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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $22,400–$26,306 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2014 Saab 9-3 at 6.8/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this sedan. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 7.5/10, while Reliability at 6.1/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional sedan — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability is the weak spot: 6.1/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. The safety score of 7.5/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 6.9/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.6/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $22,400–$26,306, 16 MPG, seating 5, the Saab 9-3 sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. The 7.0/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 12 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2014 Saab 9-3 is a passable sedan but not a standout one. Weaknesses in performance and technology and reliability hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2014 Saab 9-3 ranks #1169 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 11% of the segment. Its 6.8/10 overall score is 0.7 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $22,400 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 19%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2012 Saab 9-3 scores 6.7/10 — within striking distance of the 2014's 6.8 — and starts roughly $2,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 (this review) | 6.8/10 | $22,400 | |
| 2013 | 6.7/10 | $21,440 | Read review → |
| 2012 | 6.7/10 | $20,480 | Read review → |
Explore the full lineup of Saab models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.