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Used 2001 Saab 9-3 Hatchback Consumer Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
40 reviews

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Happy 2nd Saab driver

QWK SWD from Md, 03/10/2006
2001 Saab 9-3 SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

"Smooth" is how my 26 yr. old son describes the drive. Excellent metallic paint, even after 5 yrs. Interior stylish yet reserved, high quality but a bit snug for 4 on board. 31mpg on the highway. Distinctive; you don't get lost among the Japanese nameplates on the road. Well built, very reliable. It doesn't break. An '06 9-5 next?

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3.5 out of 5 stars

Love to hate it

paulsmith94065, 01/12/2007
2001 Saab 9-3 SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I won't buy a Saab again. The only reason I bought it was the unique style. I bought it new and it has been in the shop MANY MANY times. Now that it is out of warranty, its becoming quite annoying, but it's paid for, and the repairs are cheaper than a car payment. Saab has lost its style. The new ones look just like Audi and BMW. Too bad, unique style was the only thing going for it. Anyway, beware if you buy. Many quirky problems, hard to find & expensive repair shops. Oh, and the car really depreciates which is another reason I haven't ridded myself of it yet... can't bear to take the loss. I would only recommend this car if you have a reliable car to drive while its in the shop!

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Stalwart

bcollier, 10/27/2009
2001 Saab 9-3 SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

After 8 largely trouble-free years I felt it's time to give this car its due on Edmunds. Its best features are the fun factor - great responsive motor and handling, classic styling (the newer cars have become too homogeneous), and reliability which is surprising for Saab. There have been a couple costly part replacements, but over time that's to be expected. It's certainly been more reliable than our '05 Toyota Sequoia. After 8 yrs my eyes have begun to wander to possible replacements (e.g., M3), but the Saab keeps running strong, and if I "traded up" I suspect I'd miss the Saab more than I'd like the newer car.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Fun to drive - more power than expected

sonicsunspot, 07/12/2003
2001 Saab 9-3 SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I was not looking for a Saab when I fell in love with this car. I was looking to get into a Mercedes C240 or a BMW 325, but the salesman mentioned the Saab was worth a test drive. I said "what the hell" and the next thing I know I was putting money down on the Saab to hold it. This car is really a joy to drive and I was really surprised with the power from a 4 cylinder. Plus I saved $10K. Saab is a very under-rated car.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

2001 9-3 2.0 turbo 4 dr base model

JT, 02/24/2007
2001 Saab 9-3 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Mine has 72500 km/45000 miles. Recently needed almost CDN$900 in front suspension work. Recent problems led to software upgrade for throttle body, dealer warns if problem recurs, vehicle will need new throttle body (cost over CDN$1000 at dealer pricing). Ignition Discharge Module replaced on recall. Various valves and hoses replaced. An oxygen sensor failed around 40000 km. Driver's door handle mechanism failed twice. Interior squeaks. Some pixels no longer light on information display. One headlight wiper motor failed. Blower motor for heater replaced. Received letter from Saab advising 8 year warranty coverage for engine failure due to oil sludge provided certain conditions are met.

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