Saab 9-3 (Sweden, 1998-2011)

The Saab 9-3 is a compact executive car produced from 1998. The 9-3 shares a platform with the Opel Vectra and the Cadillac BLS. The 9-3 is Saab's entry-level model. The car was badged 93 initially in 1999 model year, and then changed to 9-3 to resemble the name of the larger 9-5. 9-3 is pronounced as "nine three", not to be confused with the Saab 93, pronounced "ninety three". The first generation 9-3 was a improved Saab 900. It was available as a three or five-door hatchback, and as a two-door convertible. It was the last small Saab to use the company's H engine.

The second-generation model was presented in 2002 and launched in 2003. The new 9-3 is a front-wheel drive car. The most important change was the elimination of the hatchback body version. The second-generation line-up includes the four-door sedan, the SportWagon and a two-door convertible.  The 9-3 received some revisions for the 2011 model year and a new 9-3 generation is scheduled for 2012. Changes were made in the engine range reducing fuel consumption by up to 12%.