Used 1999 Saab 9-3 Consumer Reviews
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Sven the Incredible
wspcarguy, 07/07/2013
1999 Saab 9-3 Turbo 4dr Hatchback
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
I bought my 1999 Saab 9-3 in Sept 99 and have never regretted it. Sven the Saab has never left me high and dry (unless the fuel pump or battery died). Super comfy for all riders and far better MPG than listed on the sticker. Easily averaged over 30 mpg on the hwy.
Bought new; now 11 years old
john, 10/09/2010
1999 Saab 9-3 Turbo 4dr Hatchback
19 of 20 people found this review helpful
Car requires capable mechanic - not most reliable on the road after 50K. Ignition cassette crapped out at 70K ($600 for T5), seals blew at 80K ($1800.00). I'm at 88K miles today. However, gobs of fun to drive (w/5 speed). I've installed many handling fixes (1999 base version I thought was poor) and it's great fun now. I recently drove 2007 BMW 328i wagon, 2010 MINI Clubman, 2010 Audi A3, 2010 Jetta Sportwagen, and 2011 VW GTI and decided to keep 'Helga'. None improved on the room, comfort or dramatically in handling to my old SAAB - so what if $2K yearly on repairs?; it's still cheaper than buying/leasing $25-$36K cars above. An enigmatic car, right for me.
1999 Saab 9-3 for sale near you
Showing 2 of 2 listings
- Base ConvertibleMSRP: $4,250194 mi away
- Viggen 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $26,7501,367 mi away
I'll Really Miss this Car
RBG, 09/04/2009
1999 Saab 9-3 SE Turbo 4dr Hatchback
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
Purchased new and drove it for 10 years and 187,000 miles. I expect it had another 100,000 miles in it. It ended service prematurely after it was rear ended. The vehicle did its job and all occupants walked away with no or very minor injuries. Thanks engineers and assemblers! I'll really miss this car. It did so many things well-a good blend of design, performance, build quality, economy and utility. And it was FUN to drive everyday. Others correctly point out proper routine maintenance is required. It's not necessarily expensive. Like all vehicles Saabs have quirks and some common part failures. To me they were either endearing or minor annoyances. I'm looking for another one.
Hot Hatchback
Aaron Moore, 01/21/2016
1999 Saab 9-3 Turbo 4dr Hatchback
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
I have the 4 door standard transmission version. It is a very powerful car for the price I paid and climate control works great. There are a few interior problems though. The pixels on the head unit have virtually faded away so you cant make out the time and radio stations. Not a big deal though. One other problem is that the driver side door lock made a terrible noise when it locks and sometimes wont even lock when it is cold out. The alarm system works great after learning first hand. Overall no major engine or other mechanical problems.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Not for everyone. But for me heck yeah!
fl81turbozx, 08/11/2008
1999 Saab 9-3 SE HO Turbo 2dr Convertible
14 of 15 people found this review helpful
1st, let me say, Im a car guy tried and true. My first love is a z, but this Saab is a blast! I bought the car as a commuter, good gas mileage, convertible, had no idea I was getting a well refined sports machine. I see mixed reviews, and I think saabs get a bad rap from people who don't understand what they are buying. If you dont know how to take care of a turbo car, dont buy one. If you want to compromise on maintenance (or if the previous owner did), don't buy one. If you are not enthusiastic about cars in general, buy something else. This car is an enthusiast's car. It's a blast to drive, good gas mileage is a bonus. I'm am pleasantly surprised by the 28+mpg.
'99 9-3 Still going strong
Chris Kreger, 11/29/2007
1999 Saab 9-3 SE Turbo 4dr Hatchback
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
Just rolled 200K and the car still moves. Gets over 30 mpg highway and averages 26+ mpg. 3 daughters learned to drive in this car, wife drives everyday and refuses to give it up. Oil changes every 4-5000 mi w/synthetic, one tune up, one timing belt, and repair to driver's window. Car still looks good and currently no thoughts of replacing it.
Where have the hatchbacks gone?
mc, 01/10/2010
1999 Saab 9-3 Turbo 4dr Hatchback
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I bought this car to travel to bicycle races. I wanted something fast (turbo), with good economy (my car gets close about 30mpg highway), comfortable, and with ample interior space for two bikes. This car fit the bill. I was surprised by how reliable it has been. I bought it used in 2001, with 30K miles, the car now has 110K, and the only things I've had to fix are the ignition and serpentine belt. Everything else has been pretty routine (like batteries). An excellent car -- and for some reason, BMW drivers try to drag race my wife when she's driving it .. and they're surprised when the turbo gets going and she drops them. :)
Fun and quick, reliable and great mpg!
nott-me, 08/20/2010
1999 Saab 9-3 Turbo 2dr Hatchback
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I have had the car about 2.5 years and total of 36,000 miles. Fun to drive, turbo is great! I have the 2 door version, and the trunk area will swallow anything with the seats folded! Repairs are usually happen like clockwork every 10,000 miles on my example but worth the upkeep in enjoyment and uniqueness. I have 124,000 on the odometer now.
9-3 Saab 6 years later I still love it!
Heather Walker, 10/28/2006
1999 Saab 9-3 SE HO Turbo 2dr Convertible
9 of 10 people found this review helpful
I bought my Saab used, it was a certified Saab with 30k miles. I have driven it all over the east coast, from Wisconsin to FL. I also drive it everyday to work. Fun and reliable, what more can you ask for from a car?
A fun grocery-getter
MC, 03/05/2007
1999 Saab 9-3 Turbo 4dr Hatchback
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I bought this car because I wanted somthing to replace my old Volvo wagon, but I wanted somthing that could pass a cadillac in the mountains. This car fit the bill. 32 MPG at 80 MPH, hauling tons of camping gear for two people. A reliable car. Only left me stranded once when the serpentine belt came off at mile 102000. Too bad Saab did away with the hatchback design - this style of car is the most utilitarian (huge storage, great handling, fast, nice looking, and good fwy gas mileage). Because of the turbo and vehicle weight, the city mileage is poor, though.
BEST ALL AROUND CONVERTIBLE
JOHNG.., 05/03/2002
1999 Saab 9-3 Turbo 2dr Convertible
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I LOOKED AT EVERY CONVERTIBLE ON THE MARKET. THIS WAS FAR AND AWAY THE MOST WELL-ROUNDED CAR OUT THERE. PERFORMANCE BACK SEAT ROOM, TRUNK ROOM, LOOKS, PRICE.... IT HAS IT ALL...
Love my Saab!
Russw, 05/02/2002
1999 Saab 9-3 SE Turbo 2dr Convertible
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
I could not be happier with this car! It fits all of my needs including golf clubs! The performance is outstanding... more than I need... and has great road handling ability! There is a little bit of tourque steer... but after about a week of driving... it's not even noticable.
Wish I never sold it ):
alessing, 07/22/2012
1999 Saab 9-3 SE Turbo 4dr Hatchback
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
Great car, good on gas, good for young teens, traded in for Hummer H2. Wish I never did!
Saab Story
mtnbound, 01/23/2006
1999 Saab 9-3 SE Turbo 4dr Hatchback
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car used, in 2002 & I drive Orange County Ca for Sales. Vehicle performs as a Saab should, however I am disappointed by maintenance. Replaced all 4 power windows within the first year, due to a plastic connector breaking, that has no replacement part available At $500/window, not good. SID display replaced in "04. Switched to synthetic oil in "04, seems to start better, run quieter, did not help mileage (24-26) on average. Also had to replace radiator in vehicle in december of 2005. Replaced struts and disc brake rotors, but that is expected with a car of this age. Braking and handling excellent. Love the climate control, but had to replace compressor.
Swedish Solution
ernst, 05/02/2002
1999 Saab 9-3 Turbo 2dr Convertible
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
this is the car for the 21st century blahs!..its exciting to drive because it hugs the road and wants to be driven! Its exciting to look at as it has its own unique styling unlike all the rest!..people take notice of it immediately ..they know quality when they see it!..with the top down you can be a kid again!..its all there and its made in Europe by persons who still care for design and quality and workmanship!..what more could you ask for?.....
Great Car, some problems
TRudd, 09/21/2006
1999 Saab 9-3 Turbo 4dr Hatchback
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought this car with 50,000 miles on it from a dealership and was the 2nd owner. A day after I bought it, the head gasket went out. The dealership paid for labor, I paid for parts ($300). Needless to say, this should not happen with a car that has 50,000 miles on it. After the repairs, I haven't had any problems... yet. I love this car, a little more interior noise than my Honda Accord - but much more fun to drive, better looking, and gas mileage wasn't all that different (28 mpg/hwy with the Saab; 28-29 mpg '97 honda accord 4 cyl).
Approaching to 80,000 miles
Reiley, 11/10/2004
1999 Saab 9-3 SE Turbo 4dr Hatchback
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Mechanically to date, I dumped close to $1,800 to replace the coil pack(s) that went out. And that's it. No other mechanical problems. And with Saab labor at $110/hour, thank God. Have maintained the car in accordance with the manual and it runs great and still smells new. Steering is a bit stiff in the morning on cold days, but once it warms up, is fine. Car is depreciating in value a little quicker than I thought. Every Saab mechanic swears about the car's long-term reliability, so I'm hoping to get at least 200,000 miles on my 99 9-3SE although I hope GM doesn't mess with the company to the point that Saab doesn't maintain its independent identity.
Motorcycle alternative
Mid life crisis car, 07/01/2009
1999 Saab 9-3 SE Turbo 2dr Convertible
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought my 99 Saab convertible as a second car. I brought it to a SAAB only local service shop that has taken care of all the basics. Now, I get to drive. I love this car. It has great pick up, is very comfortable, and is lots of fun. I'm not sure about other guys, but this is a great alternative to a motorcycle for me. (I tend to not pay attention when I drive!). Yes, the 9-3 has quirks and leaks, etc. But I am so tired of seeing stupid expensive 323's on the road... and this car is perfect for me.
Great on Highway, Hard on your Wallet
ifthecar, 04/12/2009
1999 Saab 9-3 Turbo 2dr Convertible
8 of 11 people found this review helpful
I purchased the my 9-3 Convertible with 18K miles and now has 107K. When running, it is great on the highway, and so much fun with the top down. The great things are the stereo, very comfortable seats (could easily drive cross country). The bad things: I had it break down 3 times (would not start), and each time it would cost around $1000 to fix. The build quality is not good, and my top had to be replaced even though it is suppose to last a lifetime. Buy this car for a great ride, but expect to pay for maintenance.
Love It!
Scott, 12/11/2005
1999 Saab 9-3 Turbo 2dr Convertible
6 of 8 people found this review helpful
I had an accident in my Saab. Since then I have sworn that I will never drive anything less! A guy did 35 MPH into my back end - never hit the brakes! I have two young children, who were not with me at the time, but had they been, they would have been ok!
If you can only have one car.........
John A,, 04/10/2002
1999 Saab 9-3 Turbo 4dr Hatchback
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
Car that finished 2001 UK Auto Club owners' survey of two-year old cars in top reliability spot. Hauls e.g. a big wheelbarrow with the trunk closed. Pioneered many safety features and finishes on crash tests. They'll think you paid more for it than you did. Tops out at about 143mph+ and fun-to-drive. More Saab owners are online than any other car and more own dogs than any other car. More people who test drive Saabs own them than all others. Owner loyalty shows Saab second to Porsche among Euro- car owners and 6th overall.
My 1999 Saab SE 4 DR GREAT CAR.........
Helae, 03/23/2002
1999 Saab 9-3 SE Turbo 4dr Hatchback
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Great car really reliable, fun to drive, really fast looks classy design, and original Saab interior confront, middle location ignition, and window gizmos are great . Really original and rare, I am a Saab enthuses for now on !
Run, don't walk away from this car
Pamela, 10/10/2006
1999 Saab 9-3 Turbo 4dr Hatchback
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
We bought our 1999 9-3 Saab with delight after a lot of research. It had 29,000 miles on it and we got a good deal. We have spent thousands in repairs on this car. The quality is terrible, with major parts wearing out and NO warranty to cover the expenses. We thought Saabs are good quality cars, and that is simply not the case here. Run, don't walk away from the 1999 Saab 9-3!
Love my Saab
mazz5, 06/13/2011
1999 Saab 9-3 SE Turbo 4dr Hatchback
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
I bought my 1999 9-3 for 6k with 45k miles on it. Since then I have put 55k on it with minimal repairs. Probably the most economical car I could have asked for, however there are a number of things wrong with my ride right now, its literally falling apart slowly and not worth investing money in repairs. Aside from random problems, some of which are due to an accident, I still love this car and the engine would probably be good for another 100k. Would love to buy another one but all the small problems are keeping me away from Saab for awhile.
By Far The Best Car I Have Ever Owned!
Melinda25, 02/03/2010
1999 Saab 9-3 SE Turbo 4dr Hatchback
3 of 6 people found this review helpful
I purchased my 1999 Saab used and with high mileage(113,000 miles)in 2007 when my Audi broke down. Since buying my Saab I have only had to replace the idler pulley and belt($320.00 which included towing, was my mechanic not Saab "expert" mechanic and nearing the end of 3rd year of ownership) and do regular maintenance on it. About 1 month ago a stolen car him my mothers parked Volvo at 40+ mph causing the Volvo to hit my Saab that was parked about 1 foot in front of it. My mothers Volvo was totaled, it folded in the front and back, however my Saab drove away from the accident with only $43.00 in damage! I would recommend this car to anyone! My mother is actually looking for one now.
Stay away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
psaul, 10/14/2004
1999 Saab 9-3 SE Turbo 2dr Convertible
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
Purchase 99 conv w/50K miles. spent $4500 replacing coil pack, conv top pistons, water pump and trip computer. Requested "good will" assistance from Saab and denied because 12 months our of warrentee. Internet forums indicate quality problems with Top and Trip computer and coil pack. Please stay away.
Best thing since surströmming
Will Schmidt, 09/14/2016
updated 09/14/2017
1999 Saab 9-3 Turbo 4dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This has been an amazing car to own! It's an unusual and unique car, very stylish, performs well, and is extremely practical. It has a ton of safety features that rival modern cars, high performance and handling that holds its own even today, and efficiency that approaches the prius (of the same year). The seats are very comfortable; I have no trouble at all driving for 9+ hours straight, travelling between OR and CA. It's been a very reliable car. A few valves have gone bad, some lines have split, the fuel pump went bad, and a relay needed to be replaced, but it's still running strong. SAAB's B204 engine is a total powerhouse, it has a nice reliable timing chain, and famously over-engineered internals (they can supposedly handle upwards of 500Hp on stock internals). I have mine running a tune, bringing it up to 225Hp and 245lb-ft of torque, and the engine is at 230,000 miles. It's a very quick car, with a light tune puts down far more power than lots of modern sportscars, tons of cargo space, and is very comfortable and composed to drive, with a highly driver-oriented interior. I rate it a solid 5/5! The Swedes really know how to make a car!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Archangels drink tea with Milton Berle
egospoon, 03/29/2002
1999 Saab 9-3 Turbo 4dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Great, except that there REALLY needs to be an AWD version.
Unique but at a cost
JMcN, 03/30/2008
1999 Saab 9-3 Turbo 4dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I had read the reviews - kind of all over the place. I decided to have at it and buy a 9-3 as a daily driver. I bought a high mileage '99 base model for a steal. Since ownership, beyond routine maintenance I've had to do quite a bit of unexpected repairs. The heat stopped working, the fuel pump went, stalling issue due to a clogged fuel check valve. Overall not a very satisfying ownership experience. We just leased a Mazda and will be moving on from this experience. If you like to tinker with cars and have the time and a warm place to fix things when they break in the dead of winter then go right ahead. Otherwise I would caution any family member of mine considering this vehicle.
Great all-around car
homegirl, 04/17/2003
1999 Saab 9-3 SE Turbo 4dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've been driving my 9-3 for a year and a half, and must say it's a great car. Fun to drive, reliable and has some really neat features.
Loved my '99 Saab
Marie , 07/13/2010
1999 Saab 9-3 Turbo 4dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought my '99 Saab with 30,000 miles on it, had it for almost 8 years and brought it to the junkyard with 160,000 miles. It was in need of a few mechanical repairs which, although expensive I would have gladly made since I am sure the car had much life left. Unfortunately, the frame had rot on it. I learned a valuable lesson to wash salt off my car in the winter. The car was fun to drive and I will miss it. The repairs are expensive-I almost died when I paid for my first break job. However, the expensive maintenance is balanced by not having to make major repairs. At 150,000 miles I made my first repair-a fuel pump, that cost $900. I always had it maintained by a Saab specialist.
Unique, Handsome...but competitive?
damonTodd, 07/02/2003
1999 Saab 9-3 Turbo 4dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Came from a 1991 Saab 900 that I loved. 9-3 hatch is no where as versatile compared to classic 900 or other hatchbacks in market. There is a large ridge that creates a bottleneck in the loading area. I cannot fit half of the things in my 9-3 I fit in my 900. Mid range power is amazing. Great highway car -- mediocre city/town car. Turbo lag is ridiculous. I'm experienced with manual trannies and I still have trouble getting quick launches. Throw the car into a curve and it feels overpowered for the suspension. If you don't pay dealer prices it can be a good,quirky buy. But give saab and others a good test drive.
Lori
Lori2, 06/27/2002
1999 Saab 9-3 Turbo 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Great car, reliable, and fun!
love my SAAB
Brian S, 06/01/2003
1999 Saab 9-3 Turbo 4dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought my vehicle used at 30,000 miles, it is now at 65000, and all I have to say is that it is a total joy to drive. It handles like a dream (though my friends get queezy because of the high seating position) and the reliability is great. I have had a ew small problems, but the dealer here in Orlando is totally awesome. I would recommend this car to my friends, and have. The 4cyl Turbo never feels like it is straining to pull the weight of the car, and I've actually had a friend ask if it was faster than my prvious car (a supercharged 5.0 mustang convertible).
Disappointing Experience
Seb1, 05/14/2003
1999 Saab 9-3 Turbo 4dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
While this car is unique and generally fun to drive. SAAB did not get it all right by any stretch. Very annoying turbo lag makes normal city driving tedious. Interior finish is poor. Cup holders don't work. Nobs and controls tend to come off. Visibility is not good. Suspension is very soft for a car that pretends to be high performance. Would not recommend this car. But don't take my word for it look at the depreciation that these cars suffer! We bought ours for $28k in 1998 it is now worth $11k as per Blue Book in private party transaction. In any case take advantage of the lease offers.
Nice ride!
cuncannanm, 06/17/2003
1999 Saab 9-3 SE Turbo 4dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
As I am new to Saab ownership, I couldn't be happier. My little silver baby has plenty of GO - I do a lot of highway driving and can get from 70 mph to over 100 in a blink. The solid constuction feel is impressive. At cruising speed the car wraps itself around the driver, making long trips a joy.
Run, don't walk, away from this car.
Cambridge, 08/12/2007
1999 Saab 9-3 Turbo 4dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Extremely expensive to repair! When buying, I would strongly suggest you have all the records for repairs and maintenance. Prior to buying, I had a reputable mechanic review the car and it appeared to "look" good but he was honest - "without records he was guessing." A car that has documentation on repairs and maintenance is extremely key. Bought this car used from a dealer without documentation and have spent nearly $1500 (in a calendar year) on items that should have been repaired or replaced as apart of routine maintenance. People swear by this car but thus far this has been a giant albatross. Would never buy another. The plus - I found a good mechanic.
Better Than my Volvo
FormerVolvoGuy, 02/27/2003
1999 Saab 9-3 Turbo 4dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought this to be a cheap "around town" car and it has turned into a farovate! Fun to drive and very well built...I hope GM doesn't destroy Saab the way Ford has trashed Volvo. After 9 Volvos, I'm a new Saab fan!
Style with a price
Scott Simpson, 12/12/2005
1999 Saab 9-3 SE Turbo 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
It is obvious that this is a GM vehicle. I looked at audi and BMW but settled with the saab that was thousands less. But factoring in the two times I found myself on the interstate waiting on AAA and the price of the repair bills Audi or BMW would have been such a better deal. Saab also has a problem with its AIRBAGS because I was hit head on by a truck going about 30 mph and the airbags did not even deploy! Problems with softtop leaking... fuel pump, power top not working the list goes on. Buy something else or be sure you have AAA.
Saab 9-3 Great Car
Drew, 06/03/2005
1999 Saab 9-3 Turbo 2dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought this car to use to commute 100 miles a day to keep miles off my Audi. Have had two Saabs in the past and this one never fails to amaze me!!! I have over 147k on the odometer and it still starts, idles and runs like a workhorse. Original Turbo still pulls like new!!! Very durable interior/exterior, amazed at how well this car has worn. Only expensive maintenance to date has been clutch replacement at $800 US.
Great car
NThomson, 12/05/2005
1999 Saab 9-3 Turbo 4dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought second hand from a relative who bought it new. - Great acceleration and handling - moderate torque steer. - Parts are not cheap - Good fuel economy if you keep it out of turbo range. - High depreciation which makes it economical to buy second hand. - Ergonomics: (wife) not enough cup holders and hard to reach the ones that are there. - No armrests
The best all-around convertible.
spaced, 08/29/2002
1999 Saab 9-3 Turbo 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I recently purchased my Certified Pre- Owned Saab convertible after much research into pre-owned luxury convertible options. The Saab 9-3 S has the right mix of performance, safety, style, fun factor, and value. Body rattles over rough pavement are minimized, especially considering this car is a convertible. Seats 4 adults very comfortably. Even I (6'3") can fit in the back seat! Midnight blue is --beautiful--!!!
Save big. Enjoy a lot
slow, 09/02/2002
1999 Saab 9-3 Turbo 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I was looking at BMW and my friends told me about the Saab Convertible. Great. Same european ride for a lot less and this is unique.
Precision Piece of Machinery
Edan, 06/25/2010
1999 Saab 9-3 SE Turbo 4dr Hatchback
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is my second Saab, but my first GM built one. I have had it for roughly 10k miles now. In that time I've been plagued by problems. Including a front end shake at high speeds that I haven't been able to pinpoint or solve at the cost of thousands of dollars. Otherwise, its got a lot of go and decent gas mileage. The newer Saab hatchback doesn't compare though to the older ones. Also the ride quality is fairly poor, my mom's base model Camry from 1995 is much smoother and quieter on the road. If you like to do your own maintenance, then this is a good car for you. If not, it will just bum you out.
Run From Saab
Rotz, 01/24/2005
1999 Saab 9-3 Turbo 4dr Hatchback
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Here is my SaabStory... I bought his car because my sister had a 1985 900 for 10 years which was bullet proof. Against everyone's suggestion, I bought this 9-3 because; 1. It is not BMW 2. Great styling 3. Good performance 4. Good value. Right, Right, Wrong, Wrong. So I am batting 50%. This car has been a nightmare. I bought it with 30K on it. Since then, it has cost me $200 per month in maintenance. Saab and their dealers have been responsive, but only with the phrase "No". What's gone wrong? Air bag sensors, Electronic Discharge Unit (car doesn't run w/o it), head gasket and turbo and transmission is slipping. There have been a few others. This car looked to be in perfect condition.
Saab 9-3 SE 4 dr Auto
pmcag, 08/28/2009
1999 Saab 9-3 Turbo 4dr Hatchback
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought a 9-3 with 65,000 mi and have been pretty happy. Don't like the auto climate system - defaults to air cond. in summer. Good fuel mileage. Much more power than my accord ex V-Tech. Oil changes are easy. Keeping my fingers crossed that nothing major happens like an engine seizure due to oil pickup getting blocked.
Wow, amazing.
Christopher Hartman, 08/13/2018
1999 Saab 9-3 Turbo 2dr Convertible
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
Probably the best car I've ever owned. I've been in the car business for more than 27 years. The car sat on my lot for nearly two weeks, then one day i got in it to move it and i was blown away. I took it for about a 20 minute drive, came back and told the owner, that car is mine. Since then i put all new gas shocks, all ceramic brakes, mobile one full synthetic oil. Obviously I'm keeping it. I love it.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Best car I ever Owned
Guyod, 12/31/2002
1999 Saab 9-3 Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car has a solid feel to it. This car loves to be driven fast. Its hard to say no. I only had the car for 6 months but I only brought it to the garage once because the brakes were squealing. Turns out nothing was wrong with the brakes but they did replace the SID display because lines were missing(Covered in warranty). I would smile every time i came up to my car in the parking lot or looked at it out my window. I regret wrecking it. Planning on getting a new one when i save the money.
Questionable build quality
Ken S., 06/17/2002
1999 Saab 9-3 SE HO Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought a 1999 Saab 93SE two months ago. So far, the A/C has been charged three times and no one can figure out why it is blowing the freon out of the pressure reease valve. The engine started leaking coolant and oil from the head gasket. I get a sulfur smell from the tailpipe at times. The power antenna no longer goes down all the way. The dash turn signal indicators sometimes don't work. Or sometimes they stay on when the turn signal is off. The passenger side headlight wiper is coming loose. The car has way too many interior rattles and creaks for a car in this class. And it is out of warranty with 54K on it. I want my Acura back.
Could Have Been Better
Westportviggen, 01/27/2003
1999 Saab 9-3 Viggen Turbo 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have a grey 2001 5-door Viggen . I am generally happy with the car. The car is a great start to a true performance car. It has very nice power and handling atributes. It rips out of those second gears turns with incredible power. I haven't driven any other front wheel drive car that can spin tired out of a turn at 50+ mph. BUT IT COULD BE BETTER!!!!