2001 Saab 9-3 Review
Fuel Economy
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, severe torque steer in SE and Viggen models.
What's New for 2001
The base convertible has been dropped for this year while all other models get two new colors. The OnStar telematics system and traction control are now standard.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Mixed Feelings - Saab Enthusiast
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 5 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 2 | Reliability: | 5 |
| Fuel Economy: | 4 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
Review
While I am a SAAB enthusiast, I have been less than enthusiastic with this car. When purchased, the vehicle was in good condition and looked over in Denver. However, within months I was repairing. Some cosmetic - totally my prerogative, and others necessary. Here's the necessaries: 1. Fog lamps cracked on the highway - design flaw of glass with no protection. These are $200/ea 2. Water Pump + hosing 3. Serpentine belts 4. Multiple headlamp halogens & multiple brake pad sets (I drive 5600/yr) 5. Engine Mts., Trans. Mounts 6. Front Wheel Bearings (under 70K) 7. Window motors + mechanism 8. Hydraulics for the top 9. SID re-manufactured 10. Mass Airflow meter It feels like a $$ pit.
Favorite Features
TOP! TOP! TOP! Sound System is supreme. Turbo option is a real performer. Memory seats a plus. Tonneau cover (it neatly hides the top) gives the car a finished look.
Suggested Improvements
Steering - many aftermarket parts to strengthen this though. Fuel Efficiency needs some major work (even in the 2009). Interior was cheaply designed in 2001 (thanx GM). GENERAL RELIABILITY NEEDS SOME MAJOR WORK. I had a 99' Prelude prior to this I bought new and put 150000mi and it was more reliable
9-3 Viggen - Wolf in Sheep's Clothing
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Saab 9-3 Viggen 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
Review
This is my second Saab. My '99 9-5 was comfortable luxury at a great (used) price. The Viggen has all the comfort and luxury and outstanding performance too. The turbo kick at almost any speed is exhilirating. Torque steer is an issue, but there are aftermarket cures for that. Exterior look of the car is very "euro" and hatchback yields excellent cargo capability. Interior is comfortable, lack of cupholders just emphasizes that you should be driving the car when you are in it, not drinking (or talking on the phone). No automatic available anyway, so keep your hands free for driving! Viggen's have a loyal following too, so expect used prices to be pretty stable.
Favorite Features
Stealth power. Rarity. Everyday usability. Manual transmission. Heated seats. Seat memory. Steering wheel audio controls. Overall luxury. Reasonable used prices.
Suggested Improvements
More power? Aftermarket kits are available. Better handling? Again, check the aftermarket. It is a powerful FWD car, torque steer and understeer are part of the package!
Best car I have owned
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Saab 9-3 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
Review
I have 96K miles on my 9-3 and have not had any problems. The car has been completely trouble free. The engine has plenty of power along with excellent gas mileage. A shame Saab did away with the hatchback. The newer models look more like every other cookie cutter car. Love this car so much we sold our Volvo and purchased another 2001 9-3
Favorite Features
Unique styling makes it stand apart from the usual cookie cutter cars everyone else drives. Hatchback provides tons of room. Neat features like the push button winter mode which is helpful during snowy conditions. I like the key ignition on the floor.
Suggested Improvements
Cup holder is awful! They must not drink coffee in Sweden.
Saab never again! Maybe a BMW
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 4 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 2 |
| Fuel Economy: | 4 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Saab 9-3 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
Review
First the positive on this car. This is a fun car to drive except to the shop or dealing with GM. The turbo charged went bad at 65,000 miles. GM customer service is the worse I ever dealt with it. Now it will cost me over 1,700 dollars on repairs since GM do not want to knowledge of the problem with the turbo charger that it should not gone bad. I am finally give up on this piece of junk and never will buy another GM or SAAB. If you think to buy a SAAB, please reconsider that it's a GM product now not a SAAB.
Favorite Features
Fun to drive
Suggested Improvements
Better quality parts and reliability is the worst .
Amazing car!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 5 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Saab 9-3 SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
Review
I bought this car to replace a Pontiac Sunfire, needless to say it blew my mind away! The car had so much get up and go I couldn't believe it! My cousin and I took it through a canyon and we got the speed up to 115 miles per hour. Not very smart, but I couldn't believe how it handled the turns it was absolutely amazing. Now the bad part the electrical is terrible in this car, I always had a problem with it. I couldn't get it fixed the mechanic couldn't find out why my emergency lights wouldn't stop flashing so I sold the car. Even though I had trouble with the car, I am wishing I never had gotten rid of it. The car was a blast to drive.
Favorite Features
The handling, the pick up, everything! This car is amazing!!!
Suggested Improvements
Better electrical system. Better cup holders the one that comes out of the dash is terrible.
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