2001 Saab 9-3 Consumer Reviews
Fuel Economy
22 mpg
Recent Consumer Reviews
(52 Total Reviews)
Worst car ever
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 6 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 5 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Saab 9-3 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
Review
I purchased a used Saab that had 35,000 miles when I bought it. In a 2 yr. period it has had approx. $7,000 in engine work done on it and the problem is still not fixed. It doesn't matter how many bells and whistles a car has if it wont run. I am not sure what kind of aircraft this car was born from but I would not want to fly in it. My advice is run, run far away!
Favorite Features
Heated seats, sunroof and the warning indicators that tell me each week what is wrong now.
Suggested Improvements
Engine, and yes just like everyone else said the only cupholder in the car is mounted on your dash with all the electronics. Does that really make sense
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
Love this car!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Saab 9-3 SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
Review
So much fun to drive. Reliable, no significant issues, even with car over 100k miles!
Favorite Features
Turbo engine
Suggested Improvements
More/better cupholders and cabin storage.
9 out 9 people found this review helpful
Fun to drive - easy at the gas pump!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Saab 9-3 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
Review
I have driven my Saab 9-3 for six years. Have about 71,000 miles on odometer. Fun to drive, comfortable and reliable. Amazing gas mileage with the 185 engine (low to mid thirties on the road) and a five-speed stickshift. Plan to keep it for another five years or so! No car is perfect - but this car comes close when one considers the designer's fidelity to the Saab heritage. My first Saab was a three-cylinder. I know what I am talking about!
Favorite Features
Sporty characteristics such as being fast and well mannered on the highway.
Suggested Improvements
4 out 4 people found this review helpful
Saab 9-3 Viggen
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Saab 9-3 Viggen 2dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
Review
This car is a rocket. Perfect for those who dont want the norm. This is the ultimate sleeper.
Favorite Features
Horse power, slotted rotors , sleeper appearance.
Suggested Improvements
Well, torque steer is there. But Saab states that it needs it to tell the driver whats going on.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
Not bought yet? Run! Bought? SELL!!!!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 5 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 2 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
Review
Okay, positives first: This is by far the most fun car I have ever driven - except to the shop. And I know what I am talking about - I have had to do that a lot and that ain't cheap! Bought it 3 years ago, had been leased for 3 years. Should have gotten the hint with all the things I had done on it while under the warranty still. I have had to pay $600-$1200 repairs on it several times a year for the past 3 years and I finally gave up and dumped this piece of workmanjunk at a pretty big loss! If you haven't bought one, but consider it, seriously reconsider. If you have one and are seeing problems mount, just get rid of it ASAP - too expensive to fix everything, all the time!
Favorite Features
Riding with the top down. This puppy is too sleek and fun to drive! And it kicks some serious Turbo horsepowers if you floor it.
Suggested Improvements
Rework that assembly line! Or use better quality parts. Reliability and this car are two words that do not go in the same sentence.
8 out 8 people found this review helpful
2001 9-3 2.0 turbo 4 dr base model
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 5 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 5 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Saab 9-3 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
Review
Mine has 72500 km/45000 miles. Recently needed almost CDN$900 in front suspension work. Recent problems led to software upgrade for throttle body, dealer warns if problem recurs, vehicle will need new throttle body (cost over CDN$1000 at dealer pricing). Ignition Discharge Module replaced on recall. Various valves and hoses replaced. An oxygen sensor failed around 40000 km. Driver's door handle mechanism failed twice. Interior squeaks. Some pixels no longer light on information display. One headlight wiper motor failed. Blower motor for heater replaced. Received letter from Saab advising 8 year warranty coverage for engine failure due to oil sludge provided certain conditions are met.
Favorite Features
Nice to drive on dry pavement. Roomy trunk.
Suggested Improvements
3 out 3 people found this review helpful
Love to hate it
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 3 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 3 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Saab 9-3 SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
Review
I won't buy a Saab again. The only reason I bought it was the unique style. I bought it new and it has been in the shop MANY MANY times. Now that it is out of warranty, its becoming quite annoying, but it's paid for, and the repairs are cheaper than a car payment. Saab has lost its style. The new ones look just like Audi and BMW. Too bad, unique style was the only thing going for it. Anyway, beware if you buy. Many quirky problems, hard to find & expensive repair shops. Oh, and the car really depreciates which is another reason I haven't ridded myself of it yet... can't bear to take the loss. I would only recommend this car if you have a reliable car to drive while its in the shop!
Favorite Features
Very unique look. Heated seats. OnStar. Gas mileage.
Suggested Improvements
Lack of useful cup holders. Rear heated seats. One-touch for opening & closing the sun-roof. BETTER RELIABILITY.
4 out 6 people found this review helpful
Saabs are great
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Saab 9-3 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
Review
I have had a great experience with this car. I love the way it drives. (I like the manual transmission turbo) The seats are super comfortable (great seat heaters!) and there is tons of interior room for the size of the car. I average 27 MPG. It is easy to park, easy to drive, and has not been anymore expensive to maintain then our toyota. I highly reccommend the Saab 9-3
Favorite Features
Seat heaters, moon roof, headlight wipers, hatchback, stick shift, comfy seat design (and I am 6'3) turbo, and cool wheels
Suggested Improvements
The dash mounted cup holder results in spills all over the dash. It is lame.
9 out 9 people found this review helpful
They were right
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 5 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Saab 9-3 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
Review
I can't say I wasn't warned. Other Saab owners had suggested that the car would be quirky and that Saab dealers are generally horrible and expensive. They were right !!! The check/engine electronic portion of the car is horrible. The engine is great and the handling is terrific. The biggest knock against this vehicle is trying to get it fixed/serviced. This alone will keep me from buying another Saab period. Fun to drive, great gas milage won't make up for the persistant problems with the direct ignition cassette (now part of a recall) and the terrible service from numerous dealers.
Favorite Features
Turbo charged engine is a great performer. Very good, supportive seats. Generally good European build quality. Lots of innovative thinking went into the Saab line.
Suggested Improvements
5 out 6 people found this review helpful
Happy 2nd Saab driver
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Saab 9-3 SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
Review
"Smooth" is how my 26 yr. old son describes the drive. Excellent metallic paint, even after 5 yrs. Interior stylish yet reserved, high quality but a bit snug for 4 on board. 31mpg on the highway. Distinctive; you don't get lost among the Japanese nameplates on the road. Well built, very reliable. It doesn't break. An '06 9-5 next?
Favorite Features
Quick car w/a 5 speed, especially as the turbo spools up in 2nd and 3rd gears. Power seats allow the perfect driving position. Great cargo space and premium sound system.
Suggested Improvements
Lousy cupholders.
2 out 2 people found this review helpful
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