2002 Saab 9-3 Review
2002 Saab 9-3 Review
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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, powerful turbocharged engines.
Cons
- Controls not always intuitive, torque steer in Viggen models.
What’s new
The base 9-3 three- and five-door models have been replaced by a value-priced SE five-door. High-performance Viggen models get a new interior color and a carbon-fiber instrument panel.
Edmunds says
Though an offbeat alternative to the staid German sedans that dominate the category, a wait for the redesigned 2003 9-3 will likely be worth it.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 Saab 9-3 SE 4dr 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 $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$227/mo for 9-3 SE
9-3 SE
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
The 9-3 has soldiered on as Saab's entry-level sedan for years now, and with a major redesign in the works for the '03 model, the 9-3 gets only minor changes for 2002. The base two- and four-door hatchbacks have been dropped in favor of a single value-priced four-door SE hatchback. The 205-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder remains along with the standard five-speed manual transmission; a four-speed automatic is optional. New 16-inch wheels and an exterior body kit spruce up the outside, while a power driver's seat, sunroof and a wood-grained instrument panel liven up the interior. In commemoration of Saab's 25 years of turbo engine technology, SEs also get special leather and cloth seats embossed with "Turbo" lettering and leather door panels.
The two-door SE convertible remains in the lineup for 2002. It gets all the same upgrades as the SE five-door, in addition to an optional Sport package that includes 17-inch wheels, rear spoiler and a sport steering wheel. The high-performance Viggen models return, as well, boasting 230-horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque from their 2.3-liter turbocharged powerplants. Available as a two- or four-door hatchback, or two-door convertible, the Viggen not only serves up high performance, it gives you the tools to appreciate it by including a free trip to Saab's exclusive Viggen Flight Academy high-performance driving school.
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. While it is a good car in its own right, the problem is that there are plenty of better cars in the 9-3's price class. If you're looking for something different from a run-of-the-mill Euro sedan, the 9-3's added dose of personality might work for you. However, if you want the best entry-level luxury sedan for 2002, you'll need to look elsewhere.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 Saab 9-3.
5 star(74%)
4 star(14%)
3 star(8%)
2 star(3%)
1 star(1%)
99 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.38 out of 5 stars
The best used car you can get for your money.
zidjan, 03/26/2014
2002 Saab 9-3 SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
I started with saab 10 years ago, bought the 1999 model but has tons of issue. Sold it cheap and I ended up with the 2002 model se at 80K miles. Nowthe car has 120K and had no problems at all. It's all been fun with this car...205 hp and gets 30mpg hwy miles driving 65-70 mph.
So my conclusion to new buyer out there, research the history of the car, if the car has always used synthetic … oil and been taken care of well, chances are you'll have a good reliable car...but if anything points out that this car has not been care well then buyer's beware.
NEVER Buy this car if you are going to treat it like a Honda or Toyota. You'll reap what you sow.
3 out of 5 stars
Looks nice, but overall a Lemon...
Lindsay H., 11/06/2015
2002 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
Bought this as my first used car purchase for college because of the look and price! I love this convertible and I get lot of compliments, but every few months there's something wrong with it. I love driving it around town and for work, but watch out for the cost of repairs. Anytime you need something worked on it, you're putting out anywhere from $500-$1500 for something to be special … ordered and fixed. If you have the money for the upkeep I'd say go for it, but otherwise stay away from this lemon.
4 out of 5 stars
Great Convertible
Andrew, 04/25/2010
2002 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
I purchaced my SAAB in 2006 with 50000 miles. The car now has 85000 and has had few problems besides routine repairs (front brakes, new battery, tires) the only problem I have had is the digits burning out on the Saab Information Display (SID). I sent the unit away for inexpensive repair and have had no further problems. I change the oil regularly and use synthetic. The car is fun to … drive, convertible hood works well. Great engine. Sufficient power from the turbo. The suspension is not as good as the 3 series BMW but on the whole I am very pleasd. The car depreciates rapidly intitially making it a great used car bet.
4.88 out of 5 stars
A Fantastic Saab
dcross15, 05/01/2015
2002 Saab 9-3 Viggen 2dr Convertible (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
Words cant describe how much I love this car. It is a classic high performance Saab, and anyone who's driven one knows how special they are. It is a true sleeper. There is nothing better then blowing away a GT Mustang in an old Saab. The interior is classic Saab, very comfortable. It's a future classic for sure. The Saab front wheel drive limits it in corners compared to an M3, but its … still very capable, and you'll have no problem catching them on the straights. Very reliable too, just look out for vacuum leaks. The fact that it is electronically limited to 155 shows just how performance oriented this thing is. Just watch out for that torque steer in 1st gear.
2002 9-3 Highlights
Convertible
SE
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $39,995 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 24 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $227/month |
Seating | 4 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 12.5 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the 9-3 include:
- Alarm
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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