2005 Saab 9-3 Review

So fun. Exclusive.

Written by: icecold328 on 09/27/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

I went through MANY cars, over 15. This is the most fun car I had. It handles beautifully and the turbo is just something else on it. It's really fun to drive. Quality is one of the best in my eyes. As long as u take care of it, it will last. It's very well built in my opinion. However, don't take it to Saab dealers when it needs a repair or maintenance, they really charge a lot. B/c they expect u to be rich to own a Saab. Rather, find a private mechanic that is good with Saabs. By the way I get at least 36mpg on the highway, and 25 in the city when I drive fast and 28 when I drive economically. Just don't cut corners with its maintenance, give the car what it requires and it will last.

Favorite Features

It's kind of exclusive, relatively speaking when comparing to other cars. It looks beautiful. Handling is great, TURBO is exciting. Very unique interior look. It is definitely an individuals' ride.

Suggested Improvements

Well I would have said put another gear but the new ones already come with 6 gears, so I can't think of anything but to tell the Saab dealers to charge less on EVERYTHING because they charge extra for everything. $100 dollars just plug it in to a diagnosing PC.

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Very Enjoyable

Written by: Michigan on 06/12/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

Bought it used for the purpose of a new salesman's car. I easily put 50,000 miles on in one year and never had anything major go wrong. Tires, synthetic oil, blah blah blah. The point? No problems. I had been warned by many about a Saab's reliability. This obviously proved untrue. The zero to whatever as many reviews have testified to is nothing to write home about. It's better than most I would say, but passing power with the auto-stick transmission is a blast. The trunk is huge, backseats are small and the overall comfort for the driver is sufficient. Good tires go a long way and I tinted all of the side and rear windows which dramatically improves overall car appearance (I think).

Favorite Features

Speed, driving comfort, reliability, overall appearance, feel of the road.

Suggested Improvements

The cup holder for the passenger, albeit cool is somewhat flimsy.

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Very satisfying drive.

Written by: MJ on 04/30/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

The 9-3 convertible is a total package that comes together for a very satisfying ride. If you look at any one detail of the car it may or may not be best in class, but when combined it just makes you smile. It gives a solid, tight, controlled ride, a little busy on bad pavement. You're very connected to the road. Acceleration from a dead stop is nothing special, but when you're on the road the passing power is impressive! Very comfortable seats. The automatic top opens/closes in 20 secs, even if you're driving (slowly). The stereo isn't strong, but its notes & sounds are very precise (don't confuse bass boost with good music). There's a reason this is Saab's most popular car.

Favorite Features

Impressive passing power; Automatic top works great. This car has great lines - simply gorgeous with the top down. Top can be put up/down remotely.

Suggested Improvements

Radio and temp controls have lots of buttons & are much busier than necessary - why not simply elegant dials? Back seats need more leg room.

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Better than expected

Written by: tom on 02/21/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

I purchased this car used with 45,000 miles on it and 6 mos. left on the factory warranty. The car has been great, looks and runs like a brand new car with no problems. It was a one owner car that I purchased from the original selling dealer.

Favorite Features

Distinctive body styling, nice interior with leather seats that feel amazing. Lots of automated and thoughtful electronic features.

Suggested Improvements

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Very satisfying car

Written by: MJ on 09/23/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

This is a really nice car to drive. It's responsive, controlled and quick. From a dead stop the acceleration is normal but it has great passing power - which is really what you need. It accelerates from 40 to 65 (or more, if you dare) in a heartbeat! The ride is stiff (Aero) but very tight. It's very comfortable (Aero seats) and the power convertible top works great. No noticeable decrease in headroom. Still has trunk room with the top down. Stereo is good - sound is very true to actual.

Favorite Features

Exceptional driving car. Quick acceleration. Great power top.

Suggested Improvements

The radio & temp controls are unnecessarily busy - someone there likes buttons too much. There are "phone" controls which will not work in the US. I've had the black paint scraped off the radio buttons which required them to replace the whole control unit. Cup holder hanging over a dash is flimsy.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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