2004 Saab 9-3 Review

Name: 2004 Saab 9-3 Review
Brand: Saab
Rating: 4.6 (228 reviews)

+40

Used 9-3 for sale

$4,963

1 listing

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Saab 9-3 model years

Saab 9-3 for Sale

Saab 9-3 types

Convertible
Sedan

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Edmunds' Expert Review

by the Edmunds Experts

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, 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.

Edmunds says

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.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2004 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (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

$179/mo

Avg. Compact Car

Calculate my fuel costs

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2004 Saab 9-3.

5 (73%)

4 (14%)

3 (9%)

2 (4%)

1 (0%)

4.6

228 reviews

Write a vehicle review See all 228 reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

Great car

mplieber, 01/21/2011

2004 Saab 9-3 Arc 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

My 2004 Saab 9-3 convertible has been wonderful. Fun to drive, with an amazing acceleration on a 4-cylinder turbo engine. When going out with the family, we use the back seats which seat adults comfortably, although a bit cramped, but this beats a 2-seater any day. Reliability has been good, and the car has been well maintained. Only complaint is occasional problems with the electrical …

I don't get it.

magikarp5, 12/27/2012

2004 Saab 9-3 Arc 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Just purchased a used 9-3 2004 arc automatic. It has a 100000 miles on it. This is by far the nicest car I have ever driven. I don't understand why the reviews are so mixed on this car. Now you can get a $40000 vehicle for under $10000. All I hear is people complaining about little things on this car. Performance, ride, and looks, three great reasons to buy it. I test drove others in …

2004 SAAB 9-3 ARC Convertible for the Masses

blacksaabeth2, 04/27/2013

2004 Saab 9-3 Arc 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

I truly believe that GM got it right when they retooled the 9-3 convertible for 2004. The older 9-3 convertibles had way too much flex in the chassis. Going over bumps made it feel like it was playing a game of Twister. 2004 convertible utilized GM's epsilon platform from Europe which firmed up the chassis 300%. Okay, maybe that's an exaggeration but it really is firm. Acceleration is …

Great Used Car with Over 100K miles

Chuck, 12/17/2008

2004 Saab 9-3 Arc 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

I bought this car on a whim and it already had over 100,000 miles on it. Yes, 100,000. The car ran like new. Handles extremely well and to date (almost 12 months later) I've had no problems. There were some minor issues and with routine maintenance the total cost for the year is under $250!!! I've had no electrical, mechanical or other issues at all. This is one fun car to drive and …

See all 228 reviews of the Saab 9-3

Write a vehicle review

2004 9-3 Highlights

Type:

Convertible

Trim:

Arc

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$39,995
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	22 MPG
Cost to Drive	$246/month
Seating	4 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	12.4 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Key safety features on the 9-3 include:

Alarm
Tire Pressure Warning
Stability Control
Post-collision safety system

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Not Tested
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Not Tested

2004 Saab 9-3 Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Edmunds says

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2004 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (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.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2004 Saab 9-3.

Trending topics in reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

Great car

I don't get it.

2004 SAAB 9-3 ARC Convertible for the Masses

Great Used Car with Over 100K miles

2004 9-3 Highlights

Safety

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2004 Saab 9-3 Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Edmunds says

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2004 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (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.

Most helpful consumer reviews

Great car

I don't get it.

2004 SAAB 9-3 ARC Convertible for the Masses

Great Used Car with Over 100K miles

2004 9-3 Highlights

Safety

Related Used 2004 Saab 9-3 info

Vehicle reviews of used models

Popular new car reviews and ratings

Research similar vehicles

Other models

Join Edmunds

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2004 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (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.}