Used 2000 Saab 9-3 Consumer Reviews
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Swedish Sleeper...a future classic
m11171, 10/02/2011
2000 Saab 9-3 Viggen Turbo 4dr Hatchback
20 of 20 people found this review helpful
They don't build cars like the Viggen anymore. This car is an animal, pure and simple. But, with 5-door configuration, I can take my family and plenty of belongings (in the huge hatch) anywhere in comfort and safety. This is a very limited production car. With the right modifications, they can be made into not just fast - but also excellent handling vehicles. As long as you stay on top of maintenance these cars are fun and reliable transportation. The acceleration on this car will shock those who don't know what this car is. This is the fastest car SAAB ever produced, and remains so to this day (Oct 2011). Still, I get 31 mpg on the highway and about 20 in the city. Love it!
GREAT used car - would have never bought it new
rurahrah, 01/05/2011
2000 Saab 9-3 SE HO Turbo 2dr Convertible
16 of 16 people found this review helpful
I bought this car sight unseen in Sep 2010 from a dealer (found it on Autotrader). The car had 86k miles on it and the Carfax showed it had been properly maintained. I paid $5,900, which included shipping, taxes, etc. Cheap! Prior car was a 1999 Saab 9-3 SE hatchback so I already was familiar with its quirks. I have only put about 2k miles on it so far but must say that so far it is the BEST car I have ever owned. FUN!
2000 Saab 9-3 for sale near you
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- Base ConvertibleMSRP: $12,9501,728 mi away
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Regrets, my last Saab
Egmontgirl, 06/13/2005
2000 Saab 9-3 Turbo 2dr Convertible
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
This is my second Saab and regretfully my last. The first (1995 conv) had massive battery/electrical/conv. problems and this one needed a new engine. This model has a newly found defect that Saab calls "engine sludge." They are covering this problem under the warranty but beware it decreases performance until you take it in or until it strands you on the highway. I have finally decided that it doesn't make sense for me to pay the upgrade for a performance vehicle when the performance deteriorates. Alas, it is all under warranty but the fact that it needed a new engine is going to really hurt my resale value. I've loved these cars eventhough they proved to not be worth the luxury pricetag.
fast/dependable/flexible
djdozer, 12/11/2002
2000 Saab 9-3 Turbo 2dr Convertible
9 of 10 people found this review helpful
perfect in every way,except for the bumpers.. if you live in the city,, people of course bump in to them, and scratch them and they quickly look like s///t even if the rest of the car is perfect.. a design flaw in my opinion.. but otherwise.. great job. Standard radio/speakers// also kind of suck.
Don't even think about it
acr, 08/19/2005
2000 Saab 9-3 SE HO Turbo 2dr Convertible
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
I have owned my 2000 SE Turbo SAAB for a little over 1 yr. Over this year I have put over $3000 into it. After purchasing it the di-cassette went out, costing $700. I have had numerous oil pumps and hoses replaced each time to the shop it is $300. Then my AC compressor went out, causing the Reciever/Dryer to go out. This is $1500 to fix. Had the car back for 15 minutes and the serpentine belt went out. Over all the car has been in the shop 5 times in a year. I will be selling the car as soon as I get it out of the shop. It gets better....the part I need (receiever/dryer) is on national back order for 6 months. RED FLAG.
Mine suffered from oil sludge
2000 9-3 Conv SE 2dr, 03/02/2006
2000 Saab 9-3 SE HO Turbo 2dr Convertible
9 of 11 people found this review helpful
I bought my Saab 2000 SE Turbo Convertible as a Certified Used vehicle. After having the car for 2 months, the engine completely blew (as well as the Turbo and catalytic converter) because of a known issue with this 2000 model -- oil sludge. I fought and fought and fought for MONTHS with Saab corporate to fix my $15,000 used lemon. Saab Corporate kept insisting that I PROVE the vehicle had proper maintenance (i.e. oil changes) throughout its life. BUT I had JUST bought the vehicle from a Miami dealer as a CERTIFIED USED vehicle. That, by definition, means the vehicle had a proper maintenance throughout its history. Saab eventually replaced engine, turbo and now the car is fantatic!
Fun to drive no fun on your wallet
Kabir, 03/22/2010
2000 Saab 9-3 Viggen Turbo 4dr Hatchback
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Owning my Viggen was like being addicted to a drug. You know it's bad but you cant get rid of it. It was the most fun to drive car I ever owned. I've had an older Porsche and many BMW's but the Saab blew them away when it came to fun. I had to replace the engine at 120,000km ($8000repair bill) then a piston went 5 months later. My dad had a 9-5 at the same time and had nothing but trouble also. Stay away from these car's GM ruined them. If you want a Saab look for a pre 1991 model that's when they were reliable. On a positive my Viggen got AMAZING fuel economy for a turbo car. I once got 1012 km on one tank of gas on a road trip.
2000 Saab 9-3
Zach, 11/05/2006
2000 Saab 9-3 SE HO Turbo 4dr Hatchback
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought my 9-3 SE with 56k, and a year and a half later I have 85k. It turns out that the Cat. converter was mounted too close to the oil pan, thus overheating it, boiling the oil, and causing the infamous sludge problem! I've had my car in the shop 3 times to have it brought back to life after losing oil pressure while driving - not good. The oil screen clogs with sludge and is expensive to remove and clean. This makes the engine work harder and I had to have the timing chain replaced - it was too slack. My last saab 9000 is now 15 years old and still going, I thought another would be a good buy, but I was VERY wrong. Stay away form the '00 and '01 9-3se
Reliable for the first 50,000...
Peterz, 01/14/2007
2000 Saab 9-3 Turbo 2dr Convertible
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
The car was fine for the first 50K, after that everything that could go wrong did. I maintain the car religiously, keep it in a garage and still it is a headache. For the past 12 mos my repair bill average $550 a month (three towings so far), including turbo for $1900, fuel pump assembly $550 and (yes!) a driver seatbelt for $470 (and I use a solid local repair shop not the dealer that charges a first born).
2000 Saab 9-3 Hatchback Auto
myhooptie, 05/19/2011
2000 Saab 9-3 Turbo 4dr Hatchback
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
Over all the car was great for what I needed it for. Had a lot of problems with the front wheel hub and bearing assembly. I had to replace the same wheel hub twice in less than 10,000 miles. I am pretty sure that all of them were going bad and i only had 160000 miles on it and the fuel pump went out on me. I also had to change out the radiator before 150000 mile. There was a problem with the driver seatbelt which made me want to get rid of it. I thought that because it was not american built that i would get at least 200000 miles out of it. Not even close. This car was not built for car seats at all. My kid tried to put his car seat up front
Safety and a Sports car
Musashi R. Sadler, 02/05/2010
2000 Saab 9-3 SE HO Turbo 4dr Hatchback
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
To start off, the saab is my first car. I got it a year ago during my senior year of highschool, and ever since then I have love every bit of it. My only problem with it is that it is a little worn. There are some airflow issues and the radiator was leaking but these were not manufacturing flaws but probably from the former owner(s). I wish I could have drove it when it was new but sadly I can't. Oh and these cars are pretty strong, because yesterday I got rear ended pretty hard by a honda accord and came out with just a dent and scratches on the rear bumper... can't say much for the honda though. So if your teenager wants a car you should go for this one, you get safety and a sports car.
I love this car !!!
ACS, 02/26/2002
2000 Saab 9-3 Viggen Turbo 2dr Convertible
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This care is great! I'd very much like to upgrade to a Viggen when my lease is up on this car. For those of you who like Saab's - this is the car for you.
TIRES AND RIMS BAD NEWS- GREAT ENGINE
TOM BRADY, 01/05/2003
2000 Saab 9-3 Turbo 2dr Convertible
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I'm about to turn in my 2000 9-3 convertible after a 3 year lease. Over the course of 32,000 miles, I have been through 7 tires and two rims. I'm driving on a rim now that appears to be bent as I have a slow leak in the tire, but at this point, screw up, it's to the gas station every saturday for air until I turn it in. Blow outs at the slightest pot hole. I hate to say it but, it's the Saab of old. I wont be getting another despite the BEST turbo engine I've ever driven. It's a shame, if it wasnt for the friggin wheels and tires ( $250 per tire to replace), they would have a repeat customer
Very High Maintenance
stoker999, 11/09/2004
2000 Saab 9-3 Turbo 2dr Convertible
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Replaced the following items: 47K miles--serpentine belt broke, timing chain replaced. 56K miles--turbo replaced 57K miles--DI electronics replaced 58K miles--balance chain, water pump and head gasket changed With the 60,000 suggested maintenance, the repair costs exceed $6,000. Saab corporate thought this was acceptable.
Saab best car ever
Lowell HR, 08/23/2018
2000 Saab 9-3 Turbo 2dr Convertible
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
My Saab 9-3 convertible is 18 years and runs perfectly (with regular maintenance). I cannot give it up, regardless of all the upgrades it does not have.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
Love - Hate My Saab
Lisa, 07/07/2010
2000 Saab 9-3 Turbo 2dr Convertible
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
My main objective for purchasing the 2000 Saab convertible (new) was the safety features and reliability reputation, having been stranded with previous used cars numerous times. Sadly, I have been stranded 6 times in this car, the first after owning it less than a year. In addition to normal regular maintenance, the DI cassette has gone twice, seat belt replaced, water pump broke, AC compressor (broke again within 4 months) to name just a few items. I love the look of the car and used to enjoy driving it but no longer have the confidence that I will get to where I am going safely. I would not buy another Saab after my experience. My repair shop jokes about how frequently they see me each year
S-hameful A-utomobile A-lways B-roken
Used2LoveSaabs, 04/09/2007
2000 Saab 9-3 SE HO Turbo 2dr Convertible
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought my Saab used in 03 with 52000 miles on it, expecting to keep it for 10 years. The car has been a constant repair nightmare and all issues are apparently well known problems with this model. The worst issue has been the engine completely blowing at 96,000 miles due to "sludge" build-up. It cost me about $7,000 to replace mine. I have been stranded twice due to DI cassette failure and twice for serpentine belt failure. I have also had to replaced the AC compressor. Do not buy!
Excellent Car!
Buster, 10/29/2002
2000 Saab 9-3 Viggen Turbo 4dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Excellent car for the person who loves performance (to include high speed autobahn style driving) but also hates to hear their adult friends groan at being stuck in the back during a road trip. This car has great interior room and more trunk space than BMW. The engine is extreemly strong although if you're looking for a stoplight racer - get a Mustang. If your looking for a car that makes tight curves and highway miles a blast - this is it.
2000 Saab 9-3 Turbo 4DR Hatchback
bellari, 05/28/2004
2000 Saab 9-3 Turbo 4dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Drives like a small sports car, but is roomy & comfortable inside. I once packed an armoire in the back! Visibility and handling are excellent.
Great in a snowy climate
snocrvr, 04/09/2004
2000 Saab 9-3 Turbo 4dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I'm very happy with my 9-3! Best all- around car I have ever owned, including VW, Mercedes, and Lincoln. I drive a lot of freeway and town miles every day for my job, and this a totally enjoyable and reliable (so far) car to drive. The build quality is good, and the seats are sensational. I love the thermostatically controlled heated seats. The hatch and fold-down rear seats are great for carrying big and bulky items. Wonderful winter car in Minnesota.
My 4th Saab, 2nd 9.3
Pete , 09/15/2005
2000 Saab 9-3 SE HO Turbo 4dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought this vehicle with 32K on it last July. Put about 30K on it in 1 year. Have had no issue issues with the car besides normal maintenance. Great gas milage for the size and performance. Nice highway driving and comfortable. I very pleased with vehicle to this point.
Excellent car
chris, 08/30/2010
2000 Saab 9-3 Turbo 4dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I was kind of skeptical about buying this vehicle because I had heard repairs are too expensive. However, I have driven this car everywhere in the last 6 months and it has been great. has not let me down at all, I have put 15 thousand miles in the last 6 months, bought it with 126 thousand. if you do all the preventive maintenance on a SAAB, it will last a very long time.
Fun to drive
Turbolover, 12/10/2006
2000 Saab 9-3 SE HO Turbo 4dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car is amazing. It is extremly fun to drive. Interior is comfortable, not to mention the huge trunk space. Only problem is the display unit is starting go, a problem Saab fixed on the newer models.
Shameful
getts45, 08/21/2008
2000 Saab 9-3 SE HO Turbo 4dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I would expect a lot more out of a car that claims to be an upperscale car. Been a constant nightmare since purchased. While driving it home from the dealer it broke down- $300 repair. Two months later again. $700 repair. then twice more each over $150 repairs. It rides clunky, choppy and stiff, rattles and the body hardware is terrible: door jams wear easily, under the wheelwells wear to the bare metal, and the only good thing is the power and fuel economy and the looks of it. Stay away from this car!
The best choice
2000ATL_Viggen, 06/05/2002
2000 Saab 9-3 Viggen Turbo 4dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought used because I can't afford new. Drove all the competitors; BMW 330, Lexus IS, Volvo C-70, Mercedes. This car is for the driver who does not stay in the status quo lane. The Viggen's handling is great. Front wheel drive takes some getting used to. Torque steer? Educate yourself about what torque steer really is. This car doesn't suffer from it. There's a little turbo lag but when you finally adjust to the clutch it's minor. I love the quirkiness of the Saab. Allows me to break out of the norm (and blow away the Beamers).
Fun to drive, but...
MUY, 06/16/2003
2000 Saab 9-3 Turbo 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The car is fun to drive, but interior details are cheap. At any given point in time over the last 3 yrs, something on the interior is broken. These are always small (back seat light, seat adjustment knob, gear shift knob) but annoying. I also had to replace the tires after only 19,000 miles. No help from the dealer in getting warranty relief, they claimed it was my alignment. Which brings me to my final issue, dealer service stinks. They don't even provide free coffee or a carwash, let alone a loaner car.
Fine Saab Properly Maintained
SPKorn, 07/28/2009
2000 Saab 9-3 Turbo 4dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've owned this Saab 9-3 since new. It has been trouble-free...and more trouble-free than our Acura. Have performed all factory maintenance and 3 oil changes a year. Great mileage with manual trans, and heated fabric seats is unique. Marvelous in snow. Timeless hatchback styling. Would buy again, but concerned whether Saab will be around. Too bad.
Saab no more
Saab no more, 05/16/2003
2000 Saab 9-3 Turbo 2dr Convertible
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Test drive it and you'll own it! Own it and you won't buy it again. I truly love my car and wish that so many quirky itmes were not wrong with it: endless squeky brackes, endless knob & button replacements, continued "engie light" on and off, just poor craftsmanship on the car. It looks great, drives great... and I hate to say that the Saab dealer service dept. knows me by name... I am swithching to BMW!
turbos rule
red65olds, 03/14/2004
2000 Saab 9-3 Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought this certified used Saab from local dealer, who replaced turbo at 42K under warranty. Since then the car has driven like a dream. Drive around town in the "sport" mode for great launches and the feel of a much more powerful car--and don't pay for it at the gas pump. I test drove a used Acura TL a while back, just out of curiosity, and it felt a bit numb. Got back into the Saab and it was like driving a Euro hotrod. I feel involved when I drive this car. I might have qualms about some of the interior fittings, and the suspension is sometimes creaky in the cold, but when this car is right, it is very right.
Welcome to the State of Independence
bikeriderk, 03/25/2004
2000 Saab 9-3 Viggen Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Three letters sum up this car - FUN! A sports car feel in an everyday driver with lots of room. Viggen leather seats are about as comfy as it gets. The real beauty of this car is the engine. Just be ready the first time you put it to the floor, you WILL be surprised at the torque. This car is not for the timid as the torque-steer will keep you in check. As fast as anything you will run into from 30-80mph. Get one and enjoy!
The King of Saabs
Barry Abella, 12/31/2002
2000 Saab 9-3 Viggen Turbo 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my 4th saab (2 spgs, 1 9000 aero, and my viggen). I get more people looking at my car then other cars around. In one day I may see 5 BMW M3's but never a viggen. The speed is awsome. Since they stopped making viggens and have no plans to make an Aero soon, the viggen will reign as the king of the saabs in my opinion.
Sold a Lemon
ginman, 12/30/2004
2000 Saab 9-3 Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Had just under 28,000 miles on it. First time I drove it the windows would not work properly - had to replace the switch. Water pump went at 31,900 and the rear breaks were frozen -The dealer would not cut me any kind of break even though just out of waranty. Broke down just before xmas at 33,000 - would not start - was stranded - tow ($90) to dealer - bad ignition module ($745). Car has cost me over $2,000 in service/repair in 6 months. Don't buy this car.
I really like it
MyblueSaab, 01/01/2005
2000 Saab 9-3 Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have come to really like this car. I used to own an Acura and had to sell it to fit our new baby and her gear!! This car has done wonders. I can load and entire weekends worth of gear for my baby, my wife and myself and still not have to overflow into the cabin. The Trunk is a cavern. I can set the cruise at 75mph and get close to 30 mpg. I could go on and on but the list is too numerous. All in all this car is not more than I needed, but has turned out to be more than I expected.
Great car, rims and tires suck!
Risalaw, 05/10/2002
2000 Saab 9-3 Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Solid car BUT: The window buttons are in the worst, most uncomfortable place to get to. But thats minor compared to the tire and rim problem. I am on my second new rim, and six new tires. THIS IS NOT A CAR FOR NYC! I write this now, because at first i thought it was just my fiance or my driving. then I thought it was bad luck, then i thought it was the tire company, until finally a letter arrives today that there is a class action lawsuit for all those saab owners who have rims like a tin can and are going through tires like underwear! So, if you are going to buy this car new, do whatever you have to to put after market steel 15 inch rims with new tires and then you'll have a solid car.
I love it - but be gentle...
Antoine, 08/22/2005
2000 Saab 9-3 Viggen Turbo 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We looked for this car for over 6 mos., and were excited when we got it! Wow - what great looks! Rides firm (but not harsh), responsive steering and brakes, and acceleration is phenomenal. With the Viggen's torque and horses, you WILL leave cars behind rather easily. However, the car IS rather temperamental and requires TLC. If you drive on other than the SMOOTHEST of roads, you'll probably bend the rims, requiring immediate attention so as not to ruin your alignment. Additionally, we just passed 100k, and our water pump, brakes and a/c compressor all went out within 2k miles of each other, amounting to almost $3k in repairs. Be aware - but you can definitely enjoy yourself!
The Best Ever
Copy, 12/20/2005
2000 Saab 9-3 Turbo 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I was a little reluctant to get the new Saab (back in 2000) but something made me to for 3 years later. This convertible is the best ever. In California never Had a problem. It is amazing how fast you can pass any car with the turbo. Even in California this car is an icon and everyone watches you pass. I am proud I made the best decision.
Sixth and best Saab
Len Avant, 02/16/2003
2000 Saab 9-3 Turbo 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a great car to drive. Very intuitive on the highway and 21 MPG around town for 185 horses is better than the 92' 900S 140 horse non-turbo it replaced. Very torquey and if you punch it in first or second gear the torque will jerk the steering wheel. Not uncontrollably but not exactly a smooth delivery either. Seats are well positioned and supportive.
Fun Fun fun
Legin, 01/25/2009
2000 Saab 9-3 Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had nothing but good experiences with my Saab, sure, a few minor things have worn out, but you have to expect some maintenance. It's fantastically fun to drive and if you can stay off the turbo it is possible to get over 31 mpg on the highway.
2000 9.3 SE Convertible
jsfdds, 02/17/2003
2000 Saab 9-3 SE HO Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car and fun to drive. Window controls in bad spot. Driver seat is wearing at lumbar area rather quickly. 5 speed is awesome. Drives well in NYC snow. No problems with rims.
FUN TO DRIVE CAR
seelos, 04/04/2003
2000 Saab 9-3 SE HO Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am now 41,000 miles into my lease of 48 months @ 15,000 miles per year. My other car is a 2001 9-5 SAAB. I have had only SAABs in the last 12 years. The 9-3 model is the best SAAB yet. Earlier SAABs had many manufacturing defects and they were truly a saab(sob) story. General Motors has seemed to clean up their act however. I have had few mechanical problems and since my warranty goes to 45,000 miles, all have been fixed quickly. Also the no maintenance cost program is great. I paid for the 40,000 mile checkup but that has been all. Tires are a problem. I am now on my 3rd set. Only got 20,000 miles from original Michlems and 21,000 from Bridgestone.
My fabulous Saab
lislewis, 04/24/2003
2000 Saab 9-3 Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It's so much fun to drive. The turbo gives me a six cylinder boost without having to pay the extra gas that a six cylinder would cost. It handles wonderfully in all weather (I've never driven it in snow). It's solid and luxurious and sporty all at once. I'll probably get another Saab when my lease is up.
My Third, And Last, Saab
BadSaabBad, 07/26/2003
2000 Saab 9-3 SE HO Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I'm getting ready to turn my Saab in from my lease. The whole experience has been nothing but disappointing. My biggest complaint: TIRES! I've replaced 6 - yes 6! - tires (at $250, per). All 5 of my rims are bent - which I REFUSE to replace. (FYI: A class-action lawsuit was filed regarding the tires. Now, there is a disclaimer on the new brochures). I LOVED my car. I fought for this car with my husband...LOL. This is my third Saab and I would have been loyal for life. I wanted the convertible next, but after 3 years and just 24000 miles (I never drive during the week), I'm ready to throw the keys back at the dealership and never look back.
Fast, fun and functional.
menzo, 10/08/2007
2000 Saab 9-3 Viggen Turbo 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the definitive Saab. Best Saab ever, only the '78 99 turbo compares. It is not a typical 9-3. It has improved suspension, wheels, brakes, aerodynamics, seats, electronics, computer settings for the engine (higher horse power). Overall it is a pleasure to drive. Instant acceleration, great cornering, handling and control when braking at high speeds. Because of the high torque it does have torque steer which is most noticable at lower speed acceleration. 31+ mpg highway - 29 mpg country road commute. This car is for you if you enjoy windy country roads taken at fast speeds.
love it
johnsaab 2358, 07/12/2003
2000 Saab 9-3 SE HO Turbo 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
no problems love it to death. good for my wife / kid. needs more head room
Check Engine Light etc...
Aspen10s, 09/03/2003
2000 Saab 9-3 Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has been nothing but problems! Constant check engine light going on and no answers...needed a new alternator at 30k miles and the interior parts are cheaply made (and are constantly breaking). Very disappointing! I'm going back to my Pathfinder!
...sad to return car to Saab
yml, 08/31/2002
2000 Saab 9-3 Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
13 times in shop in 25 months of ownership. Worst experience ever with a new car -- replaced transmission, water pump, power ant., a/c compressor and hoses 4 times, windows leaked, and on and on... Saab USA finally paid me to return the car. Even with all these problems, it was the most enjoyable car to drive and haul my family and stuff.
Didn't expect so many problems...
AlexisRich, 07/23/2003
2000 Saab 9-3 Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased this vehicle mid-2001 and has unfortunately been a tremendous headache since end of 2001. Has shut down WHILE DRIVING 3 separate times, towed in total of 6x, is into dealer average of once every 2 months. Manufacturer doesn't seem to stand behind warranty and dealers in this area aren't very knowledgeable (if no "code" comes up, dealer says can't fix and need to keep bringing in). Was told by other Saab owners that quality of vehicle line severely dropped once GM took over... Would strongly urge someone to go with a more reliable car.
First time Saab man
apb, 10/18/2002
2000 Saab 9-3 Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Good, solid road car. Good handling and stability in all road conditions. 5 speed is fun to drive, but the turbo makes the whole car, it gets you to 80 in no time at all. Best interior feature is the cargo space. You would not believe how much stuff you can put into this hatchback!
Shows it's age
LAC, 05/14/2005
2000 Saab 9-3 Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My friends in Europe told me not to buy it and I now know why. Shows its cheap European GM Cavalier frame through poor handling with too much understeer and being very cluncky to drive. Poor build quality and has been unreliable. While reasonably quick, it does require at least 91 octane gas to avoid engine issues but I knew this is a requirement with all turbo's. Air conditioning failed, switches on dash failed, LED display failing piece by piece, I could go on. I hope the new model is a better car - it needs to be!
MINE BLEW UP!!!
alber1, 05/05/2003
2000 Saab 9-3 Turbo 4dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has been fun to drive and performs well, but I will never do business with Saab again. I live at high altitude, and my car's engine seized under normal use to what Saab said was "bad gas". They refused to honor the warranty and wanted $8000 to replace the engine in a car I am leasing. Eventually, they fixed it for $1200 but it should have been covered. My case was not an isolated one and the company knew this. Very sickening experience. Buy a car that isn't a GM product.