Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan
23 MPG The 2012 Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan is EPA-rated at 23 MPG combined (19.5 city / 30.5 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 652 gallons, $2087 a year in fuel, or $0.139 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2003–2012 run it averages 21.8 MPG, improving by 0.7 MPG over 10 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.109 | $1087 | $1630 | $2174 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.130 | $1304 | $1957 | $2609 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.139 | $1391 | $2087 | $2783 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.152 | $1522 | $2283 | $3043 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.174 | $1739 | $2609 | $3478 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.196 | $1957 | $2935 | $3913 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.217 | $2174 | $3261 | $4348 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 23 MPG | 19.5 | 30.5 | $2725 | 387 | 2 |
| 2011 | 23 MPG | 20 | 28.5 | $2725 | 387 | 2 |
| 2010 | 23 MPG | 20 | 29.5 | $2725 | 387 | 2 |
| 2009 | 20.5 MPG | 17.3 | 26.8 | $3075 | 438 | 4 |
| 2008 | 20.3 MPG | 17.3 | 26.3 | $3838 | 443 | 4 |
| 2007 | 20.3 MPG | 17.3 | 27 | $3438 | 442 | 4 |
| 2006 | 21 MPG | 17.5 | 27.3 | $3700 | 427 | 4 |
| 2005 | 22.3 MPG | 19 | 27.8 | $3138 | 400 | 4 |
| 2004 | 22 MPG | 18.8 | 27.4 | $3250 | 405 | 5 |
| 2003 | 22.3 MPG | 19 | 28 | $3138 | 400 | 4 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 227 compact cars models tracked here, the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan ranks 128 on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Pontiac G6 (23.1), BMW 318ti (23.5), Daewoo Lanos (23.5), Infiniti G20 (23.5), Kia Sephia (23.5).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 387 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 5.8 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan get?
The 2012 Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan is rated at 23 MPG combined by the EPA — 19.5 city and 30.5 highway. Across all 10 model years in the database it averages 21.8 MPG, ranging from 18 to 24 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan cost in fuel per year?
At 23 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 652 gallons — roughly $2087 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.139 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2012 model is $2725.
Has the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 22.3 MPG in 2003 to 23 in 2012 — an improvement of 0.7 MPG, or 3% across 10 model years.
Is the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan efficient for its class?
It ranks 128 of 227 in the Compact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG. That is 3.6 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.