2001 Saab 9-3 Consumer Reviews

What a shame

Vehicle

2001 Saab 9-3 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

This car worked perfectly for me and I loved everything about it. It had good power, fuel economy, lots of cargo space, I like the way it looked and drove. I bought it used with about 57000 miles and in the four years I owned it I had to replace the turbo, throttle body, and timing chain to the tune of about $3k total. Then one month before I would have paid it off cylinder no.2 overheated, causing the piston rings to go. The engine was destroyed. The SAAB shop I was dealing with said a used motor installed would have cost almost $4k. I liked everything about the car except the reliability wasn't there and its very expensive to fix. SAABs were good in the early 90's, not anymore.
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My Little black Dress that i just can help but love

Vehicle

2001 Saab 9-3 Viggen 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

Well to start of it is a 2001 Saab Viggen and i adore this car. Yes as with most cars stuff has broken or has gone wrong but nothing that if u know how to use the internet can easy be fixed for a cheaper price. well this is my Second Saab 9-3 and my first Viggen. I love the car for its low stance its after market rims and the most important that tiny coke bottle displacement engine with its shop vac sized turbo. I dont drive it hard cuz it gets noticed more going low and slow witch is what i like (less speeding tickets) but out on the high was its stable, flat and has more than ample power for passing. but like all Turbo engines the best bet is to change your oil every 4000km with synthetic
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I never thought I'd like a Saab

Vehicle

2001 Saab 9-3 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

I purchased a pre-owned Saab 9-3 5 door automatic with 79,000 miles on it as a second car. I LOVE IT! I would rather drive this car than my new Lincoln. Great engine, sporty, nice looks. I have only had to replace a sensor ($300) in the engine. Great car for the money.
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watch out!

Vehicle

2001 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

Bought this cute little car 5 years ago. After the first 2 years I had to replace the engine. One year later I had to replace the engine again. VERY costly. Expect to have at least $250 - $500 in mechanic bills quarterly. Other than that, i love how it looks, how it handles, the size, the interior. Just wish it was better built.
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2nd Saab Convertible

Vehicle

2001 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

Own 1 bought this for my daughter. Comfortable, safe, style and expect the same high reliability I have experienced in the 5 years I have owned mine. Disregard the comments about GM build quality, all built in the same factory forever. Not a Sedan so don't expect the same trunk space or the feel. Understand a convertible before you buy one and if you buy a used car understand that repairs will be necessary. I really like the car which is clear since I now own 2. BTW my other car is a new MB, so my standards are high.
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Stalwart

Vehicle

2001 Saab 9-3 SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

After 8 largely trouble-free years I felt it's time to give this car its due on Edmunds. Its best features are the fun factor - great responsive motor and handling, classic styling (the newer cars have become too homogeneous), and reliability which is surprising for Saab. There have been a couple costly part replacements, but over time that's to be expected. It's certainly been more reliable than our '05 Toyota Sequoia. After 8 yrs my eyes have begun to wander to possible replacements (e.g., M3), but the Saab keeps running strong, and if I "traded up" I suspect I'd miss the Saab more than I'd like the newer car.
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Mixed Feelings - Saab Enthusiast

Vehicle

2001 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

While I am a SAAB enthusiast, I have been less than enthusiastic with this car. When purchased, the vehicle was in good condition and looked over in Denver. However, within months I was repairing. Some cosmetic - totally my prerogative, and others necessary. Here's the necessaries: 1. Fog lamps cracked on the highway - design flaw of glass with no protection. These are $200/ea 2. Water Pump + hosing 3. Serpentine belts 4. Multiple headlamp halogens & multiple brake pad sets (I drive 5600/yr) 5. Engine Mts., Trans. Mounts 6. Front Wheel Bearings (under 70K) 7. Window motors + mechanism 8. Hydraulics for the top 9. SID re-manufactured 10. Mass Airflow meter It feels like a $$ pit.
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9-3 Viggen - Wolf in Sheep's Clothing

Vehicle

2001 Saab 9-3 Viggen 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

This is my second Saab. My '99 9-5 was comfortable luxury at a great (used) price. The Viggen has all the comfort and luxury and outstanding performance too. The turbo kick at almost any speed is exhilirating. Torque steer is an issue, but there are aftermarket cures for that. Exterior look of the car is very "euro" and hatchback yields excellent cargo capability. Interior is comfortable, lack of cupholders just emphasizes that you should be driving the car when you are in it, not drinking (or talking on the phone). No automatic available anyway, so keep your hands free for driving! Viggen's have a loyal following too, so expect used prices to be pretty stable.
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Best car I have owned

Vehicle

2001 Saab 9-3 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

I have 96K miles on my 9-3 and have not had any problems. The car has been completely trouble free. The engine has plenty of power along with excellent gas mileage. A shame Saab did away with the hatchback. The newer models look more like every other cookie cutter car. Love this car so much we sold our Volvo and purchased another 2001 9-3
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Saab never again! Maybe a BMW

Vehicle

2001 Saab 9-3 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

First the positive on this car. This is a fun car to drive except to the shop or dealing with GM. The turbo charged went bad at 65,000 miles. GM customer service is the worse I ever dealt with it. Now it will cost me over 1,700 dollars on repairs since GM do not want to knowledge of the problem with the turbo charger that it should not gone bad. I am finally give up on this piece of junk and never will buy another GM or SAAB. If you think to buy a SAAB, please reconsider that it's a GM product now not a SAAB.
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