Saab had to evolve to meet the Euro5 emission standards, so seven years after the 9-3's introduction, it came with an improved version at the Geneva Motor Show.

In 2008, Saab unveiled the Turbo X as the ultimate performance version for the 9-3 range and the top-performer model for the Swedish carmaker family.

Saab launched the 2003 9-3 lineup while it was under GM's management, and it was supposed to be the premium version of the mundane Opel/Vauxhall Vectra.

Saab was under the GM umbrella when it introduced the second generation of the 9-3 range as a compact sedan with a sporty and premium character.

The 1998 Saab 9-3 was an evolution over the previous 900 series, especially regarding design, but a completely new vehicle from the platform point of view, which was a “cousin” of the European Opel Vectra. The unusual look of the car, with a sloped rear, was a Saab brand signature.