1999 Saab 9-3 Consumer Reviews

'99 9-3 Still going strong

Written by: Chris Kreger on 11/29/2007

Vehicle

1999 Saab 9-3 4 Dr SE Turbo Hatchback

Review

Just rolled 200K and the car still moves. Gets over 30 mpg highway and averages 26+ mpg. 3 daughters learned to drive in this car, wife drives everyday and refuses to give it up. Oil changes every 4-5000 mi w/synthetic, one tune up, one timing belt, and repair to driver's window. Car still looks good and currently no thoughts of replacing it.

Favorite Features

Performance and handling are awesome. Cargo space is great.

Suggested Improvements

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Run, don't walk, away from this car.

Written by: Cambridge on 08/12/2007

Vehicle

1999 Saab 9-3 4 Dr STD Turbo Hatchback

Review

Extremely expensive to repair! When buying, I would strongly suggest you have all the records for repairs and maintenance. Prior to buying, I had a reputable mechanic review the car and it appeared to "look" good but he was honest - "without records he was guessing." A car that has documentation on repairs and maintenance is extremely key. Bought this car used from a dealer without documentation and have spent nearly $1500 (in a calendar year) on items that should have been repaired or replaced as apart of routine maintenance. People swear by this car but thus far this has been a giant albatross. Would never buy another. The plus - I found a good mechanic.

Favorite Features

The heated seats.

Suggested Improvements

Better cup holders. For the matter, more cup holders.

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A fun grocery-getter

Written by: MC on 03/04/2007

Vehicle

1999 Saab 9-3 4 Dr STD Turbo Hatchback

Review

I bought this car because I wanted somthing to replace my old Volvo wagon, but I wanted somthing that could pass a cadillac in the mountains. This car fit the bill. 32 MPG at 80 MPH, hauling tons of camping gear for two people. A reliable car. Only left me stranded once when the serpentine belt came off at mile 102000. Too bad Saab did away with the hatchback design - this style of car is the most utilitarian (huge storage, great handling, fast, nice looking, and good fwy gas mileage). Because of the turbo and vehicle weight, the city mileage is poor, though.

Favorite Features

Hatchback. Tons of space. Turbo that makes this car very quick from 30 to 80 mph.

Suggested Improvements

My factory stereo is poor, but I like the steering wheel controls, so I've not replaced the head unit. Some of the switches are obscured by the steering wheel. The cup holder is a joke. They should have skipped it, all it does is invite you to spill fluid into the window and sunroof switches.

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9-3 Saab 6 years later I still love it!

Written by: Heather Walker on 10/28/2006

Vehicle

1999 Saab 9-3 2 Dr SE HO Turbo Convertible

Review

I bought my Saab used, it was a certified Saab with 30k miles. I have driven it all over the east coast, from Wisconsin to FL. I also drive it everyday to work. Fun and reliable, what more can you ask for from a car?

Favorite Features

Pick-up when merging on interstates.

Suggested Improvements

Back seat much too small for real use.

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Run, don't walk away from this car

Written by: Pamela on 10/09/2006

Vehicle

1999 Saab 9-3 4 Dr STD Turbo Hatchback

Review

We bought our 1999 9-3 Saab with delight after a lot of research. It had 29,000 miles on it and we got a good deal. We have spent thousands in repairs on this car. The quality is terrible, with major parts wearing out and NO warranty to cover the expenses. We thought Saabs are good quality cars, and that is simply not the case here. Run, don't walk away from the 1999 Saab 9-3!

Favorite Features

The 5 speed manual transmission is fun to drive and the trunk is HUGE. Fabulous gas mileage.

Suggested Improvements

Lifetime warranty on major parts, drivetrain, electronics.

3 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Great Car, some problems

Written by: TRudd on 09/21/2006

Vehicle

1999 Saab 9-3 4 Dr STD Turbo Hatchback

Review

I bought this car with 50,000 miles on it from a dealership and was the 2nd owner. A day after I bought it, the head gasket went out. The dealership paid for labor, I paid for parts ($300). Needless to say, this should not happen with a car that has 50,000 miles on it. After the repairs, I haven't had any problems... yet. I love this car, a little more interior noise than my Honda Accord - but much more fun to drive, better looking, and gas mileage wasn't all that different (28 mpg/hwy with the Saab; 28-29 mpg '97 honda accord 4 cyl).

Favorite Features

Practical interior, leather seats, car smell, extra turbo power when needed, stiff handling, exterior, trunk space, engine sound, extra features for a low price.

Suggested Improvements

Cup holders, rear seat leg room, would like height adjustable passenger seat, flimsy temp. knobs, windshield field of vision.

7 out 7 people found this review helpful

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Excellent car

Written by: Steve on 07/01/2006

Vehicle

1999 Saab 9-3 4 Dr STD Turbo Hatchback

Review

I love this car. Nothing but minor maintenance. Getting ready to do timing chain, but only as preventive maintenance.

Favorite Features

Versatility.

Suggested Improvements

Hate the location on the front door lock buttons on door, they lock everytime I put my arm out the window for tolls, drive thru, etc.

2 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Great car!!

Written by: Grreat on 04/11/2006

Vehicle

1999 Saab 9-3 4 Dr STD Turbo Hatchback

Review

This is the best car i have ever owned! It is fun to drive and reliable, there have been no problems

Favorite Features

The design

Suggested Improvements

better cup holders

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Saab Story

Written by: mtnbound on 01/23/2006

Vehicle

1999 Saab 9-3 4 Dr SE Turbo Hatchback

Review

I purchased this car used, in 2002 & I drive Orange County Ca for Sales. Vehicle performs as a Saab should, however I am disappointed by maintenance. Replaced all 4 power windows within the first year, due to a plastic connector breaking, that has no replacement part available At $500/window, not good. SID display replaced in "04. Switched to synthetic oil in "04, seems to start better, run quieter, did not help mileage (24-26) on average. Also had to replace radiator in vehicle in december of 2005. Replaced struts and disc brake rotors, but that is expected with a car of this age. Braking and handling excellent. Love the climate control, but had to replace compressor.

Favorite Features

Layout of interior, fun to drive, great braking, good in snow (Mammoth Mountain).

Suggested Improvements

re-design connectors in windows for easy replacement, so that you do not have to replace entire assembly for a 50 cent part. Improve over all quality.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Saablover

Written by: Lukas on 12/15/2005

Vehicle

1999 Saab 9-3 4 Dr STD Turbo Hatchback

Review

Superb dream car! I've always loved these autos and I was not wrong buying this one. Swedish perfection! No problems at all! I bought it w/ 50,000 miles and now I ended w/ 122,000 - maintenace free w/ oil change. Unfortunately I was rearended by a drunk driver and my passion (Saab) was totaled. The car was totaled but nothing happened to me. I would recomend this car to anybody - simply perfect vehicle, reliable, beautiful, no words...

Favorite Features

The luxury for good price

Suggested Improvements

They all should have dual mph/kph - I bought this car in Toronto and before I brought it to US I had to replace entire front module so it shows dual miles and kilometers. Originally was only in kph - since the xchange I had some minor electrical problems.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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