2005 Saab 9-3 Consumer Reviews

A4, A6 & IS lover converted to 9-3 fan

Written by: Cork93 on 09/07/2008

Vehicle

2005 Saab 9-3 Aero 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

I've never been a Saab enthusiast until I saw my 9-3 with Navi. & all the ground effects & options of the V6 but with the 210 horse 4cyl. It is an awesome car to drive. I hope the reliability will be there for years to come.

Favorite Features

Acceleration, handling & Formula 1 thumb gear shifting on steering wheel. It's awesome! Love the exterior looks & rims. Glovebox AC for cooler. Nice for beer.

Suggested Improvements

Lots of plastic squeaking when I pull into the driveway. Saab needs to do something to reduce all the plastic noises, it's annoying! Center drink holder is in a bad spot considering the way the armrest moves forward. Cup holder in dash seems very cheap. Upgrade the stereo system! Poor sound & base.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Safe, reliable, comfortable SAAB

Written by: kidlatAzul on 09/02/2008

Vehicle

2005 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

I purchased a 2005 SAAB 9-3 because I wanted the safest vehicle I could afford. In 2005, the 9-3 was one of only a few vehicles on the IIHS top safety pick list. Fortunately, to date I have not had to test the 9-3's many safety features, but feel reassured driving this car. But in addition to being safe, the 9-3 has anchor-like brakes, handles great, is comfortable for all-day cruising, has ample acceleration, and gets up to 37 mpg on highway. Even around town, I've never gotten less than 26 mpg (manual tranny helps). Only problems after 3 years & 56,000 miles have been headlight bulbs burning out twice, each time covered by warranty. The nicest car I've ever owned.

Favorite Features

Safety: 8 airbags, crumple zones, etc. Economy: up to 37 mpg highway. Fun: Excellent handling, as stable at 90 as it is at 55. Brakes: awesome. Information display in top center of dashboard easy to read.

Suggested Improvements

More backseat room

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Saab's Quirks are irksome, repairs=$$

Written by: EGP on 08/25/2008

Vehicle

2005 Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

The employee discount for all promotion in 2005 made our 2005 Arc w/driver's package affordable. However, we should have stayed away. Within the warranty period, the car was into the dealer 3 or 4 times, one all of the radio and interior electronics freaked out and they had to replace the radio and command module. Luckily this was under warranty. However, 3 years, 55,000 miles, and just out of warranty, the car quits on the highway during rush hour forcing my wife to make some risky emergency moves. Car Would not start again! Turns out tat the the engine computer failed, and it cost us $900. Now 5k miles later, the stability system is giving critical errors.. could be $1000 to fix this time.

Favorite Features

It is a fun car and enjoyable to drive when working right, peppy with the big T engine (240 HP). It also held its value pretty well so that we don't take too big of a hit when trading it in ASAP! (Hopefully this weekend). Oh and the roof rack system is nice too. Integrated slots for the special rack.

Suggested Improvements

Reliability. Find a way to decrease the glare from the dash board. Eliminate torque steer (don't believe the claims that they did in this model) and brake steer. Better OEM tires. The Pirelli P6 are noisy and aren't as good as comparable tires. Expect 40K miles out of the original tires (not too bad

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Nicest Car I've Ever Had Thus Far!

Written by: Songwriter Guy on 07/11/2008

Vehicle

2005 Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

Ergonomically, I feel like somehow Saab snuck into my room at night and took a mold of my body and built the new 9.3 to fit me. It's just amazing. It's solid, comfortable and a blast to drive. The overall quality is evidenced in just about every way. I've had 9000's in the past and wasn't sure I'd like this. Well... I don't like it; I love it!

Favorite Features

The full-pressure turbo is awesome. And I'm stunned by the gas mileage. I'm averaging 26 MPG all around, but exceed 34 MPG on highway trips. For a high-performance, comfortable, heavy- feeling and safe car, I think that's pretty amazing!

Suggested Improvements

This isn't anything Saab can do specifically, but the resale is certainly disappointing as with many cars in this price range. I bought mine off lease and paid the right price. BTW: the new "Ice block" tail lamps really cheapen the 2008 from my point-of-view.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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More Than I Expected

Written by: barron von costume on 07/08/2008

Vehicle

2005 Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

I purchased my 2005 9-3 Arc from Enterprise Car Sales. I had read extensive reviews online about how great the car handled, accelerated etc. I was a little shy when I was behind the wheel with the salesman riding shotgun. I could tell right away that this car had a lot more power than I was willing to let out. Once I picked the car up off the lot however, I let it fly. I had perma-smile the second my foot hit the gas - this thing can fly! Once the turbo kicks in my head snapped back a little and I was in love. The features and the customization of the driving experience are also a big reason why I love this car. Overall a great car and a great value ($1500 under KBB value- thx Enterprise!!)

Favorite Features

Side view mirror and seat memory settings Acceleration and passing ability TURBO! Powerful AC Nice, loud radio Lots of aftermarket products available

Suggested Improvements

A better cup holder would be nice Console area is a little tight

4 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Little problems

Written by: Loren on 06/13/2008

Vehicle

2005 Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

Sun roof stopped working.$2,500 to repair. A/C blower motor went out. Center caps of rims fill with brake dust and can't be cleaned. Rear logo came off from being washed. Passenger seat plastic trim has fallen off because of broken attachments-twice. Interior isn't at all durable. Buy a Toyota

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

4 out 7 people found this review helpful

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Not too happy with my convertible

Written by: atlantaowner on 04/15/2008

Vehicle

2005 Saab 9-3 Arc 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

I first bought a 93 Aero, it shook terribly, turned it back in and got a 93 Arc...this one shakes! In a loaner from the dealer and it shakes at 70 mph. My car has been in the shop for over a month just because of a simple (I thought) balancing job. But it turns out that it couldn't get fixed, so they had to replace all 4 tires! Not even a year after my 2nd purchse, I am already planning to trade in after summer. Do not buy a 93 convertible unless you're prepared for it to be in the shop time after time after time. It's in the shop for 'updates' seems like every month. If you want a high maintenance car, this one's for you!

Favorite Features

Comfy to drive, fun to drive, fast for a 4 cylinder w/turbo boost

Suggested Improvements

Difficult to figure out how things work, to many trips to the dealer! Every convertible I've driven (3) shake at 70mph

2 out 4 people found this review helpful

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pleased

Written by: young family of 4 on 03/22/2008

Vehicle

2005 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

The car handles wells. We were averaging 32 mpg with a lot of highway driving. The headlight burnt out 3 times in less than 2 years. The passenger door does not always lock. The emblem on the hood fell off, as I have seen happen with many others. We have had to have the arm rest in the center console replaced as well as many of the interior parts because the cheap plastic coating rubs off. We ended up being "stuck" with this car because it has not held its value. Overall, we have enjoyed the vehicle but would have liked to trade it in for something that fits our 2 car seats better. A rear-facing car seat requires that the front seat is moved all the way forward.

Favorite Features

leather heated seats, lots of cup holders, steering wheel controls

Suggested Improvements

improve coating on interior parts, excessive break dust, emblem on hood fell off

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Not a sports sedan

Written by: teacher on 03/22/2008

Vehicle

2005 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

Don't get me wrong, I like my Saab. It is safe, reliable, comfy, quick and gets great gas mileage. However, this is not the sports sedan that Saab makes it out to be. I don't understand how all of these consumers give this car a 9 or 10 in performance. I don't know what they drove before their Saab. This car is much too soft, leans much too much in corners and turns. The steering is much too light and there is excessive torque steer. Bumps in the road upset the suspension and the car never really feels under control when driven quickly. All of the professional reviews from car magazines and even Consumer Reports agree with me on the handling. This is NOT a BMW. Born from Jets?..ha ha

Favorite Features

Comfort, safety, brakes, smooth, quiet and peppy engine. Excellent fuel economy.

Suggested Improvements

Suspension is much too soft. Leans excessively in turns. Excessive torque steer. Terrible radio. Brake dust on wheels is impossible to clean.

2 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Amazing Value

Written by: CARtx478 on 01/10/2008

Vehicle

2005 Saab 9-3 Aero 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

I bought my first Saab two weeks ago and couldn't be more impressed with a car in this price range. After a year-long search I found a low mileage black Aero model with a parchment interior. It's quick (especially at highway speeds) and has a firm, but comfortable ride quality. I absolutely love the 9-3's styling and relative anonymity on the road.

Favorite Features

The performance per $ ratio of the 9-3 can't be beat in the near-luxury category; acceleration, handling, safety, fuel efficiency and design cues that turns the heads of BMW drivers are a few of my favorite qualities. I also happen to like the placement of the front cup holder:)

Suggested Improvements

Some turbo lag (to be expected), too many dashboard buttons (but I'm still learning and will get over it) and not as much feel in the steering as I would like.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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