Against 323 other 4-cyl cars rated 2010–2012, the 9-3 trails their 26.2 mpg average by 2.2 mpg, about $134 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1999, the 2L 4-cyl (1999–2012), does 23 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2.8L 6-cyl (2006–2009), 19: $351 a year apart.
Every Saab 9-3 engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl | 19.5 / 29 | 1999–2012 | $1,670 | |
| 2.8L 6-cyl | 15.8 / 25.5 | 2006–2009 | $2,021 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Ford Focus gets 31 mpg, the Nissan Versa 32.7 mpg and the Volkswagen Jetta 31.3 mpg, next to 24 mpg for the 2012 9-3. The 9-3 costs the most of them to run: $426 a year more than the Nissan Versa.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2012) | $0.133 |
| Fuel per year | $1,600 |
| Fuel over five years | $8,000 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2010–2012 | +$134 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,178 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2012 Saab 9-3 gives up 12 mpg in town: 32 on the highway against 20 in the city, $720 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2012) | 20 mpg | $1,920 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 32 mpg | $1,200 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +12 mpg (60%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the 9-3 changed over the years
The 9-3 peaked in 2012 at 24 mpg (20 city, 32 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2007 at 20.5 — 3.5 mpg apart, or $273 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The biggest single-year change came in 2010: 21 to 24 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 20 / 32 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2011 | 21 / 30 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2010 | 21 / 31 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2009 | 17.5 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,829 | |
| 2008 | 17.5 / 26.5 | 2 | $1,829 | |
| 2007 | 17.5 / 27 | 2 | $1,873 | |
| 2006 | 17 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,829 | |
| 2005 | 19 / 29 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2004 | 20 / 30 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2003 | 20 / 29 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2002 | 20 / 30 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2001 | 19 / 28 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2000 | 19 / 27 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 1999 | 18 / 25 | 1 | $1,829 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 18 EPA ratings of the Saab 9-3 — 2 engines across 1999–2012. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $3,178. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2012 Saab 9-3 get?
24 mpg combined, 20 city and 32 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1999 the 9-3 has averaged 22.1 mpg.
Is the 2012 9-3 more efficient than the 2011?
About the same: 24 against 24 mpg combined.
Which 9-3 year has the best gas mileage?
The 2012, at 24 mpg combined (20 city, 32 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
Does the 9-3 get better gas mileage than the Ford Focus?
No: 24 mpg for the 2012 9-3 against 31 for the 2013 Ford Focus, about $361 a year more to run.
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