- Newest year: 2003
- Gas
- Small cars
2003 Saab 9-3 MPG & Fuel Cost
6 configurations · 21–23 MPG combined
15,000 mi/yr · regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026)
Cheaper to fuel than 7 of 10 small car configurations, MY2003. Ranked against all rated configurations, not sales-weighted.
2003 Saab 9-3 at a glance
The 2003 Saab 9-3 has 6 configurations in the EPA database, rated 21–23 MPG combined. The most efficient is the Sport Sedan 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD at 23 MPG, which costs about $2,840 a year to fuel at regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026). Annual fuel cost across the configurations runs from $2,840 to $3,830, a $990 difference. The Sport Sedan 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD costs less to fuel than 7 of 10 small car configurations rated for MY2003 (class median $3,490 a year).
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
What the 2003 Sport Sedan 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD costs to drive
Per month
$237
$2,840 a year ÷ 12
Per 25 miles
$4.73
Per 100 miles
$18.93
Five years
$14,200
5 × the yearly cost, prices held at today's level
vs the small car median
$650less a year
Class median $3,490 a year, MY2003
Based on 15,000 miles a year and regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
2003 Saab 9-3 MPG
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
Gas configurations (6)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sport Sedan 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD Automatic 5-spd (Most efficient) | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | FWD | 19 | 28 | 23 | $2,840 |
| Sport Sedan 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 5-spd | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | FWD | 20 | 29 | 23 | $2,840 |
| Convertible 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 5-spd | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | FWD | 20 | 29 | 23 | $3,490 |
| Sport Sedan 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 6-spd | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | FWD | 19 | 28 | 22 | $3,650 |
| Convertible 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD Automatic 4-spd | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | FWD | 18 | 27 | 21 | $3,830 |
| Sport Sedan 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD Automatic 5-spd | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | FWD | 18 | 27 | 21 | $3,830 |
4 configurations require or recommend higher-octane gasoline and are costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
Fuel cost by state
Yearly cost of the Sport Sedan 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD: $3,860 in California and $2,480 in Texas, a $1,380 difference.
- California $3,860
- Washington $3,580
- New York $2,840
- Florida $2,680
- Texas $2,480
Similar cars
Closest combined MPG among MY2003 small car models.
Generations
Frequently asked questions
How does the 2003 Saab 9-3 compare with the previous generation?
The previous generation (2000-2002 Saab 9-3) is rated 20–24 MPG combined and costs $2,970–$4,020 a year to fuel; the 2003 model is rated 21–23 MPG and costs $2,840–$3,830 a year.
What gas mileage does the 2003 Saab 9-3 get?
EPA rates the 2003 Saab 9-3 at 21–23 MPG combined across 6 configurations. The most efficient, the Sport Sedan 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD, is rated 23 MPG combined (19 city / 28 highway).
How much does it cost to fuel a 2003 Saab 9-3 per year?
Driving 15,000 miles a year at regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026), the Sport Sedan 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD costs about $2,840 a year. Across all 6 configurations the cost runs $2,840–$3,830 a year. That is a $990 difference between the cheapest and the costliest configuration.
How much does it cost to drive a 2003 Saab 9-3 100 miles?
About $18.93 per 100 miles for the Sport Sedan 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD at regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026), and between $18.93 and $25.53 across all configurations. That is the annual cost over 15,000 miles divided by 150.
Is the 2003 Saab 9-3 more efficient in the city or on the highway?
The Sport Sedan 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD is rated 19 city and 28 highway MPG, so it is more efficient on the highway, by 9 MPG.
How does the 2003 Saab 9-3 compare with other small car configurations?
The Sport Sedan 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD costs about $2,840 a year to fuel, $650 less than the class median of $3,490, and less than 7 of 10 small car configurations. The comparison covers all 349 rated small car configurations for MY2003, not weighted by sales.
Is the 2003 Saab 9-3 different from the 2002 model?
The most efficient configuration moves from 24 to 23 MPG, down 1. Its annual cost goes from $3,350 to $2,840, $510 less. EPA lists 6 configurations for 2003 against 6 configurations for 2002. See the 2002 Saab 9-3 for that year.