2000 Saab 9-3 Review
Fuel Economy
21 - 22 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
An offbeat alternative to the staid German sedans that dominate the category.
Pros
Comfy interior, versatile hatchback model, torquey turbo motor, quirky personality.
Cons
Controls not always intuitive, offbeat image, spotty build quality.
What's New for 2000
The base model gets restyled 15-inch alloy wheels, while the SE version gains performance enhancements and increased horsepower. The sporty 9-3 Viggen offers even more power, and is available as a five-door or convertible in addition to the coupe. All engines are now LEV compliant and GM's OnStar "Telematics" System becomes optional across the model lineup.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Fine Saab Properly Maintained
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2000 Saab 9-3 4 Dr STD Turbo Hatchback
Review
I've owned this Saab 9-3 since new. It has been trouble-free...and more trouble-free than our Acura. Have performed all factory maintenance and 3 oil changes a year. Great mileage with manual trans, and heated fabric seats is unique. Marvelous in snow. Timeless hatchback styling. Would buy again, but concerned whether Saab will be around. Too bad.
Favorite Features
Heated fabric seats.
Suggested Improvements
Cruise control that remains on.
Fun Fun fun
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2000 Saab 9-3 4 Dr STD Turbo Hatchback
Review
I have had nothing but good experiences with my Saab, sure, a few minor things have worn out, but you have to expect some maintenance. It's fantastically fun to drive and if you can stay off the turbo it is possible to get over 31 mpg on the highway.
Favorite Features
Turbo. The ability to take a 15 mph hit on the rear bumper in which the car that hit me was undriveable and I just had some scratches on the bumper cover.
Suggested Improvements
Shameful
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 5 | Interior Design: | 4 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2000 Saab 9-3 4 Dr SE HO Turbo Hatchback
Review
I would expect a lot more out of a car that claims to be an upperscale car. Been a constant nightmare since purchased. While driving it home from the dealer it broke down- $300 repair. Two months later again. $700 repair. then twice more each over $150 repairs. It rides clunky, choppy and stiff, rattles and the body hardware is terrible: door jams wear easily, under the wheelwells wear to the bare metal, and the only good thing is the power and fuel economy and the looks of it. Stay away from this car!
Favorite Features
Power, ignition, stereo, looks
Suggested Improvements
Reliability
Wonderful Car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2000 Saab 9-3 2 Dr SE HO Turbo Convertible
Review
When I went to the dealership, I had no intention of buying a convertible, but the salesman pointed out that I could have one for about the same price, and I ended up buying one. Apparently I have good luck, because I bought the car with 103,500 miles and have had no problems at all. The car is an automatic (I would have preferred a manual), but it is still quite peppy. I install a Saab cat-back exhaust and an open air intake -- this combo has made for an AWESOME turbo sound, as well as increased response. I have been surprised by the countless convenience features of this car - all little things, but proof in the well thought out Swedish design.
Favorite Features
The turbo, cornering ability, the automatic top goes down in 25 seconds, convenience features.
Suggested Improvements
Frame bracing to fix cowl shake on bumpy roads, interior lights and computer screen malfunction due to age, along with a few other minor electrical related problems.
Love em or Hate em
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 4 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2000 Saab 9-3 4 Dr STD Turbo Hatchback
Review
We bought our Certified Used 2000 9-3 in 2004. Phenomenal dealer service but, constantly in for repair. As most Saab owners its the car you love and hate. Few cars have the sport, luxury and utility, (hatchback) of the car and 30mpg is easy on the highway. We have logged 99k and are thinking of trading. I drove a 05 9-3 Arc and its seats aren't as nice and although it has 210 hp, somehow my 2000 with 185 hp seems just as fast. I still haven't made up my mind to keep it but Ive been given an offer on an 05 Volvo S60 AWD and hands down a nicer car than the 05 9-3. I'll miss the Saab service, but as often as they see me, they didn't offer a great deal on the 05 9-3, Volvo did :)
Favorite Features
Seats, winter mode and sport mode on the transmission and the funky features like weather radio and rear fog light
Suggested Improvements
Perfect the way it was, just too many repairs
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