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Consumer Reviews

2009 Saab 9-3 Consumer Reviews

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4.4
(648 reviews)
2009 Saab 9-3
5
62%
4
21%
3
9%
2
4%
1
3%
90%
Recommend this vehicle
Value
4.4
Performance
4.6
Quality
4.4
Comfort
4.6
Reliability
4.4
Styling
4.6
2009 9-3 Overview
Among the 648 owners who provided feedback on the 2009 Saab 9-3 for Kelley Blue Book, consumer sentiment is mostly positive, with 90% recommending the vehicle. As a whole, consumers found the vehicle's comfort and performance to be its strongest features and value to be its weakest. 404 out of 648 of owners (62% of them) rank the 2009 9-3 five out of five stars. Overall, consumers seem aligned in their opinions of the 2009 Saab 9-3. Is it the right vehicle for for you? Check out Kelley Blue Book's consumer reviews and see for yourself.
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Most Helpful Reviews

Positive Review

"Very sophisticated car"

I have a 2004 Saab 9-3 Acr Convertible with 2.0L turbo engine. I have enjoyed everything about this car especially the gas mileage. It gives me the performance of a sports car with fuel consumption of a small compact car (28mpg hwy). The driver side mirror control switch does not work and should be recalled but that's it. Saab has the most intelligent on board computer I've seen in any car. It also has safety features to protect driver, all passengers and the car itself, including the electrical systems. In the past years the Saab was known for having the most electrical problems but now they have one of the best systems in the business. It is an awesome value at any price. This car competes well with any German or Japan Import and offers an outstanding driving experience. Saabs are under-rated; you get much more than what you paid for. Saabs are engineered to perfection in every way.


VS

Critical Review

"Good Car - Quality"

Purchased my 2007 SAAB 9-3 SportCombi new in October 2007. Initially a good car to own---fun to drive, fairly comfortable and good payload capacity. The car is fairly rare so it was nice having a vehicle that was relatively uncommon. Also, the free 3 year/36,000 miles maintenance package was a big plus. Unfortunately, the SAAB has been less than reliable and has gone through numerous sets of rear brakes and headlamps. At one point, all of the exterior lights on the left side of the car were out. Repairs are expensive and parts are difficult to obtain, particularly since SAAB filed bankruptcy. I have not been able to repair the left rear tail light for 6 months because a replacement unit (priced at a lofty $450) has not been available. Recently, the vehicle started experiencing cold-start problems. The vehicle would start readily, but would run extremely rough for approximately 10 seconds before the idle would become smoother. This problem is not evident if the engine is already warm. I took the SAAB to a local mechanic (because all of the nearby dealerships have closed) and was told---after attempts to correct the problem by replacing the spark plugs and cleaning the fuel injectors---that the engine would need to torn down at a minimum cost of $3,500. The car has always been well maintained and oil changes and other necessary maintenance has been conducted regularly. I've considered selling the vehicle, but depreciation has been substantial. Blue Book value for the car is less than $9,000. A friend of mine purchased a 2007 Audi A4 Quattro sedan for roughly the same price as my SAAB and the Blue Book value of his vehicle is nearly twice that of mine. The issues with the SAAB, and the significant depreciation has certainly dampened my enthusiasm with owning and driving the vehicle. While I liked the car very much during my initial 2 years of ownership, the last 3 years has been less than enjoyable. Even if SAAB had not entered bankruptcy and was still a viable automobile manufacturer, I doubt that I would purchase a SAAB vehicle again.

2009 9-3 Reviews

In our commitment to delivering the most comprehensive assessment of the vehicle possible, KBB.com widens the scope of our reviews to include all pertinent model years.
ex. Dependable

Showing 8 of 648 reviews.


Brody D
3/20/2025
Fun quirky not reliable
Pros

comfertable, fun to drive, sounds good, UI inside

Cons

unreliable(ecu death), radio is almost impossible to work on, parts hard to find

been chasing issues on this car for the past 2 years(most of them trace back to the ecu) got a brand new ecu and a spacing kit and the ecu still died after 3 weeks.

Value
2.0
Performance
4.0
Quality
2.0
Comfort
4.0
Reliability
1.0
Styling
5.0
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Art
3/12/2025
PERFECT RIDE
Pros

has everything I wanted on it

Cons

needed a little tlc but ok for the cost

It does EVERYTHING well

Value
5.0
Performance
5.0
Quality
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Reliability
5.0
Styling
5.0
This customer review was submitted as part of a sweepstakes entry.
Recommends this vehicle
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0
0

Amarrio
9/17/2024
Dependable and Fun
Pros

Fast, efficient, fun, and reliable.

Cons

Rear seat space. New parts support is fading.

The 2008 Saab 9-3 offers great performance, comfort, and reliability, making it an ideal commuter. It handles highways well with solid fuel economy, quick acceleration, and a durable build. City fuel efficiency is less impressive, and the backseats can feel tight for adults. Parts can be expensive and hard to find for certain things, but proper, routine, maintenance keeps it running smoothly. If you're considering buying one, check the history and maintenance records to avoid inheriting costly issues. I've owned mine for more than a decade, it's been the best all-around vehicle I’ve owned.

Value
5.0
Performance
5.0
Quality
5.0
Comfort
4.0
Reliability
5.0
Styling
4.0
Recommends this vehicle
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2
0

Anonymous Reviewer
4/13/2024
Buy it if you can

I really have an affinity for this car and body style - convertible ? Yes please . They are not made anymore if you get a chance, buy one .

Value
5.0
Performance
5.0
Quality
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Reliability
5.0
Styling
5.0
Recommends this vehicle
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1
0

Ginger
7/6/2023
Surprising acceleration and handling
Pros

Fast acceleration. Short stopping distance

Cons

Hard to find competitors that can match performanc

If you are looking for a factory street racer this is a great choice. The v6 with ecm boost to 300 hp jumps in every gear using the 6 speed with paddle shifters. I love the oversized front and rear disk brakes with electric assist. Add v rated radials and you can easily go to the 160 rated top speed. Don't worry about stopping because it will push you against the shoulder harness in a very short distance.

Value
5.0
Performance
5.0
Quality
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Reliability
5.0
Styling
5.0
Recommends this vehicle
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1
0

Whasaab
4/19/2023
Love it!!
Pros

Does it all well.

Cons

No more Saab

Two years so far and no complaints!! Its very well made and holds up. Fast and efficient. Safe. Handles very well! Looks amazing!! Laser Red w/ black lthr. These Saabs when well cared for are just a joy to own. It hits all the marks! Fast, fun, safe, and beautiful/rare but reliable!

Value
5.0
Performance
5.0
Quality
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Reliability
5.0
Styling
5.0
Recommends this vehicle
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0

Kylie
3/10/2023
Good car, but too much for me.
Pros

Seat warmers, duel air conditioning, sun roof.

Cons

Not manufactured anymore.

A great car with a turbo engine, duel heating and cooling, duel seat warmers with 3 settings, leather seats, 6 cd disk changer, and a sun roof (that shouldn't be opened unless you want it to stay open). Not manufactured anymore, so it's a bit hard to find parts for. I love this car, it's just falling apart faster than my income to fix it.

Value
2.0
Performance
4.0
Quality
3.0
Comfort
5.0
Reliability
2.0
Styling
4.0
Recommends this vehicle
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1
0

Anonymous Reviewer
1/7/2023
Awesome driving machine

Fast, agile and luxurious. This the 3rd Saab 93 that I own. Ive had two with the 2.0T and my 3rd one is the 2.6T option. Very reliable. However, expect parts to be expensive.

Value
5.0
Performance
5.0
Quality
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Reliability
5.0
Styling
5.0
Recommends this vehicle
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0
0

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