2004 Saab 9-3 Sedan Review | Edmunds.com
Home / Saab / 9-3 / Sedan / 2004 9-3 Sedan
 

2004 Saab 9-3 Sedan

 
 
 
Edmunds Review (170) MPG

We didn't find any results. You can try changing your zip code, or check another model year.

We found matches for you!

View All Matches ()
 
 
Saab 9-3 Features and Specs

Features & Specs

  • Engine 2.0 L Inline 4-cylinder
  • Drivetrain Front Wheel Drive
  • Transmission 5-speed Manual
  • Horse Power 175 hp @ 5500 rpm
  • Fuel Economy 20/30 mpg
  • Bluetooth No
  • Navigation No
  • Heated Seats Yes
See All Features & Specs
 

Review of the 2004 Saab 9-3

  • Roomy and fun to drive, the 9-3 is a solid buy among entry-level luxury cars. Just don't expect the razor-sharp reflexes and highly refined interiors of its German and Japanese competitors.

  • Safety

  • Pros

    Balanced ride and handling characteristics, frugal yet powerful engines, generous passenger room, class-leading trunk space.

  • Cons

    Some turbo lag at lower speeds, interior lacks upscale look, not as vaultlike as some of its European competitors, front-wheel drive a disadvantage against rear-wheel-drive competitors for performance fans.

  • What's New for 2004

    For 2004, the 9-3 convertible has been given the same full makeover the sedan received last year. The convertible is available in Arc and…

 
What Others Are Saying

Customer Reviews

  Average Consumer Rating (89 total reviews)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Disappointed and shouldnt be

by on
Vehicle: 2004 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

bought this one used in 2009. cd player broken. headlight wire harnesses broken. front spoiler fell off. paint peeling on control buttons. comfort fan replaced-$600. driver side spring broken-replaced- with new tire $1000. lock system always malfunctions. key fob disintegrated in my hands. cover on third brake light fell off. seat belt retractor just broke-recall item. i am waiting for the next thing to go wrong and i shouldnt be. the engine has been great. the ride is fun although the seats are uncomfortable. have been able to get good gas mileage 31 - 38 and thats what keeps me in it. if I had to do it over I wouldnt. if you're looking at saab used be careful


3 of 6 people found this review helpful

Nothing else is even close

by on
Vehicle: 2004 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

I am a used car dealer and like cars a lot but cannot compare anything else with my Saab. Bought used one with 60k and now at 120k cost of my repairs are $0. When driving cars like accords or Camry from auctions I just cannot understand way people like them so much. Will never own any other brand for sure. I am sorry to hear that other people have some problems. Just change oil every 8k and transmission oil at 90k with coils and be happy that own one of best cars around. There is no timing belt to worry about either (timing chain) good for life time of vehicle. Still original battery after 7 years and 120k. Last year one Saab was retired because of over 1,000,000 miles. I hope this will be helpful.



Love it when it's working

by on
Vehicle: 2004 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

It is a beautiful car that is fun to drive...when everything is working which is seldom. The sunroof works when it feels like it as does the radio and CD player. Have replaced the master cylinder twice in a year and a half. The stability control went out to the tune of $700. The locks constantly malfunction. The brakes are always spongy. Have replaced a wheel bearing also. This is all in less than two years of owning it. I am considering trading it even though I owe money on it. I would never buy another Saab. I walk up to it and love it then get in and something isn't working again and I get angry. SAAB - Something's Almost Always Broken.


 
 
 
Gas Mileage

EPA-Rated MPG

  • 20
  • cty
/
  • 30
  • highway
Calculate Yearly Fuel Costs
 

Other 9-3 Years

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Full 2004 Saab 9-3 Review

What's New for 2004

For 2004, the 9-3 convertible has been given the same full makeover the sedan received last year. The convertible is available in Arc and Aero models and equipped only with the 210-horsepower engine. The highline Vector sedan has been renamed the Aero, and the midlevel Arc sedan now comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission, rather than a six-speed. Bi-xenon headlights are a stand-alone extra on all 9-3s, while rear parking assist is now available as a non-package option on the sedan. The Sport Wheel Package for the Linear and Arc now includes a tire-pressure monitor.

Talk About The 2004 9-3

2004 Saab 9-3 Discussions See all Started By

alexandria07
alexandria07
03-27-2010
Keep Saab 9-3
My husband and I are a devoted Saab family. We have a 2004 9-3 and a 1999 9-3 hatchback. The 2004 has 50k miles and the 1999 has 110k. We've been watching the news about Saab and our Saab mechanic ...

saablcp
saablcp
12-29-2005
The Future Of Saab?
It amazes me how the average consumer continues to consider Volvo to be the benchmark for automotive safety.While continuing to produce very safe cars they were surpassed by Saab years ago.Folksam Ins...

bigd06
bigd06
05-17-2005
Saab 9-7x
2003 9-3 convertible...


See all 2004 Saab 9-3 discussions
 

Read more about the 2004 Saab 9-3

 
 
 
 
 

More on the 2004 9-3