Used 1999 Saab 9-3 Hatchback 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: $4,2501,005 mi away
- Viggen 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $26,7501,843 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
'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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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!
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Great Buy
Boxter72, 10/11/2005
1999 Saab 9-3 SE Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I recently bought this vehicle. I LOVE it. It is one of the greatest cars I have ever driven. Knowing High quality build and performance, I can say that my 1999 Saab 9-3 SE Turbo is an excellent vehicle. Acceleration is wonderful, cruising is comfortable, reliability is amazing, quick response superb, build is extraordinary. This vehicle is a SAFE, RELIABLE, FUN, performance and safety Inspired EXPERIENCE, not just a car. It is a life-time investment that you will not regret for a moment.
The road less traveled
waltwins, 07/24/2002
1999 Saab 9-3 Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Second Saab I've owned. Very practical, fun to drive, reliable and safe. Will probably buy another one when the time comes.
Saablover
Lukas, 12/16/2005
1999 Saab 9-3 Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Superb dream car! I've always loved these autos and I was not wrong buying this one. Swedish perfection! No problems at all! I bought it w/ 50,000 miles and now I ended w/ 122,000 - maintenace free w/ oil change. Unfortunately I was rearended by a drunk driver and my passion (Saab) was totaled. The car was totaled but nothing happened to me. I would recomend this car to anybody - simply perfect vehicle, reliable, beautiful, no words...
Flying ace...
9 3 owner, 07/26/2002
1999 Saab 9-3 Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have a lot of mixed emotion about this car. It can be a pleasure to drive. Acceleration, comfort and feel are all good. It is expensive to maintain and has had its share of minor problems. No major flaws however. The change over to a hydrolic clutch is a vast improvement over the previous model but it still feels like the clutch plate may be small for the weight of the vehicle. i.e. It commonly lugs starting the car on an incline and wants you to feather the clutch out.
Great used car value!
ryno, 02/17/2004
1999 Saab 9-3 SE HO Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My 9-3SE HO 5sp is a great driver's car with impressive acceleration, ample cargo space, and loads of standard options. It is amazing how much this car depreciates in value in the first few years, but this makes it a great used car value.
great car!!!
flcmike, 02/24/2004
1999 Saab 9-3 Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
best car Ive ever had!!
I'm Liking This Car
J-Lo, 08/24/2002
1999 Saab 9-3 SE HO Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my first SAAB and I've had zero complaints. I purchased a late year 93SE 4DR with the HOT engine and it is just plain cool. Performance is great and after 45K it seems to get better each day.
Great car!!
Grreat, 04/11/2006
1999 Saab 9-3 Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the best car i have ever owned! It is fun to drive and reliable, there have been no problems
Hit or miss with Saabs
Garry, 07/31/2008
1999 Saab 9-3 SE Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my second Saab and I'm really enjoying it so far. I only spent $1000 on a used 1999 9-3 with 86.5K miles, so the money I invest won't be lost when I resell it. For the money and year I'm happy. The engine and body are still in great condition, which may be more of a reflection of the previous owners. Unfortunately I'm going to put about $1,500 into tires, struts, and brakes, but that is just maintenance. From what I've read and researched, it honestly takes a certain person and their individual Saab to enjoy their ride. Either love 'em or hate 'em. My experience thus far is love 'em.
Excellent car
Steve, 07/02/2006
1999 Saab 9-3 Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this car. Nothing but minor maintenance. Getting ready to do timing chain, but only as preventive maintenance.
Not worth buying, even used
tdskip, 05/14/2004
1999 Saab 9-3 SE Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Saab has ready gone down hill, you can tell they we've been stretched too thin in trying to keep up with their peers. My 9-3 has the structural integrity of cooked linguine is is fragile. If you ask Saab they'll admit that this model needs lots of maintenance and isn't very robust (tend to bends the front hubs). Roomy and the hatchback is flexible, but not as much as you'd think since the rear seats won't fold flat unless the front seats are all the way forward.
Fun!!
Steve Pfeiffer, 05/29/2004
1999 Saab 9-3 Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had this car for about four months and every morning that I get up I can't wait to drive it.
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.
Looks are not everything
Hobbs, 06/24/2004
1999 Saab 9-3 Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my Saab 2 years ago becuase it had good reviews but ever since it hit 50K miles everything and anything has started to go wrong with it. Performance wise the car is great but as far as interior creature comforts there really are none. Major complaint is with the engine components mainly ignition, I've had to replace the chip that controls the ignition twice in 2 years and Saab won't do anything about it. In fanla car looks great but it's cheap under the hood and inside.
Style and Value
jrobinson24, 03/09/2003
1999 Saab 9-3 SE Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Being a SAAB fanatic (owned '88 conv., '95 900SE), I was looking for a reasonably-priced used sedan. 9-3's offer great value and lots of style, comfort, and power. 4-door hatchback offers tons of cargo room (please bring it back SAAB!). Automatic requires a heavier accelerator foot to get it moving, but when turbo kicks in it has great power! Lots of nice interior features to make you think you spent a lot more on the car. Reliability has been good, and SAAB service is great - if needed. I highly recommend this car, although performance freaks may want to grab the HO version that came out later in '99 with 200 vs. 185 hp.
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.
Bud
lenore, 07/28/2003
1999 Saab 9-3 SE Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Best car I ever drove!!! It is a plow horse. Always there and reliable. Pack horse too. Carried home two full sized desks and 2 storage units from Pottery barn in the hatchback. Unbelievable!