The reliablility of Volvo is fine, there has in the past been a few teething problems with new techologies, but to say that it's in the can is being very unfair.
Frankly I'd go with the Saab though, as nice as the Volvo is to sit in, it's a miserable thing to drive, the suspension being it's worst problem, very very stodgy.
The 9-3 is the better of the two, the chassis is good, the engine great, the comfort not as good as the Volvo, but miles better than anything else on the road and it's a well built car, at least I think so.