2000 Saab 9-3 Review
2000 Saab 9-3 Review
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Used 9-3 for sale
Appraise This CarSaab 9-3 model years
Saab 9-3 types
- Hatchback
- Viggen
- Convertible
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Comfy interior, versatile hatchback model, torquey turbo motor, quirky personality.
Cons
- Controls not always intuitive, offbeat image, spotty build quality.
What’s new
The base model gets restyled 15-inch alloy wheels, while the SE version gains performance enhancements and increased horsepower. The sporty 9-3 Viggen offers even more power, and is available as a five-door or convertible in addition to the coupe. All engines are now LEV compliant and GM's OnStar "Telematics" System becomes optional across the model lineup.
Edmunds says
An offbeat alternative to the staid German sedans that dominate the category.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2000 Saab 9-3 SE HO Turbo 2dr Convertible and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.52 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$195/mo for 9-3 SE HO
9-3 SE HO
vs
$180/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Despite some obvious shortcomings, we're fond of Saab. Last year, the old 900 model was replaced with the 9-3, which is actually just an updated 900. The base 9-3 comes in three-door coupe, five-door hatchback and two-door convertible models. All come equipped with a powerful 185-horsepower four-cylinder engine. This turbocharged 2.0-liter produces stunning acceleration that can char the front tires into bits if the driver so chooses.
Move up to the even more feature-laden SE five-door or convertible, and you're opting for even more performance. All SEs are powered by a high-output version of the turbo four that spins an amazing 205 horses (that's better than 100 horsepower per liter of displacement!) through either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual gearbox. Perhaps even more impressive is that in stick-shift models, this motor makes its 209 foot-pounds of torque at an amazingly low 2,200 rpm, and then maintains peak torque all the way up to 4,500 rpm. Talk about a useable power band!
In addition to getting bigger wheels and tires, the uplevel SE also boasts a sportier look with a front chin spoiler, flared rocker panels, a new rear valence, body-colored mirrors, chrome exhaust tip and a sports steering wheel. The SE Convertible models add a rear spoiler, while five-door versions come equipped with a specially tuned sport suspension for more responsive handling. For pure enthusiasts, Saab offers the high-performance 9-3 Viggen. Now with 230 horsepower and a healthy 258 foot-pounds of torque from its high-output turbo 2.3-liter, the Viggen can be had as a coupe, hatch or rag top, and either in black, silver or the original Lightning Blue. Less than 3,000 Viggens will be produced in model year 2000, with 1,000 of them coming to the U.S.
All 9-3 models feature Saab's patented pendulum-design B-pillar, which deflects side impacts away from head and chest areas; the world's first head restraint system to reduce the risk of whiplash-type injuries; and seat-mounted, two-stage inflating head and chest side airbags.
The Saab 9-3 is a fun-to-drive, equipment-laden near-luxury car that competes against entries from Volvo, BMW and Mercedes. While the 9-3 is a good car in its own right, the problem is that there are plenty of good cars in the 9-3's price class. If your tastes run a bit on the eccentric side, however, this car's personality and quirkiness may be a better choice for you than a BMW 323is or Mercedes C280. You'll certainly stand out more in the crowd, and have fun doing it.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2000 Saab 9-3.
5 star(52%)
4 star(33%)
3 star(13%)
2 star(2%)
1 star(0%)
61 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.38 out of 5 stars
Swedish Sleeper...a future classic
m11171, 10/02/2011
2000 Saab 9-3 Viggen Turbo 4dr Hatchback
They don't build cars like the Viggen anymore. This car is an animal, pure and simple. But, with 5-door configuration, I can take my family and plenty of belongings (in the huge hatch) anywhere in comfort and safety.
This is a very limited production car. With the right modifications, they can be made into not just fast - but also excellent handling vehicles. As long as you stay on top … of maintenance these cars are fun and reliable transportation.
The acceleration on this car will shock those who don't know what this car is. This is the fastest car SAAB ever produced, and remains so to this day (Oct 2011). Still, I get 31 mpg on the highway and about 20 in the city. Love it!
4.88 out of 5 stars
GREAT used car - would have never bought it new
rurahrah, 01/05/2011
2000 Saab 9-3 SE HO Turbo 2dr Convertible
I bought this car sight unseen in Sep 2010 from a dealer (found it on Autotrader).
The car had 86k miles on it and the Carfax showed it had been properly maintained.
I paid $5,900, which included shipping, taxes, etc.
Cheap!
Prior car was a 1999 Saab 9-3 SE hatchback so I already was familiar with its quirks.
I have only put about 2k miles on it so far but must say that so far it is the … BEST car I have ever owned.
FUN!
4.25 out of 5 stars
Regrets, my last Saab
Egmontgirl, 06/13/2005
2000 Saab 9-3 Turbo 2dr Convertible
This is my second Saab and regretfully my last. The first (1995 conv) had massive battery/electrical/conv. problems and this one needed a new engine. This model has a newly found defect that Saab calls "engine sludge." They are covering this problem under the warranty but beware it decreases performance until you take it in or until it strands you on the highway. I have finally decided … that it doesn't make sense for me to pay the upgrade for a performance vehicle when the performance deteriorates. Alas, it is all under warranty but the fact that it needed a new engine is going to really hurt my resale value. I've loved these cars eventhough they proved to not be worth the luxury pricetag.
4.63 out of 5 stars
fast/dependable/flexible
djdozer, 12/11/2002
2000 Saab 9-3 Turbo 2dr Convertible
perfect in every way,except for the
bumpers.. if you live in the city,,
people of course bump in to them, and
scratch them and they quickly look like
s///t even if the rest of the car is
perfect.. a design flaw in my opinion..
but otherwise.. great job. Standard
radio/speakers// also kind of suck.
2000 9-3 Highlights
Hatchback
Base
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $195/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 21.7 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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