2004 Saab 9-3 Review and Specs

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

Roomy and fun to drive, the 9-3 is a solid buy among entry-level luxury cars. Just don't expect the razor-sharp reflexes and highly refined interiors of its German and Japanese competitors.

Pros

Balanced ride and handling characteristics, frugal yet powerful engines, generous passenger room, class-leading trunk space.

Cons

Some turbo lag at lower speeds, interior lacks upscale look, not as vaultlike as some of its European competitors, front-wheel drive a disadvantage against rear-wheel-drive competitors for performance fans.

What's New for 2004

For 2004, the 9-3 convertible has been given the same full makeover the sedan received last year. The convertible is available in Arc and Aero models and equipped only with the 210-horsepower engine. The highline Vector sedan has been renamed the Aero, and the midlevel Arc sedan now comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission, rather than a six-speed. Bi-xenon headlights are a stand-alone extra on all 9-3s, while rear parking assist is now available as a non-package option on the sedan. The Sport Wheel Package for the Linear and Arc now includes a tire-pressure monitor.

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

An underated fun car to drive

Written by: anthony on 10/02/2009

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	9
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	9
Fuel Economy:	10	Exterior Design:	10

Vehicle

2004 Saab 9-3 Aero 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

Unfortunately Saab gets bad press here in the States. This is a fun car to drive, handles well and the one fact overlooked is it's a safe car with many safety features for a convertible. I've owned many cars over the years and drove as much. The seats (where you spend most of your time) are extremely comfortable unlike the BMW convertible. A virtual maintenance free car that's a pleasure to own and drive.

Favorite Features

Interior layout, seats, safety features

Suggested Improvements

upgrade on the stereo system recommended

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Good Value

Written by: KCE on 08/27/2009


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	8
Comfort:	8	Interior Design:	8	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	10	Exterior Design:	9

2004 Saab 9-3 Aero 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Bought my 9-3 Aero 4 years ago with 9k miles on the speedo. Now have 81k and I'm very surprised at how much I like this car. It's been very dependable, drives great and gets amazing gas mileage. I average 28 miles to the gallon and easily get 33 on the highway. I think these cars make a good value on the used market. Buy a used one with an extended warranty and you won't be disappointed.

Gas mileage, looks, comfortable seats, handling, spacious interior and trunk.

Rough ride (aero package), cheap interior bits, Low chin spoiler (Aero again).

Score!

Written by: yowz on 07/16/2009


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	9	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	9	Exterior Design:	10

2004 Saab 9-3 Arc 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Just bought a 2002 Volvo s60 2.4T about a month ago. Some lady totaled it for me by smashing into the passenger side. Was devastated until I found the Arc convertible. Went out and got this beauty and cannot believe how much of a better car it is! And I am paying about the same for a newer car with better handling, more horsepower and less mileage. Score.

CUP HOLDER!!!!! Leather, Quirky Swedish touches, The sound it makes when I shift gears. :)

Tough to go over speed bumps/dips with.

I'm totally a snaab now.

Written by: Sean on 06/01/2009


Performance:	8	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	7
Comfort:	9	Interior Design:	8	Reliability:	9
Fuel Economy:	8	Exterior Design:	10

2004 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

I bought this car used with 43,000 miles on it. I did a lot of research into Saabs, Volvos, and VWs before I decided to purchase this car, and believe I made a very good decision. I have had absolutely no problems with the car other than normal wear and tear issues (new front brakes/pads, new tires) and it has totally exceeded my expectations. It handles great in all types of weather and has only gotten stuck in the snow once. I have never felt safer in a car, and even though it's kind of a little guy, I feel like I have a substantial car around me when I drive. I would recommend Saab to anyone as long as you get a good dealership to take it to for service.

Heated seats, moonroof, 6-disc cd changer, turbo engine.

The dash materials are pretty cheap and rattle a lot, but other than that, no complaints.

Great car, fun to drive!!!

Written by: Chris Higgens on 04/18/2009


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	9	Build Quality:	9
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	9
Fuel Economy:	8	Exterior Design:	10

I bought this car for a great price. So far I love everything about it, the style, handling, acceleration, and all the attention you get from driving such a classy car. I really have no complaints as of now and I would definitely recommend this car to a friend. Also it's a very safe car!

The interior is beautiful, safety features, design, handling, acceleration... what's more to ask for?

none so far

2004 Saab 9-3 Consumer Ratings & Reviews