DecodedCars2005 Saab 9-3
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2005 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 2dr Convertible FWD Arc/Aero, 4dr Sedan FWD /Aero, 4dr Sedan FWD /Linear/Arc
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 19 city / 29 hwy
- Length
- 182.7 in
- Curb weight
- 3,175–3,479 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Overview
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).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (19 city / 29 highway), 1% worse than the 2005 compact car average of 23.3 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 30 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the seat belts.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Convertible FWD Arc/Aero | 182.7 in | 69.3 in | 56.3 in | 105.5 in | 59.4 / 59.1 in | 3,479 lb | 60/40 |
| 4dr Sedan FWD /Aero | 182.7 in | 70.5 in | 57.9 in | 105.5 in | 59.8 / 59.4 in | 3,285 lb | 62/38 |
| 4dr Sedan FWD /Linear/Arc | 182.7 in | 70.5 in | 57.9 in | 105.5 in | 59.8 / 59.4 in | 3,175 lb | 62/38 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9-3 Sport Sedan | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 29 / 23 | -1% | $3,550 | 386 |
| 9-3 Convertible | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | +5% | $3,750 | 404 |
| 9-3 Sport Sedan | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | -6% | $3,050 | 404 |
| 9-3 Sport Sedan | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | -6% | $3,750 | 404 |
| 9-3 Sport Sedan | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | -6% | $3,050 | 404 |
| 9-3 Convertible | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 19 | -9% | $4,350 | 468 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2005 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2005 Saab 9-3 under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2005 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Saab 9-3 (this car) | 23 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2005 Toyota Corolla | 31 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2005 Honda Civic | 41 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2005 Honda Accord | 28 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
| 2005 Toyota Camry | 25 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2005 Toyota Prius | 46 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2005 Mazda 3 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (1)
Seat Belts › Front › Retractor · Jun 12, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V318000 · 28,789 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2011 Saab 9-3 Convertible vehicles manufactured July 30, 2003, to February 15, 2011. In the affected vehicles, the driver's side front seat belt retractor may break, causing the seat belt webbing not to retract.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash, a seat belt that has not retracted may not properly restrain the seat occupant, increasing their risk of injury.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's seat belt retractor, free of charge. The recall began on October 6, 2015. Owners may contact Saab customer service at 1-800-955-9007. GM's number for this recall is 14222. Note: Special Coverage 10086 will replace the passenger side seat belt retractor if it fails, free of charge, for the life of the vehicle.
Not every 2005 Saab 9-3 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2005 Saab 9-3 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Seat Belts — 11 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Air Bags — 10 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 4 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 119,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2005 Saab 9-3. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other 9-3 years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Saab. How we calculate this →