2005 Saab 9-3 Review | Edmunds.com
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2005 Saab 9-3

 
 
 
Edmunds Review (125) MPG

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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 19/29 mpg
  • Bluetooth No
  • Navigation No
  • Heated Seats Yes
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Review of the 2005 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

    Handles well for a front-drive car, frugal yet powerful engines, generous passenger room, class-leading trunk space.

  • Cons

    Suspension should be stiffer on Aero models, ride can be harsh over bumps, interiors lack upscale look and feel, weak stereos.

  • What's New for 2005

    A new in-dash DVD-based navigation system is added to the options list. The 9-3 convertible is now available in entry-level Linear…

 
What Others Are Saying

Customer Reviews

  Average Consumer Rating (125 total reviews)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

9.3 convertible.....i'm not getting rid

by on
Vehicle: 2005 Saab 9-3 Arc 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

I have owned a saab for over 20 years and find them to be the highest quality car. While Saab has had it's many challenges over the years it has always produce a solid performer with above average reliability. Unfortunately the markets tends to go with the brands with the biggest budget to impress you with the image of it's brand. Saab has done a outstanding job mixing form with function. Everyone who has enjoyed the ride in my car are always impressed with the quality and find themselves asking why they never considered on. Saabs brand deserves leadership that can carry it's unique niche and continue it's quality builds to attract more owners looking for something that just works well.


3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Have had some issues... but

by on
Vehicle: 2005 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

I have had this car for a year now. I bought with 52k miles and have put 20k on it since. I have had a few issues with it so far - drivers side mirror piece fell off and had to be glued back on - back window wasn't working --> $200 -other back window stopped working - have had to change bulbs in headlights 2x already -error messages -> traction control/stability/immobilizer failure (after jumping battery it did not want to start and went haywire for a while before starting) - A/C blower locked up and had to be released and oiled up - Car wash knocked off antenna cover However this car is pretty fun to drive and no major mechanical issues. Great MPG over 40 often. Lost 2k in value already.


5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Great car - i will

by on
Vehicle: 2005 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

We bought this car for my daughter and I now ask to borrow it. It is great fun to drive. We have the 5- speed manual and I was surprised by the level of performance. The quality is evident and I especially like the fact that the 2.0 L 4 cylinder has a timing CHAIN instead of a timing belt. We get 37 MPG on the highway at 70 MPH. Driving 60 MPH, I can get over 40 MPG (I did this on a 300 mile trip I took recently on back roads). About 26 MPG in the city. Good quality leather seats. Beware of trying to modify the radio. The whole electronics system in the car is controlled through fiber optic lines that also run the radio. It is expensive to repair the radio.


 
 
 
Gas Mileage

EPA-Rated MPG

  • 19
  • cty
/
  • 29
  • highway
Calculate Yearly Fuel Costs
 

Other 9-3 Years

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Full 2005 Saab 9-3 Review

What's New for 2005

A new in-dash DVD-based navigation system is added to the options list. The 9-3 convertible is now available in entry-level Linear trim.

Talk About The 2005 9-3

2005 Saab 9-3 Discussions See all Started By

530ir1150r
530ir1150r
11-16-2013
Saab 9-3 Convertible
to find an owners manual. My wife has a 2005 9-3 Arc Convertible and loves it. Almost 100k miles and no problems. You have to maintain European cars to keep from repairing them....

pauljhn78
pauljhn78
06-24-2013
Saab 9-3 Sedan
I recentely bought Saab 9-3 2005, everything is in order but one of the key was not working (the electronic) part had one piece broken. unfortunately the second key stopped working today and i can no...

mrblonde49
mrblonde49
02-09-2005
Saab 9-7x
The 9-7X SUV is just one part of the most aggressive product development offensive in Saab's 57-year history. It joins the 9-3 Sport Sedan and Convertible, the 9-5 Sedan and SportWagon and the all-whe...


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