an aircraft's name

    Tom Walkinshaw Racing helped create the Viggen: a 2.3 L turbo with a five-speed manual only. Production totaled 4,600.1

  3. 2002

    Sport Sedan replaces the hatchback

    Launched in July for model year 2003, the second generation moved to GM Epsilon, dropping the hatchback for a four-door sedan.134

  4. 2004

    A much stiffer new Convertible

    The second-generation Convertible arrived for model year 2004, built by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria, with a body nearly three times as stiff.15

  5. 2008

    280 hp, XWD and an electronic rear diff

    The facelift brought Aero X-inspired looks. Aero XWD models added a 280-hp 2.8 L V6 and an optional electronic rear limited-slip differential.24

  6. 2011

    366 Independence Editions announced

    Announced as a 366-car run, the Aero-based Independence Edition Convertible paired Amber Orange paint with a 180-hp 1.9 L TTiD and six-speed automatic.6

  7. 2013

    NEVS restarts the 9-3 line

    After bankruptcy, NEVS resumed the 9-3 sedan with a 220-hp 2.0 L turbo, initially aiming at China and planning about 10 cars a week.7

  8. 2014

    Final NEVS-built sedans

    NEVS-built sedans carried the second generation into 2014, the final year of the 9-3's 1998–2014 production run.1

Every generation

  • Saab 99
    Saab 991968–1984
  • Saab 900 Classic
    Saab 900 Classic1978–1993
  • Saab 900, second generation
    NG1994–1998 model years
  • Saab 9-3, first generation
    YS3D1998–2003
  • Saab 9-3, second generation
    YS3F2002–2012; 2013–2014

Power over the years

From 114 hp to 280 hp in 10 years.

0100200300 199820002002200420062008 hp 1998 · 114 hp · Gen 1 2.2 TiD1999 · 128 hp · Gen 1 2.0 non-turbo1999 · 152 hp · Gen 1 2.0 low-pressure turbo1999 · 182 hp · Gen 1 full-pressure turbo (US)1999 · 200 hp · Gen 1 SE HOT (US)1999 · 225 hp · Viggen2000 · 202 hp · Gen 1 B205R HOT2003 · 150 hp · Gen 2 1.8t (2.0 L turbo)2003 · 175 hp · Gen 2 2.0t2003 · 210 hp · Gen 2 2.0T2006 · 247 hp · Aero 2.8 turbo V62008 · 280 hp · Aero XWD 2.8 turbo V6 280 hp Aero XWD 2.8 turbo V6 114 hp Gen 1 2.2 TiD
12341112
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
1998114Gen 1 2.2 TiD
1999128Gen 1 2.0 non-turbo
1999152Gen 1 2.0 low-pressure turbo
1999182Gen 1 full-pressure turbo (US)
1999200Gen 1 SE HOT (US)
1999225Viggen
2000202Gen 1 B205R HOT
2003150Gen 2 1.8t (2.0 L turbo)
2003175Gen 2 2.0t
2003210Gen 2 2.0T
2006247Aero 2.8 turbo V6
2008280Aero XWD 2.8 turbo V6

Versions

9 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Linear / Arc / Vector (2003 US range)

    Standard

    Linear / Arc / Vector (2003 US range)

    2003

  • Aero (second generation)

    Performance

    Aero (second generation)

  • Special

    Turbo Anniversary (Australia)

  • Special

    60th Anniversary

    2007

  • 9-3X

    Special

    9-3X

  • Viggen

    Performance

    Viggen

    1999–2002

    227 hp

    4,600 built

  • Turbo X

    Performance

    Turbo X

    2008

    276 hp

  • Limited

    Carlsson

    2010

    276 hp
  • Independence Edition Convertible (UK)

    Limited

    Independence Edition Convertible (UK)

    2011

    180 hp

How to spot one

Look for

  • Early 9-3s have a long, concave tail.19
  • Second-generation sedans have a short, high trunk.19
  • Early second-generation cars have a delta-wing-shaped front grille.19
  • SportCombi wagons have forward-leaning, hockey-stick-shaped rear pillars.20
  • SportCombi wagons have high-mounted taillights.20

Year by year

  1. 1998

    The 9-3 facelift brought a 9-5-style grille and body-colored trim between the taillights.13

  2. 2003–2004

    A new sedan replaced the hatchbacks for 2003; the redesigned Convertible followed for 2004.4

  3. 2006

    The SportCombi wagon joined, with a steep rear window, hockey-stick rear pillars and high taillights.420

  4. 2007

    Instrument panel and trim revised; the 2003 car had its Saab Information Display atop the dash at the windshield base.34

  5. 2008

    Aero X-style nose, clamshell hood and eyebrow lights; new doors and bumpers lose their rubbing strips.24

  6. 2013–2014

    Restart sedans resemble the 2011 facelift but omit the griffin badge.17

Don’t confuse it with

  • Saab 900 (NG)

    The early 9-3 shares its shape; look for the 9-5-style grille and body-colored panel between the taillights.113

Prices

Value today $4.1K–$28.0K14

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$20K$40K$60K 200020052010201520202025 Value today: $4,100–$28,000 1999 · $38,465 · US Viggen base1999 · $39,048 · US Viggen, as tested2003 · $26,525 · US Linear sedan base2003 · $30,620 · US Arc sedan base2003 · $33,120 · US Vector, as tested2004 · $40,670 · US Arc Convertible base2004 · $43,175 · US Aero Convertible base2006 · $27,000 · US SportCombi 2.0, estimated base2006 · $33,000 · US SportCombi 2.8, estimated base 1999 · $38,465 · US Viggen base, 1999 model year 2024 · $16,500 · 1999 Viggen, 122k chassis mi shown, BaT2024 · $16,000 · 2005 Linear convertible 5-speed, 34k mi, BaT2025 · $9,050 · 2008 Aero sedan, 96k mi, BaT2026 · $8,500 · 2008 Turbo X SportCombi XWD, 91k miles, BaT2026 · $12,930 · 2001 Viggen 2-door, 165k miles, BaT2026 · $8,100 · 2008 SportCombi 2.0T 6-speed, 102k miles, BaT2026 · $12,593 · 2003 SE Convertible, 25k miles, BaT2026 · $4,800 · 2011 Turbo4 convertible, 80k mi shown, BaT2026 · $6,200 · 2011 Turbo4 SportCombi, 63k mi, TMU, BaT2026 · $8,200 · 2011 9-3X SportCombi XWD 6-speed, 157k mi, BaT2026 · $13,750 · 2008 Turbo X sedan, 68k mi, BaT $16.5K BaT, 2024
1345911202930313233343536373839
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
1999Launch price$38,465US Viggen base, 1999 model year
1999Price when new$38,465US Viggen base
1999Price when new$39,048US Viggen, as tested
2003Price when new$26,525US Linear sedan base
2003Price when new$30,620US Arc sedan base
2003Price when new$33,120US Vector, as tested
2004Price when new$40,670US Arc Convertible base
2004Price when new$43,175US Aero Convertible base
2006Price when new$27,000US SportCombi 2.0, estimated base
2006Price when new$33,000US SportCombi 2.8, estimated base
2024Auction sale$16,5001999 Viggen, 122k chassis mi shown, BaT
2024Auction sale$16,0002005 Linear convertible 5-speed, 34k mi, BaT
2025Auction sale$9,0502008 Aero sedan, 96k mi, BaT
2026Auction sale$8,5002008 Turbo X SportCombi XWD, 91k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$12,9302001 Viggen 2-door, 165k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$8,1002008 SportCombi 2.0T 6-speed, 102k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$12,5932003 SE Convertible, 25k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$4,8002011 Turbo4 convertible, 80k mi shown, BaT
2026Auction sale$6,2002011 Turbo4 SportCombi, 63k mi, TMU, BaT
2026Auction sale$8,2002011 9-3X SportCombi XWD 6-speed, 157k mi, BaT
2026Auction sale$13,7502008 Turbo X sedan, 68k mi, BaT
2026Value today$4,100–$28,000

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 9 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 11 stories from its legend
    • “An Open-class record on a Pikes Peak debut”
    • “2 wins were enough for a European title”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 6 generations

  • Market

    • 5 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 39 sources
  1. Saab 9-3 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  2. New Saab 9-3 to Offer All-Wheel Drive - Saabnet.com saabnet.com
  3. 2003 9-3 Sports Sedan - Saabnet.com saabnet.com
  4. 2003-12 Saab 9-3 | Consumer Guide Auto consumerguide.com
  5. Saab 9-3 Convertible — Car and Driver caranddriver.com
  6. Saab 9-3 Convertible Independence Edition officially revealed prior to Geneva debut - Autoblog autoblog.com
  7. New Saab 9-3 unveiled | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  8. Saab 9-3 Turbo X | evo evo.co.uk
  9. Saab 9-3 Vector — Car and Driver caranddriver.com
  10. Used Saab 9-3 Convertible Buyer's Guide | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  11. Tested: Y2K Super Sedan Comparison caranddriver.com
  12. 2006 Saab 9-3 Aero - Road Test & Review - Automobile Magazine motortrend.com
  13. Buying a used Saab 900/9-3 (1993-2002) - carsales.com.au carsales.com.au
  14. Saab's 9-3 Convertible hits 20 | GoAuto goauto.com.au
  15. 2007 Saab 60th Anniversary Editions Brief | Autoweb autoweb.com
  16. 2009 Saab 9-3X - Images, Specifications and Information ultimatecarpage.com
  17. 1999 Saab 9-3 Viggen Tested: Hold On Tight caranddriver.com
  18. Saab 9-3 Carlsson | First Drives | | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  19. Saab 9-3 Design Development | Article | Car Design News cardesignnews.com
  20. Saab 9-3 Sportcombi — Car and Driver caranddriver.com
  21. Saab 99 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  22. Saab 900 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  23. Per Eklund - Saab 9-3 Win European Rallycross Championship - Saabnet.com saabnet.com
  24. 2000 Saab 9-3 Viggen Pikes Peak supercars.net
  25. Per Eklund Wins 2002 Pikes Peak - Saabnet.com saabnet.com
  26. Team Tidö signs Richard Göransson for 2014 STCC – TouringCarTimes touringcartimes.com
  27. REPORT: Saab, USA snag 500,000 players with Burn Notice online game - Autoblog autoblog.com
  28. Used Saab 9-3 review - ReDriven redriven.com
  29. No Reserve: 2008 Saab 9-3 Aero Turbo X SportCombi XWD for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $8,500 on March 18, 2026 (Lot #234,019) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  30. No Reserve: 2001 Saab 9-3 Viggen 2-Door for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $12,930 on May 12, 2026 (Lot #242,235) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  31. Original-Owner 2008 Saab 9-3 SportCombi 2.0T 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $8,100 on June 21, 2026 (Lot #248,720) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  32. No Reserve: 25k-Mile 2003 Saab 9-3 SE Convertible 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $12,593 on September 10, 2026 (Lot #262,594) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  33. No Reserve: 2011 Saab 9-3 Turbo4 Convertible for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $4,800 on October 13, 2026 (Lot #268,246) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  34. No Reserve: 1999 Saab 9-3 Viggen for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $16,500 on August 6, 2024 (Lot #157,293) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  35. No Reserve: 2011 Saab 9-3 Turbo4 SportCombi for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $6,200 on August 21, 2026 (Lot #259,062) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  36. No Reserve: 2011 Saab 9-3X SportCombi XWD 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $8,200 on July 24, 2026 (Lot #254,104) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  37. No Reserve: 2008 Saab Turbo X Sedan for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $13,750 on April 8, 2026 (Lot #236,850) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  38. No Reserve: 2008 Saab 9-3 Aero Sedan for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $9,050 on June 5, 2025 (Lot #194,805) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  39. No Reserve: 34k-Mile 2005 Saab 9-3 Linear Convertible 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $16,000 on April 3, 2024 (Lot #141,925) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • saabnet.com
  • consumerguide.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • autoblog.com
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • evo.co.uk
  • motortrend.com
  • carsales.com.au
  • goauto.com.au
  • autoweb.com
  • ultimatecarpage.com
  • cardesignnews.com
  • supercars.net

Photo credits

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