CARCARETOOL VEHICLE GUIDE

Saab 9-3

Saab 9-3 — 3-/5-door hatchback2-door convertible, '''petrol:'''; 2.0 L ''B204'' I4; 2.0 L ''B205'' I4; 2.0 L ''B205R'' I4; 2.3 L ''B235R'' I4; '''diesel:'''; 2.2 L ''D223L'' TiD I4. Explore engine specifications, fuel economy, dimensions, tire sizes, seating, maintenance and tire-pressure guidance.

Saab 9-3
Engine'''petrol:'''; 2.0 L ''B204'' I4; 2.0 L ''B205'' I4; 2.0 L ''B205R'' I4; 2.3 L ''B235R'' I4; '''diesel:'''; 2.2 L ''D223L'' TiD I4
Transmission5-speed manual4-speed automatic

About the Saab 9-3

Saab 9-3 is a 3-/5-door hatchback2-door convertible in the compact executive car (d) class. The available vehicle data lists '''petrol:'''; 2.0 L ''B204'' I4; 2.0 L ''B205'' I4; 2.0 L ''B205R'' I4; 2.3 L ''B235R'' I4; '''diesel:'''; 2.2 L ''D223L'' TiD I4 as an engine configuration, paired with 5-speed manual4-speed automatic and a Front-engine, front-wheel drive (1998–2014) Front-engine, four-wheel drive (2008–2014) layout. Public source material describes the model in the context of its design, market positioning and vehicle history.

This Saab 9-3 guide focuses on the details drivers commonly want to know, including engine information for '''petrol:'''; 2.0 L ''B204'' I4; 2.0 L ''B205'' I4; 2.0 L ''B205R'' I4; 2.3 L ''B235R'' I4; '''diesel:'''; 2.2 L ''D223L'' TiD I4 and 5-speed manual4-speed automatic transmission information. Exact specifications should be matched to the relevant model year and market.

Saab 9-3 specifications at a glance

Use this table for the model-level essentials. Exact figures may vary by year, trim, engine and market.

Make Saab
Model 9-3
Model years Not specified
Body style 3-/5-door hatchback2-door convertible
Vehicle class Compact executive car (D)
Manufacturer General Motors (1998–2010)Spyker Cars (2011–2012)NEVS (2013–2014)
Production 1998–2014
Market / country CA, ES, FI, GB, LU, NL, NZ, UA, US

Engine, transmission and performance

Engine information for the Saab 9-3 includes '''petrol:'''; 2.0 L ''B204'' I4; 2.0 L ''B205'' I4; 2.0 L ''B205R'' I4; 2.3 L ''B235R'' I4; '''diesel:'''; 2.2 L ''D223L'' TiD I4.. Transmission information includes 5-speed manual4-speed automatic.. The listed drivetrain/layout is Front-engine, front-wheel drive (1998–2014) Front-engine, four-wheel drive (2008–2014).

Engine '''petrol:'''; 2.0 L ''B204'' I4; 2.0 L ''B205'' I4; 2.0 L ''B205R'' I4; 2.3 L ''B235R'' I4; '''diesel:'''; 2.2 L ''D223L'' TiD I4
Transmission 5-speed manual4-speed automatic
Drivetrain / layout Front-engine, front-wheel drive (1998–2014) Front-engine, four-wheel drive (2008–2014)

Dimensions, weight and practicality

Dimensions and capacity figures are presented as published source data when available.

Wheelbase 2605 mm (103 in)
Length 1999–2000 Viggen & 2001–2002: 4630 mm (182 in)1999–2000: 4628 mm (182 in)2001–2002 Viggen: 4640 mm (183 in)
Width 1712 mm (67.4 in)
Height Hatchback: 1427 mm (56.2 in)Convertible: 1422 mm (56.0 in)2001–2002 Viggen Hatchback: 1415 mm (55.7 in)2001–2002 Viggen Convertible: 1410 mm (55.5 in)
Kerb / curb weight 2008–09:; 1410 –

Saab 9-3 other specifications

Name Saab 9-3
Image 08-09 Saab 9-3 sedan .jpg
Caption 2008–2009 Saab 9-3 sedan

Saab 9-3 generations and model years

Where a source covers multiple generations, CarCareTool selects the generation(s) that best match this catalog model instead of mixing unrelated variants.

Generation / scope Years Engine Transmission Drivetrain
Saab 9-3 1998–2014 Not specified Not specified Front-engine, front-wheel drive (1998–2014) Front-engine, four-wheel drive (2008–2014)
First generation YS3D 1998–2003 '''petrol:'''; 2.0 L ''B204'' I4; 2.0 L ''B205'' I4; 2.0 L ''B205R'' I4; 2.3 L ''B235R'' I4; '''diesel:'''; 2.2 L ''D223L'' TiD I4 5-speed manual4-speed automatic Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive
Second generation (YS3F) January 2002–2012December 2013–2014 '''Petrol:'''; 1.8 L ''Z18XE'' I4; 2.0 L ''B207E'' LP-turbo I4; 2.0 L ''B207L'' MP-turbo I4; 2.0 L ''B207R'' HP-turbo I4; 2.8 L ''B284'' turbo V6; '''Diesel:'''; 1.9 L ''Z19DT/DTH'' turbo I4; 1.9 L ''Z19DTR / A19DTR'' twin-turbo I4; 2.2 L ''D223L'' turbo I4 5-speed ''F35'' manual6-speed ''F40'' manual5-speed Aisin ''AF33'' automatic6-speed Aisin ''AF40-6'' automatic Front-engine, front-wheel drive / all-wheel drive
Saab 9-3 Aero MY14 December 2013 – May 2014 2.0 L ''A20NHT'' turbo I4 6-speed ''F40'' manual6-speed Aisin ''AF40-6'' automatic Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive

Saab 9-3 features and equipment

Features shown below are tied to the available source material for this model. Equipment can vary by year, trim and market.

Standard or documented features

✓For Saab, the team was led by Peter Leonard and John-Gustav Gudmundsson
✓The 2001 model year introduced a Traction Control System (TCS)
✓The exterior of the Viggen features a larger rear wing that also located the radio antenna to the rear of the roof, aerodynamically designed bumpers and side skirts, model-specific 17-inch alloy wheels, and upgraded brakes
✓The interior offers special bolstered and coloured leather seats and door cards in four colours: black with black inserts ('Charcoal'), black with blue inserts ('Deep Blue'), black with orange inserts ('Flame Ochre'), and tan with tan inserts
✓Other interior features include a CD player with four or six-speaker, amplifier and CD-changer options, power moonroof, and what were initially Viggen-specific motorized and heated leather seats with the Viggen delta logo embossed in the backrest
TIRE PRESSURE

Recommended tire pressure for Saab 9-3

Check the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s cold inflation pressure. CarCareTool estimates are clearly labelled when an exact verified value is unavailable.

Normal load34 PSI front32 PSI rear
Fully loaded36 PSI front35 PSI rear
Load condition Front Rear Status
Normal 34 PSI 32 PSI Estimate
Fully loaded 36 PSI 35 PSI Estimate

Calculate how much air to add

Frequently asked questions about Saab 9-3

These FAQs are generated automatically for this specific vehicle from the specifications, features and ownership data available in CarCareTool. Questions are selected by relevance so the page focuses on details that can actually be answered for this model.

What engine does the Saab 9-3 have?
The available source data lists the Saab 9-3 engine as '''petrol:'''; 2.0 L ''B204'' I4; 2.0 L ''B205'' I4; 2.0 L ''B205R'' I4; 2.3 L ''B235R'' I4; '''diesel:'''; 2.2 L ''D223L'' TiD I4. Engine availability can differ by model year and market.
What tire pressure should I use for the Saab 9-3?
For the correct setting, use the cold inflation pressure on the vehicle placard or in the owner’s manual. When CarCareTool does not have a verified configuration-specific value, its starting estimate is 34 PSI front and 32 PSI rear for normal load. This is an estimate, not an OEM recommendation.
What is the best engine oil for the Saab 9-3?
There is no single best engine oil for every Saab 9-3 configuration. Use the viscosity grade and manufacturer approval specified for the exact engine in the owner’s manual.
What body style is the Saab 9-3?
The Saab 9-3 is classified as a 3-/5-door hatchback2-door convertible.
What are the dimensions of the Saab 9-3?
The available source data lists length 1999–2000 Viggen & 2001–2002: 4630 mm (182 in)1999–2000: 4628 mm (182 in)2001–2002 Viggen: 4640 mm (183 in), width 1712 mm (67.4 in), height Hatchback: 1427 mm (56.2 in)Convertible: 1422 mm (56.0 in)2001–2002 Viggen Hatchback: 1415 mm (55.7 in)2001–2002 Viggen Convertible: 1410 mm (55.5 in), and wheelbase 2605 mm (103 in).
What transmission does the Saab 9-3 have?
The available source data lists 5-speed manual4-speed automatic transmission options for the Saab 9-3.
Is the Saab 9-3 FWD, RWD or AWD?
The listed drivetrain/layout for the Saab 9-3 is Front-engine, front-wheel drive (1998–2014) Front-engine, four-wheel drive (2008–2014).
Who makes the Saab 9-3?
The manufacturer listed for the Saab 9-3 is General Motors (1998–2010)Spyker Cars (2011–2012)NEVS (2013–2014).
When was the Saab 9-3 produced?
The available source data describes production as 1998–2014.
How much does the Saab 9-3 weigh?
The available source data lists a kerb/curb weight of 2008–09:; 1410 –. Actual weight can vary with engine, trim and equipment.
Where was the Saab 9-3 built?
The available source record lists assembly information as Sweden: Trollhättan (1998–2002); Finland: Uusikaupunki (Valmet Automotive: 1999–2003).
What class of car is the Saab 9-3?
The Saab 9-3 is listed in the Compact executive car (D) class.
What platform does the Saab 9-3 use?
The available source data lists the platform/chassis as GM2900 platform.
Which markets or countries sold the Saab 9-3?
The CarCareTool catalog currently associates the Saab 9-3 with CA, ES, FI, GB, LU, NL, NZ, UA, US. Market availability and specifications can differ.
What came after the Saab 9-3?
The available vehicle data lists NEVS 9-3EV (Saab Electric Version) as a successor where applicable.
What replaced the Saab 9-3?
The available vehicle data lists NEVS 9-3EV (Saab Electric Version) as the successor where applicable.
What cars are related to the Saab 9-3?
The available source data identifies related models as Opel Vectra BSaturn L-Series. Relationships can vary by market and generation.
How often should I check the tire pressure on the Saab 9-3?
Check the tires regularly and before long trips, with the tires cold. Use the vehicle placard or owner’s manual as the source of the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.
Should I use the tire sidewall pressure for the Saab 9-3?
No. The maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall is not automatically the vehicle’s recommended setting. Use the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the correct cold inflation pressure.
Does the recommended tire pressure change when the Saab 9-3 is fully loaded?
It can. Many vehicles specify a different cold pressure for heavier loads. Check the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the exact loading condition.

Data sources and verification are available in the page editor; exact specifications can vary by year, market, trim and engine.

Saab 9-3 images

Vehicle images are shown from the stored source image records when available.

Saab 9-3 photo
Saab 9-3 photo