1999 Saab 9-3 Consumer Reviews

Not for everyone. But for me heck yeah!

Written by: fl81turbozx on 08/11/2008

Vehicle

1999 Saab 9-3 2 Dr SE HO Turbo Convertible

Review

1st, let me say, I’m a car guy tried and true. My first love is a z, but this Saab is a blast! I bought the car as a commuter, good gas mileage, convertible, had no idea I was getting a well refined sports machine. I see mixed reviews, and I think saabs get a bad rap from people who don't understand what they are buying. If you don’t know how to take care of a turbo car, don’t buy one. If you want to compromise on maintenance (or if the previous owner did), don't buy one. If you are not enthusiastic about cars in general, buy something else. This car is an enthusiast's car. It's a blast to drive, good gas mileage is a bonus. I'm am pleasantly surprised by the 28+mpg.

Favorite Features

Much sportier than its rivals (BMW, Volvo, Mercedes). "Sportier" is not for everyone though. It's individuality Convertible!!! A downright bargain, for what you get. Front seats are very comfortable. Parts and maintenance is much cheaper than I thought. Find a local SAAB club or shop.

Suggested Improvements

Could use a little more room for my size 12 foot to work the clutch. Sid system. Pixels go out on some.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Hit or miss with Saabs

Written by: Garry on 07/31/2008

Vehicle

1999 Saab 9-3 4 Dr SE Turbo Hatchback

Review

This is my second Saab and I'm really enjoying it so far. I only spent $1000 on a used 1999 9-3 with 86.5K miles, so the money I invest won't be lost when I resell it. For the money and year I'm happy. The engine and body are still in great condition, which may be more of a reflection of the previous owners. Unfortunately I'm going to put about $1,500 into tires, struts, and brakes, but that is just maintenance. From what I've read and researched, it honestly takes a certain person and their individual Saab to enjoy their ride. Either love 'em or hate 'em. My experience thus far is love 'em.

Favorite Features

I love the styling of the Saab with the ignition by the gear shift. The engine provides plenty of power as well. I know that back in the day this car used to be considered first class, and with a little TLC I'm going to bring it back to a reliable comfortable ride.

Suggested Improvements

The mileage isn't too awesome, I'm assuming due to the turbo. So far I'm getting the EPA estimate around 25 on the highway. Older SID's always seem to be pixelated too. I honestly can't complain about too much because of the low price i've paid and the solid condition it is in.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Amazing

Written by: itshrd2bcute on 07/21/2008

Vehicle

1999 Saab 9-3 4 Dr STD Turbo Hatchback

Review

I bought my Saab in June at a reasonable price. About a month after I got it my map sensor went. But otherwise it's a great! Car

Favorite Features

leather seats, night panel, turbo

Suggested Improvements

cup holders

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Unique but at a cost

Written by: JMcN on 03/30/2008

Vehicle

1999 Saab 9-3 4 Dr STD Turbo Hatchback

Review

I had read the reviews - kind of all over the place. I decided to have at it and buy a 9-3 as a daily driver. I bought a high mileage '99 base model for a steal. Since ownership, beyond routine maintenance I've had to do quite a bit of unexpected repairs. The heat stopped working, the fuel pump went, stalling issue due to a clogged fuel check valve. Overall not a very satisfying ownership experience. We just leased a Mazda and will be moving on from this experience. If you like to tinker with cars and have the time and a warm place to fix things when they break in the dead of winter then go right ahead. Otherwise I would caution any family member of mine considering this vehicle.

Favorite Features

not seeing tons of other on the road, power of base 2.0L turbo engine, large gas tank, heated seats, good looks, somewhat fun to drive (5spd)

Suggested Improvements

Not as reliable as Japanese cars, too many unexpected repairs!

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

'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

9 out 9 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

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.

Report inappropriate post

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.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

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.

Report inappropriate post

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.

5 out 7 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

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.

8 out 8 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post