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Makes›Saab›9-3

Saab 9-3

8 model years from 2005 to 2012, compared on size, efficiency, safety and reliability.

Model years
2005–2012
Class
Compact Cars
Latest engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Best MPG
22–24 combined, by year
Latest rating
Not rated
Recalls
3 campaigns, all years
Most complaints
2008 (134)

The 2012 9-3 in brief

The 2012 Saab 9-3 is a compact car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (20 city / 32 highway), 6% worse than the 2012 compact car average of 25.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,800 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.

The Saab 9-3 has 8 model years in our data, from 2005 to 2012.

Its most efficient year was 2012 at 24 MPG combined; across all years the best version ranged from 22 to 24 MPG.

Owners most often report problems with the air bags (288), engine (65), seat belts (40).

2011 has the most recalls (3); all years together count 3 campaigns and 452 owner complaints.

How the 2005 9-3 compares

The 2005 Saab 9-3 is a compact car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 183 inches long and 69 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,479 lb (2dr Convertible FWD Arc/Aero).

2012 9-3 pros & cons

Full 2012 details →

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Few owner complaints0 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 53 for similar models.
  • No recalls so far

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

9-3 changes by model year

  1. 2011
    • Lightest version 220 lb heavier
  2. 2010
    • Engine dropped: 2.8L 6-cyl turbo
  3. 2008
    • All-wheel or four-wheel drive now available
  4. 2006
    • Engine added: 2.8L 6-cyl turbo

Years without a measurable change are left out.

Show all 8 model years side by side
YearLatest enginesBest MPG / rangeLengthWeightOverallRecallsComplaints
20122.0L 4-cyl turbo24 MPG––Not rated00
20112.0L 4-cyl turbo24 MPG182.7 in3,748 lbNot rated329
20102.0L 4-cyl turbo24 MPG182.7 in3,479 lbNot rated326
20092.0L 4-cyl turbo, 2.8L 6-cyl turbo23 MPG182.7 in3,479 lbNot rated234
20082.0L 4-cyl turbo, 2.8L 6-cyl turbo23 MPG182.7 in3,479 lbNot rated2134
20072.0L 4-cyl turbo, 2.8L 6-cyl turbo22 MPG182.7 in3,479 lbNot rated293
20062.0L 4-cyl turbo, 2.8L 6-cyl turbo23 MPG182.7 in3,479 lbNot rated2106
20052.0L 4-cyl turbo23 MPG182.7 in3,479 lbNot rated130
Best combined MPG by model year — Saab 9-3
2005: 23 MPG2006: 23 MPG2007: 22 MPG2008: 23 MPG2009: 23 MPG2010: 24 MPG2011: 24 MPG2012: 24 MPG20052006200720082009201020112012max 24 MPG

Alternatives to the 2012 9-3

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2012 Toyota Corolla29 MPGNot rated5
2012 Honda Civic44 MPGNot rated4
2012 Mazda 332 MPGNot rated0
2012 Volkswagen Golf/GTI32 MPGNot rated6
2012 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport30 MPGNot rated0
2012 Toyota Yaris33 MPGNot rated5

Most common owner-reported problems

Air Bags288
Engine65
Seat Belts40
Fuel/Propulsion System32
Electrical System17
Suspension15
Vehicle Speed Control7
Unknown Or Other5
Owner complaints by model year — Saab 9-3
2005: 302006: 1062007: 932008: 1342009: 342010: 262011: 292012: 020052006200720082009201020112012max 134
Check your VIN for open recalls ↗

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Saab. How we calculate this →