2002 Saab 9-3 Review
Fuel Economy
20 - 24 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Though an offbeat alternative to the staid German sedans that dominate the category, a wait for the redesigned 2003 9-3 will likely be worth it.
Pros
Comfy interior, versatile hatchback model, powerful turbocharged engines.
Cons
Controls not always intuitive, torque steer in Viggen models.
What's New for 2002
The base 9-3 three- and five-door models have been replaced by a value-priced SE five-door. High-performance Viggen models get a new interior color and a carbon-fiber instrument panel.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Steel Gray Hunchback
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Saab 9-3 SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
Review
My wife called it a hunchback, so it is my Steel Gray Hunchback. Was looking around for another car actually, and test drove it, didn't feel right, and the one I wanted was sold. But I saw this one, and it had tint and a built in alarm. I was looking for utility, such as a hatchback to lug things around. 4 doors too. I also required better gas mileage since gas prices were sky rocketing. Also, power with torque to go up hills and turns. Alas, I test drove this 2002 Saab 9-3 SE: has leather seats, and more power than normal. It is a 4cylinder turbo auto, more economical than a 6cyl, with just as much power because of the turbo. Driving it ever since and my wife and I love it.
Favorite Features
SE Model 4cylinder, gas mileage, Turbo power, 5 door hatch w/folding rear seats. Moon roof, leather seats. GM Onstar. Power. Suspension is smooth and taut. Upgrades available. Nice, quiet ride.
Suggested Improvements
Some parts from the GM bin wear out, but that's expected and upgrades can be found. There's been a couple recalls, but free fix, just bring to the dealership.
Saab is my favorite
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Saab 9-3 SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
Review
I've owned about 4 9-3s, as I move a lot, and will sell my car before every move. I always buy these. They are one hundred percent reliable for me, and they're fast. Also, I drove my most recent 2002 9-3 from WA to ID and back, and I got 35mpg on the highway for real, no joke!!! So I think they should change the average fuel economy on here. You only get 25 mpg (lowest I've seen) when you're driving in city, using the turbo all day. I give this car an over all 9 out of 10. The only brand I like better then Saab is Lexus!
Favorite Features
It has all the bells and whistles, and I love the heated seats, and the turbo kick!
Suggested Improvements
I wish the 9-3s were more spacious, but the newer ones seem to be.
Fun car with lots of storage
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Saab 9-3 SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
Review
I've owned this Saab for 2 and a half years. Purchased it used with 58k miles. It will reach 90k soon. Very fun to drive. Turbo lag is minimal. Feels taut at high speeds, nice steering feedback. But wait, this is a family car. The trunk is huge for strollers, golf clubs and oversized stuffed animals from the in-laws. Pulled the hatch cover off recently and packed it to the window for a week long trip to the mountains. It is a quirky Euro car though. Strange issues like Purge Valve throwing CEL codes, bad crank position sensor stranding my wife when the engine compartment got hot (would not start, the fix was to squirt cold water at it). Find yourself a Saab specialist you can trust.
Favorite Features
Ride, handling, acceleration, using the turbo to pass on the freeway (takes about the same amount of time to kick in as shifting a manual to 4th). Sport mode (have an automatic per the wife's request). Great car for a young family.
Suggested Improvements
The Saab Information Display (SID) is terrible. Nearly all the pixels are gone. Rear legroom is tight. Would like slightly better fuel economy, have never really gotten better than 27 mpg (maybe it is all the crap I have in the trunk).
Never Again Will I Buy a Saab!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 3 | Fun-to-Drive: | 4 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 3 | Interior Design: | 1 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 2 | Exterior Design: | 5 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Saab 9-3 SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
Review
My car has only 54,000 miles and the engine is shot. It fell victim to the "Saab oil sludge problem" that so many other 9-3's and 9-5's from this era have succumbed to (Google "Saab oil sludge" and read all about it). Long story short, Saab admitted the oil sludge accumulation is due to an engine defect, NOT consumer negligence, and they "extended coverage" on '99-'03 9-3's and 9-5's. What they don't tell you is that you're not eligible for coverage unless you can produce oil change receipts for the entire life of the car. So for those, like myself, who bought their car used, you're essentially fresh out of luck. It's either pony up $6000 for a new engine or scrap it for parts.
Favorite Features
The turbo. Mine never gave me problems, but the 9-5 turbos are prone to crap out around 70,000 miles.
Suggested Improvements
An engine with a life-expectancy longer than 54,000 miles...for starters. The car also has some glitchy electrical problems. Among them, high beams not working, AC cutting out, thermostat not giving a reading. The problems usually correct themselves with a stop/start of the engine though.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
So much potential but alas !!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 5 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Saab 9-3 SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
Review
2002 9-3 SE auto hatch with 125K. Loads of power in a practical package - especially in Sport mode. Best driver's seat ever! Would be a keeper but for constant repairs (antenna mast; squeaky brakes; center exhaust pipe; shocks; CPS; alternator; etc etc) and premium gas! Thank goodness the new engine cassette was a recall! Too bad, I guess they were right when they said SAAB stands for Swedish Auto Always Broken. 2009 Mazda 6 or Accord will take the 9-3's place in the garage. Sushi for herring I guess.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
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