Saab's parent company during 2013 and 2014, National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS), briefly assembled a few 9-3 sedans.

Saab claimed that 1,100 changes were made between the outgoing NG 900 and the 9-3 such as revised suspension with more wheel travel and quicker steering.

[5] The 9-3 received revised styling with some models included a rear spoiler, while the underbody mounted 'snow & gravel flaps' were removed.

The first generation 9-3 was also the first Saab available with a diesel engine, a unit also found in the Opel Vectra, Astra G, Signum, and Zafira A.

The cars are equipped with a higher capacity intercooler, performance-tuned ECU, flow-through muffler and tip, stiffer gearbox casing and stronger output shaft, a heavy-duty clutch and pressure plate, stiffened and lowered springs with revised spring rates, firmer dampers, as well as stronger CV joints and driveshafts.

Paint options include Black, Metallic Silver, Steel Grey, Monte Carlo Yellow, Laser Red, and the exclusive Viggen 'Lightning Blue'.

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.

Buyers of new Viggen models in the U.S. were offered two days of advanced driving instruction at Road Atlanta and an opportunity to dine with Saab USA executives from nearby Norcross, Georgia.

A total of 4,600 Viggens were manufactured by Valmet Automotive in Finland until production ended in June 2002; of which 500 units were produced for the UK market.

Notes: The 9-3X concept, a preview of the next-generation 9-3, premiered in January 2002 at the North American International Auto Show.

There were four trim levels: the entry-level Linear, mid-range Vector and Arc (with emphasis on sporty appeal and luxury), and a top-of-the-range Aero model.

The 9-3 and the Opel Vectra were the first of the global GM Epsilon platform, which was then lengthened to accommodate four new cousins, the Chevrolet Malibu/Malibu Maxx, the Pontiac G6, and the Saturn Aura.

A proprietary fiber-optic electric/electronic system, the possibility of AWD (exploited from 2008 on, dubbed Saab XWD), and ReAxs were features exclusive to the 9-3.

A 60th Anniversary Edition was also offered for the sedan, wagon, and convertible body styles for 2007 to celebrate 60 years of SAAB.

It included unique five-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels, black leather sport seats with grey inserts and SAAB embossments on the front seats, dark walnut trim, black floormats with grey binding, front fog lamps, and a BOSE audio system with 6-disc CD changer and satellite radio.

Some additional exterior modifications are available on the limited-edition XWD, 280 PS (206 kW; 276 bhp) 9-3 Turbo X, presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show (9/07).

The dash, shift lever, and door panels have a carbon fiber look and the turbo boost gauge draws its inspiration from the Saab 900.

The 2009 Saab 9-3 was mostly unchanged from the 2008 model, although the Aero trim level came standard with the XWD system, eLSD, and 280-horsepower power increase, all formerly reserved for the discontinued Turbo X.

The 9-3 Aero Carlsson featured Saab's cross wheel drive (XWD) system, a turbocharged engine, 2.8 L V6 producing 280 hp, and 400Nm of torque through a 6-speed "Sentronic" hydraulic automatic transmission.

The concept car is based on the 9-3 SportWagon, has a 35.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, a top speed of 150 km/h (93 mph), and an estimated driving range of 200 km (120 mi).

[27] The new owner of the Saab estate, National Electric Vehicle Sweden, initially stated that they intended to start producing the all-electric 9-3 ePower to be launched in China by late 2013 or early 2014.

Other changes included rear badging in line with the new Saab 9-5 saloon, 'ice block' style headlights, a new front bumper design, titanium metallic-effect trim around the instrument panel, gearshift, doors, and glove box.

An "Independence Edition" convertible was released with a total of 366 units to be built to commemorate the first anniversary of the sale to Spyker Cars.

[42] The 9-3 no longer meets the latest Euro NCAP tests regarding pedestrian safety; therefore, only 1,000 cars of each body model could be sold in Europe, as a low-volume manufacturer.

[52][53] Muller hired Jason Castriota in June 2010 to work on a scalable car platform that would serve as the basis for future Saabs, beginning with the replacement for the 9-3.

Eventually, Castriota's prototype was chosen and the design team was instructed to develop a five-door combi coupé, a convertible, and a crossover on the new platform.

[52] The work on the new platform culminated in the unveiling of the Saab PhoeniX concept car at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2011.

By that time, Saab had run into serious cash flow problems, but work on the PhoeniX platform and the 9-3 replacement continued to the point that bankruptcy papers were filed in late 2011.

[56] When Saab finally filed for bankruptcy in December 2011, Castriota and his team had already finished most of the work on the car's body and its engineering, with the interior being the only part yet to be developed.

[56] The main assets of the bankrupt company were acquired by National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS), which may revisit the PhoeniX platform.