Used 2002 Saab 9-3 Convertible Consumer Reviews
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Looks nice, but overall a Lemon...
Lindsay H., 11/06/2015
updated 05/10/2016
2002 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
23 of 25 people found this review helpful
Bought this as my first used car purchase for college because of the look and price! I love this convertible and I get lot of compliments, but every few months there's something wrong with it. I love driving it around town and for work, but watch out for the cost of repairs. Anytime you need something worked on it, you're putting out anywhere from $500-$1500 for something to be special ordered and fixed. If you have the money for the upkeep I'd say go for it, but otherwise stay away from this lemon.
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Great Convertible
Andrew, 04/25/2010
2002 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
15 of 16 people found this review helpful
I purchaced my SAAB in 2006 with 50000 miles. The car now has 85000 and has had few problems besides routine repairs (front brakes, new battery, tires) the only problem I have had is the digits burning out on the Saab Information Display (SID). I sent the unit away for inexpensive repair and have had no further problems. I change the oil regularly and use synthetic. The car is fun to drive, convertible hood works well. Great engine. Sufficient power from the turbo. The suspension is not as good as the 3 series BMW but on the whole I am very pleasd. The car depreciates rapidly intitially making it a great used car bet.
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Never again
NO MORE SAABS FOR ME, 09/27/2010
2002 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
29 of 34 people found this review helpful
This car ALWAYS has something wrong with it. You will never stop spending money on repairs.
This car rocks!
johnG, 03/08/2002
2002 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
Overall, a fine car. Some strange internal operation decisions lower the overall score.
Love It !
JasonK, 11/10/2002
2002 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Prior to buying, I had researched the "sport-luxury" class thoroughly. What won me over was Saab's personality and the test drive. The car is very responsive, handles extremely well; the turbo lag can be mitigated by proper modulation of gas and clutch. The torque steer isn't that bad, but this is a car that requires driver attention. The workmanship is great, and the control surfaces are well designed and placed - a few inches away from the shifter or steering wheel. Seats are comfortable and supportive. Drove the car to Colorado this summer. The car was incredibly agile and fast on the winding, steep mountain roads, and well mannered on the interstates.
From dream to nightmare
Gullable, 01/30/2008
2002 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This was my dream car until I bought one (used). It's fun to drive, but not at all the luxury car I expected it to be. Over $1500 spent in repairs in 1 year on a 6 year old car with under 60K miles: alternator, exhaust pipe, headliner clips, headlights (always dim, have to replace every 3 months), digital display fading, dash cracked, cupholder broke off, irritating squealing noise from AC fan, humming sound from glove box, roof channels rainwater into my lap, emblems are faded. Payments are too high to be this disappointed. An extended warranty is a must with this car.
Nice, Nice, NIce
henry, 07/25/2006
2002 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We have been looking for a convertible which I fit into. I am 6'9" and am able to drive and ride comfortably. The car is one of my favorites for styling & perfomance. 2.0 liter is amazing bullet proof and the auto shifts smooth and is fun to drive. If you want a nicely priced used convertible the Saab is 2nd to none.
Saab 9-3 SE Convertible
goodkind, 03/19/2002
2002 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Excellent responsive tight convertible. Outstanding top and drivetrain. Brisk acceleration and excellent brakes. Completely weather tight with top up. Outstanding handling.
SAAB: Totally Under-Rated!
EFenderman, 04/24/2002
2002 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
My new 9-3 Convertible is a blast to drive! I would have never guessed that a car could be so fun to drive until I test drove this car! The excelleration is "Jet smoooth"! The quality leather coachworks are top-notch. I settled on the automatic and love the the "S" mode button on the shifter. You can certainly sense the "aircraft" heritage of these fine automobiles. More people need to discover the quality and value of these cars.
Our new toy!
SAAB-BOB, 06/28/2008
2002 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought our convertible 9-3 a couple months ago and we love it. The car gets good gas mileage (23-25MPG) around town where it is mostly driven. The handling is great and the turbo pickup is excellent. This is my first SAAB and am enjoying every moment of ownership. The pricing is so good on used SAABs that you can't go wrong. If your on the fence just do it..buy the car and have fun. Life is too short not to enjoy a little topless driving in the sun. They say once you own a SAAB you'll own another...I'm starting to believe it now. Do your homework, make sure the car you buy is of quality and go for it!
Beats the Beamer!
Brad Fridell, 04/14/2002
2002 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Coming from a convertible BMW, I couldn't imagine anything else. I was all set to buy it, but my neighbor, a service manager at the Saab dealership, asked me to take a look just for comparison-sake. My plan was to spend 30 minutes at the Saab dealership, and then go buy my new BMW. Well,I never made it to the BMW dealership. Superior engine kick off the line, quieter with the top up or down, better gas milage, much more spacious front and back, more trunk space, more gadgets standard, and much more unique. By the way, the price of the comparably equipped BMW Convertible was about $6,000 more.
Surprising
JGC, 05/09/2002
2002 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned three convertibles but this one is the best by far. I was not in the market for a Saab, I was looking at BMW and MB and Chrylser. The BMWs styling was old and the tops come with plastic windows. The MB CLK was nice but too pricey. I test drove the Saab and loved it. It is the quickest off the line and the top is great. The car has no rattles and wind noise is nonexistent. I drove the Volvo C70 to compare and it was slower, handled less well, rattled and was noisey with the top up. The back seats are useful, unlike any other car I considered. It is a great luxury sports car and the price is reasonable.
Love the Car, Hate the Corporation
AJ in California, 05/17/2002
2002 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my second Saab and I love the car -- especially the convertible which is sooo much fun to drive with the top down. Only drawback to owning the car: dealing with Saab Corporation! The car may have alot of "soul" but Saab Corporation clearly does NOT given my experience. This is one second time Saab owner who still loves Saab cars but am sorely disappointed by the company who clearly operates on "rules and regulations" (their exact words to me on the phone). Obviously, "profit" and not customer satisfaction reigns surpreme at Saab Corporation!
Fun and Fast
Seanc, 05/31/2002
2002 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my 2nd Saab purchased in one year. Although the design is older (8 years), this car still has soul and class. Very fast, sure handling and practical for a convertible (trunk is a good size, 4 usable seats, 30 mpg). I leased the car, but if all goes well, this is a keeper for many years.
Pasion, Fun and Delivery
Big Joe, 07/02/2002
2002 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
One simple statement : It's the BEST. No comparison to other EU cars.
My Lord, Saab comes out of nowhere!!!!
CobtheCrazed, 11/10/2003
2002 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I was searching for a used convert. for a couple of months. At first I liked the Boxter, then the BMW, the the Mercedes SL. At no time did I even think of the Saab. I went to the dealer after my sister told me about a sale going on, I said, why not, they are cool looking cars and they fit with my snobby job in banking. Let me tell you, I had a ball testing this thing. From the ease of the convert. top to the turbo boost and the little S button for extra speed. I bought a 2002 model that same day and I wound up getting a bumper to bumper warrenty until 2009 or 100,000 miles. Final cost before tax, $27,000. Simply Amazing car.
She's my Saababy
AT Hiker, 10/21/2005
2002 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
She's so sweet ... she's so fine ... and I'm glad that she is mine! I had a 1995 Saab SE Turbo convertible that I loved so much that when she started to get "long in the tooth" I traded her in on this newer version. Fast! Fun! Luxurious yet has a true sports car feel! Unbelievable gas mileage (30's on the highway) and I constantly get comments from old and young alike, "Nice car"! She is everything a summer car should be.
2002 Saab SE Convertible
mudbug, 02/10/2004
2002 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Very comfortable. I traded in a '99 Mustang GT convert. The Saab feels more responsive and is way more comfortable and refined. Torque steer is my only complaint.
Fun - shoddy build for the price
YazMan, 04/20/2006
2002 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love the engine - that's about it. Bad tires, soft suspension. Horrible fit and finish. I have had to go to the dealership 20+ in the first 2 years - all covered but who needs the hassle in a 30-40K car. If you are buying you must get extended warranty or get rid of it before the warranty expires.
fun but problems/not like the old saabs
ron w, 04/09/2004
2002 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
2 hands on wheel when accelerating as car pulls-dlr says it the size of tires on these models; right pax seat not reclining since new-have taken to dealer 4 times already;battery dead at 26k;4 tires needed replacing at 8k and another one at 15k;no power door lock button inside-have to manually push lock down/cupholder right where the stereo is-what if your drink leaks,etc;owned a 1991 when built by saab-not gm-as they are now;disappointed w/car for price-i wouldn't buy another;lmtd dealers in area-only 1-have to drive miles for service-requires 93 octane fuel;main svc prices start at $500-$600 for the 30-50-60K svcs;
Great Value
djpower, 05/01/2004
2002 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great vale for your money! If you want a conv that is fun to drive and has great looks this is the car to have. In the two years that I have had the car I have not had one problem.
awesome
linda g, 03/20/2005
2002 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my second Saab. Wanted a convertible. Test drove and purchased in 20 minutes. Fun to drive, especially S mode. Classy lines and would be difficult to match snobby look when behind the wheel.
Fun car, but not too sporty
Jeff, 11/26/2005
2002 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is one of the most reliable cars I have owned. In over 3 years of owning this car, outside of normal maintenance, which by the way was included in the lease, I have had no problems. Tires and brakes need replacement at 27K to 30K miles. Interior had minor integrity issues, but again, all covered when brought in for service. The interior and top squeak in the winter months; I guess to be expected in a convertible. The back seat is spacious for a convertible and one of the main reasons I bought this car. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a nice, reliable 4 passenger convertible. If looking for a more sport riding convertible, go with the Viggen or Bimmer convertible
Love this car.
rober in LA, 03/18/2002
2002 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had some problems with my top (replaced the motor after one week of owning the car) but this car by far is a blast to drive. When I drive out to Las Vegas from LA I can only tell you that I blow bast people like they are standing still.
Fun, Fun, Fun
Moanking, 03/26/2002
2002 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The 9-3 Convertible is a complete gas to drive. Peppy, with excellent seats and a ragtop. Won't write any records off the line, but goes from 20-70 in a snap. Very smooth highway ride.
Saab 9-3 SE convertible
Patrick Lo, 01/01/2003
2002 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Great styling in the Saab tradition, way better than the Merc / BMW convertibles that are out there. More exclusive with better SNOB appeal. Turbo engine is fast & smooth, the Auto S function is a blast to use. Interior & exterior fit & finish are among the best in the industry. This is the last year for the current body, the new 9-3 doesn't have the traditional SAAB appeal, better get one before it's over.
Night mare on wheels
Mark Evans, 11/15/2018
updated 05/15/2019
2002 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Top quite working right off the bat. A.c. control always locking up, so you end up twisting off the cheap knob. And the reason I ended up selling it for 500 dollars after having this heartache of a car with 80 K miles was the oil sludge issue. When I was in high school I had a five hundred dollar Pinto that had this bucket beat.
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