2001 Saab 9-3 Review
2001 Saab 9-3 Review
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+5
Used 9-3 for sale
Appraise This CarSaab 9-3 model years
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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, severe torque steer in SE and Viggen models.
What’s new
The base convertible has been dropped for this year while all other models get two new colors. The OnStar telematics system and traction control are now standard.
Edmunds says
An offbeat alternative to the staid German sedans that dominate the category.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2001 Saab 9-3 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M) 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 $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$190/mo for 9-3 Base
9-3 Base
vs
$174/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Despite some shortcomings, we're fond of Saab's uniquely styled coupes and sedans. The base 9-3 comes in three-door coupe and five-door hatchback while the convertible has been dropped for 2001. 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 low-slung 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. 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 ragtop, and either in black, Steel Gray or Laser Red.
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 3 Series or Mercedes C class. You'll certainly stand out more in the crowd, and have fun doing it.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2001 Saab 9-3.
5 star(63%)
4 star(22%)
3 star(13%)
2 star(2%)
1 star(0%)
68 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Love the car
dstan02, 06/20/2012
2001 Saab 9-3 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
I am the original owner. The car now has 132000 miles on it. Two years ago, in the winter, I drove it ALONE 4545 miles from Charlotte NC to Anchorage Alaska and that includes driving the Alcan Highway and then repeating the journey back home 6 months later. I now have driven it 2768 miles across country to Portland.
This car never even "burped". I love this car. If I had any complaint, … it would be the SID's pixels going out.
5 out of 5 stars
A great, unique, fun car.
SweedFan, 03/13/2002
2001 Saab 9-3 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
I have been a Volvo driver since I stared driving and buying cars. This is, in fact, the first non-Volvo I have owned though I have driven dozens of other cars. I can say without hesitation that this is one of the better cars I've driven. The quality and safety are similar or superior to the pre-Ford Volvos. A great if relatively unknown car. I like this car more than I even … expected when I bought it. Unique styling adds to the fun in my book.
4.88 out of 5 stars
fun fun fun
gekisai, 05/05/2002
2001 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
If you are looking for a ragtop that is
affordable, good looking, can
accomodate 4 passengers and luggage,and
is a heck of a lot of fun to drive
(comes real close the bmw 325 and beats
the pants off the volvo in the fun&
performance category0 this is for you.
Great value also!
4.75 out of 5 stars
2nd Saab Convertible
geek, 11/04/2009
2001 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
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.
2001 9-3 Highlights
Convertible
SE
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $39,995 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $243/month |
Seating | 4 seats |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the 9-3 include:
- Alarm
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