2010 Saab 9-3 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$28,900 to $45,080

Original MSRP

--

expert review

5.0

avg user rating

(4 reviews)
2010 Saab 9-3 Preview summaryImage

Saab leaves its compact 9-3 sedans and convertibles virtually untouched for 2010, as the automaker turns its attention to updating and introducing other vehicles, including the redesigned 9-5 and the new 9-3X sport wagon, which debuts this year. The 9-3's last real update occurred in 2008, when it received design and performance improvements. For 2010, Saab simplifies the lineup, offering the popular 9-3 in two basic versions--the Base and Aero, both of which are available as four-door sedans with four-wheel or all-wheel drive, and as two-door convertible trims.

A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, generating 210 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque, powers the Base trims, while the 9-3 Aero trims receive a 2.8-liter turbocharged V6 producing 280 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. In the Base trims, the four-cylinder links to either a six-speed manual transmission, which comes as standard equipment, or an available five-speed Sentronic automatic transmission, which enables drivers to shift manually using the gear lever. The Aero upgrades the transmission to a six-speed Sentronic automatic, also with manual shifting via the gear lever or steering-wheel-mounted switches. For a sportier driving experience, Saab also offers the Aero trims with the six-speed manual as an option.

Both engines provide solid performance, with power building quickly and very little turbo lag. However, fuel economy numbers check in toward the bottom of the scale for vehicles in this class. The Base trims deliver around 18/27 mpg, while fuel economy for the Aero trims drops to 15/24.

The 9-3's all-wheel-drive trims feature Saab's fully automatic Cross-Wheel Drive, or XWD, system, which distributes torque to the front or rear wheels as necessary, depending on driving conditions, to ensure optimal handling and stability. All trims come equipped with safety-oriented performance features like antilock brakes and electronic brakeforce distribution, which helps reduce stopping distances by distributing brake force to the front and rear wheels depending on how the car is loaded. Traction control and an electronic stability control system also come standard on all trims. In addition, the Aero trims feature a lowered sport-tuned chassis, which helps to enhance stability and handling, according to the automaker.

Inside, the Saab 9-3 seats five passengers in a fairly roomy cabin, although the convertible offers less rear-seat headroom than the sedan. Standard interior features for all trims include leather upholstery, wood or leather interior trim, a leather-trimmed sport steering wheel, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, and a seven-speaker audio system with a CD changer, an MP3 input jack, and XM satellite radio. The Aero trims add such features as two-tone leather upholstery, front sport seats, and a 10-speaker Bose audio system with a 6-CD changer. Options include a DVD-based navigation system.

Cargo space is quite impressive, especially in the convertible, which offers 12.4 cubic feet of trunk space, although the convertible's soft top takes up 4 of those feet when it's retracted. Standard safety features for all trims include dual front, front side, and curtain side-impact airbags, as well as front-seat active head restraints.

Published May 31, 2022 by Rob Feeman

User reviews for 2010 Saab 9-3

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User rating:
by ANDREW H
Aug 12, 2021
A reliable fun to drive vehicle , with great fuel economy on a long journey.Aug 12, 2021
by Gilberto D
Oct 28, 2020
Is a nice and exite car for fun on driveOct 28, 2020
by Julian P
Jun 06, 2020
A design classic always the Saab. Loved by designers. Jun 06, 2020

2010 Saab 9-3 Pricing

Original MSRP
$28,900 to $45,080
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
N/A
YoY price change
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Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Single rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 150 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.1 · Front brake width: 0.98 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.9 · Rear brake width: 0.47 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Center console trim: simulated wood · Dash trim: simulated wood · Door trim: simulated wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: climate control · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.55

Engine

Alternator: 120 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure

Lights

Headlights: Halogen

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather-trimmed

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.0 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 14

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: remote operation

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Single rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 11 · 150 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.4 · Rear brake width: .98 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Center console trim: simulated wood · Dash trim: simulated wood · Door trim: simulated wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: climate control · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.53

Engine

Alternator: 120 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure

Lights

Headlights: Halogen

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: one-touch open/close

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather-trimmed

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.0 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0

Suspension

Air Suspension: rear · Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 5

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: front

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Single rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 10 · 150 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.4 · Rear brake width: .98 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Center console trim: simulated alloy · Dash trim: simulated alloy · Door trim: simulated alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: 3 driver · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Parking sensors: rear · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 2.44

Engine

Alternator: 120 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure

Lights

Headlights: HID

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power glass

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.0 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Navigation system: DVD navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: OnStar

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 5

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: front

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Single rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 10 · 150 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.4 · Rear brake width: .98 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Center console trim: carbon · Dash trim: carbon · Door trim: carbon · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: 3 driver · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Parking sensors: rear · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.53

Engine

Alternator: 120 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: cornering

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: tilt

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.0 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0

Suspension

Air Suspension: rear · Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Navigation system: DVD navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: OnStar

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 5 · Width: 7.5

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: front

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Single rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio · XM satellite radio · Total Number of Speakers: 10 · 300 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.1 · Front brake width: 0.98 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.9 · Rear brake width: 0.47 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: climate control · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: accessory hook · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.55

Engine

Alternator: 120 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

Lights

Headlights: Halogen

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Convertible roof: remote operation

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Rear center seatbelt: 3-point

Seats

Front seat type: sport bucket · Heated: front seats · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather-trimmed

Spare Tire

Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.0 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: OnStar

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 5

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: remote operation

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Single rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 10 · 300 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.4 · Rear brake width: .98 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Parking sensors: rear · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: accessory hook · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 2.44

Engine

Alternator: 120 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: polished aluminum

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

Lights

Headlights: auto delay off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Convertible roof: power

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Parking sensors: rear

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Rear center seatbelt: 3-point

Seats

Front seat type: sport bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather-trimmed

Spare Tire

Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.0 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Navigation system: DVD navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: OnStar

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 5

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: remote operation

See all trims (6)