Used 2001 Saab 9-3 Convertible Consumer Reviews
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fun fun fun
gekisai, 05/05/2002
2001 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
If you are looking for a ragtop that is affordable, good looking, can accomodate 4 passengers and luggage,and is a heck of a lot of fun to drive (comes real close the bmw 325 and beats the pants off the volvo in the fun& performance category0 this is for you. Great value also!
2nd Saab Convertible
geek, 11/04/2009
2001 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Own 1 bought this for my daughter. Comfortable, safe, style and expect the same high reliability I have experienced in the 5 years I have owned mine. Disregard the comments about GM build quality, all built in the same factory forever. Not a Sedan so don't expect the same trunk space or the feel. Understand a convertible before you buy one and if you buy a used car understand that repairs will be necessary. I really like the car which is clear since I now own 2. BTW my other car is a new MB, so my standards are high.
2001 Saab 9-3 for sale near you
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- SE ConvertibleMSRP: $3,995187 mi away
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can't do better for the money
DonCNY, 02/07/2006
2001 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Bought used for $20k with 50k miles on it - it still feels as solid as a new car. Even the weatherstripping is still in great shape. Being a chop-top convertible, it was a bit shaky on bumpy roads and you could feel some body flex when cornering. I've added a subframe brace and swapped in a bigger rear anti-roll bar, and it now feels very solid. I can't believe how well this thing handles now as a FWD car, especially with the OE Goodyear all-seasons on it. Whenever I think I might be pushing it a little too hard it just hangs right on without so much as a howl. Why spend $5-6k more on the equivalent BMW when you can do just as well with under $400 worth of easy-to-install modifications?
GM can't build Saab
Glickchick, 11/25/2003
2001 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
This is the second Saab I have leased. The difference between the last car and this one appears to be that GM has taken over production. It is appointed only slightly better than a Chevy and is considerably less reliable and performance-oriented than my last Saab. Of specific concern is the suspension; it is too low and the car is prone to flat tires and suspension problems.
watch out!
Diana, 05/19/2010
2001 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
5 of 8 people found this review helpful
Bought this cute little car 5 years ago. After the first 2 years I had to replace the engine. One year later I had to replace the engine again. VERY costly. Expect to have at least $250 - $500 in mechanic bills quarterly. Other than that, i love how it looks, how it handles, the size, the interior. Just wish it was better built.
don't ever buy one!
saabing, 10/20/2004
2001 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
i have had my '01 9-3 for 6 moth. it has now 97000 miles, I have replaced the air compressor, all belts and hoses, Transmission, muffler, and more. I have spent more than 5 thousand dollars on top of the purchase price of this lemmon. Don't be saabing like me and never buy one used. Oh and the locks and the seats don't work anymore, electrical problems
Mixed Feelings - Saab Enthusiast
TrollHattanINsf, 08/01/2009
2001 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
While I am a SAAB enthusiast, I have been less than enthusiastic with this car. When purchased, the vehicle was in good condition and looked over in Denver. However, within months I was repairing. Some cosmetic - totally my prerogative, and others necessary. Here's the necessaries: 1. Fog lamps cracked on the highway - design flaw of glass with no protection. These are $200/ea 2. Water Pump + hosing 3. Serpentine belts 4. Multiple headlamp halogens & multiple brake pad sets (I drive 5600/yr) 5. Engine Mts., Trans. Mounts 6. Front Wheel Bearings (under 70K) 7. Window motors + mechanism 8. Hydraulics for the top 9. SID re-manufactured 10. Mass Airflow meter It feels like a $$ pit.
Not bought yet? Run! Bought? SELL!!!!
SaabNeverAgain!, 02/27/2007
2001 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
Okay, positives first: This is by far the most fun car I have ever driven - except to the shop. And I know what I am talking about - I have had to do that a lot and that ain't cheap! Bought it 3 years ago, had been leased for 3 years. Should have gotten the hint with all the things I had done on it while under the warranty still. I have had to pay $600-$1200 repairs on it several times a year for the past 3 years and I finally gave up and dumped this piece of workmanjunk at a pretty big loss! If you haven't bought one, but consider it, seriously reconsider. If you have one and are seeing problems mount, just get rid of it ASAP - too expensive to fix everything, all the time!
A Good Start
wineman, 08/08/2002
2001 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My wife and I looked at every class of convertible from the corvette to lexus to sebring and found that the saab had the best to offer. We wanted a convertible with enough storage to go away for a weekend with golf clubs (two sets!) And we like the automatic retractable top with a glass window that has a built in boot to cover the cloth top for a nice clean look (unlike a jag). Lots of nice speed and front- wheel drive is nice too. Sticker was higher than a BMW325, but the dealer lowered the saab price about 7K and BMW wouldn't budge.
Fire Hazard
CityClown, 08/13/2002
2001 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love the unique look of the Saab. The dealer sales experience was wonderful. That's the good part. The reality is the dealer service is horrible, they treat you like a child. The car is not reliable, as it has left me stranded 3 times in a year. The last issue in July as a potential fire hazard. Over 1/4 tank of gas poured out of the gas tank (broken fuel line bracket to the tank). One spark and my family could have been dead. Bet you have never had a Fire Dept. Engine come out to certify your cars' safety, well I have. Dealer was very nonchalant about the issue. Saab Legal is also not accepting any responsibility to re- purchase this lemon.
Saab 9-3 Se Convertible- Fun & Reliable
pmb, 10/20/2002
2001 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have had absolutely no problems with this car. Best car I have owned.
2 Much Fun
minimyzr, 03/26/2005
2001 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
What a pleasure to drive! I looked at all of the soft-tops - from Mercedes to Mustangs and this one...well is the very best value. Good solid engineering, simply designed for a serious driver, and loads of fun without the usual concerns of convertible vulnerability. I am now a lifer, albeit wish I were one earlier. FYI: Blind spots can be virtually eliminated with small concave mirrors attached to outside mirrors.
Don't let others scare you!
minimaniac, 04/15/2005
2001 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a great car! Many say the reliablilty of Saabs isn't up to par, but this is my third and I have yet to have any of the horror stories that many others claim. The turbo is great, the interior is comfortable, and with the top down, it's seriously fun. Even the trunk has considerable room, and the seats fold down. The heated seats are great in cold weather, and the sound system is impressive for a stock one. I recommend this to anyone. It looks great and will impress many.
Love convertibles but lots of headaches
tber, 11/05/2003
2001 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my third (and priciest) convertible and have had it for 25 months with almost 20K miles. Has been at the dealer three times this year with a check engine light problem, fuses for the convertible top had problem and recently, towed in for a bad fuel pump that leaked gallons of gasoline! While I appreciate the many gifts and apology letters from Saab, for high cost and inconvenience, will have to look elsewhere for the 4th!
Great driving, exceptional power
awasti, 12/22/2005
2001 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great for driving. Turbo is very powerful, although kicks in around 35MPH. Car has all the necessary luxuries pre- packages from heated seats to dual power seat adjustment to climate control to on-star gps tracking.
Great Fun
saabhead, 02/06/2004
2001 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have nothing but praise for this car. It is great fun to drive
Gonna' Buy It From Lease
esfoad, 07/29/2004
2001 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We leased this vehicle new. We average 12000 miles per year. It's been a joy. Completely reliable, 23 avg mpg since new with 75% local and 25% highway miles. Our dealership is responsive and wonderful to work with. We looked at the new model and while it's impressive, we feel that the residual value of our vehicle makes it too attractive not to buy.
Uniquely Saab- Seattle
josh, 02/08/2005
2001 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We have enjoyed this car for 4 years. We have never had a problem and don't expect one.We drive it in all weather coditions- No Problem. No better investment then owning a ragtop in Seattle. We are considering replacing it with a new 9.3 conv.. Dealership experience has been exceptional. I scratch my head wondering why Saabs depreciate as they do. They are a great buy for the money.If you are a educated and responsible owner and service your car appropriately, as we have, then Saab is your car.
Saab 9-3 Convertible
tsomers1, 04/02/2003
2001 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've driven this vehicle for 25 months, just under 18,000 miles. The fit and finish were flawless; I have not had any non-routine maintenance performed. This car handles very well in turns, has a solid "quality" feel, carries lots of people and gear while retaining a small sportscar look. Great sound system, comfortable seats, excellent top.