Used 2002 Saab 9-3 Hatchback Consumer Reviews
Used 9-3 for sale
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The best used car you can get for your money.
zidjan, 03/26/2014
2002 Saab 9-3 SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
38 of 39 people found this review helpful
I started with saab 10 years ago, bought the 1999 model but has tons of issue. Sold it cheap and I ended up with the 2002 model se at 80K miles. Nowthe car has 120K and had no problems at all. It's all been fun with this car...205 hp and gets 30mpg hwy miles driving 65-70 mph. So my conclusion to new buyer out there, research the history of the car, if the car has always used synthetic oil and been taken care of well, chances are you'll have a good reliable car...but if anything points out that this car has not been care well then buyer's beware. NEVER Buy this car if you are going to treat it like a Honda or Toyota. You'll reap what you sow.
Been great
dkp, 11/27/2006
2002 Saab 9-3 SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Today I hit 120,000 on my Saab. My repairs have totaled less than $1000; brakes, temp gauge sensor, mass airflow sensor. Love: acceleration, fuel economy, handling in snow/ice, cargo room. Dislike: rear passenger room, cupholders, pedal placement (too close together for my clodhoppers). Also dislike having to move the front seats up to fold the rear seats flat.
Steel Gray Hunchback
robg3176, 11/05/2009
2002 Saab 9-3 SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
My wife called it a hunchback, so it is my Steel Gray Hunchback. Was looking around for another car actually, and test drove it, didn't feel right, and the one I wanted was sold. But I saw this one, and it had tint and a built in alarm. I was looking for utility, such as a hatchback to lug things around. 4 doors too. I also required better gas mileage since gas prices were sky rocketing. Also, power with torque to go up hills and turns. Alas, I test drove this 2002 Saab 9-3 SE: has leather seats, and more power than normal. It is a 4cylinder turbo auto, more economical than a 6cyl, with just as much power because of the turbo. Driving it ever since and my wife and I love it.
Never Again Will I Buy a Saab!
vonkruize, 09/14/2008
2002 Saab 9-3 SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
My car has only 54,000 miles and the engine is shot. It fell victim to the "Saab oil sludge problem" that so many other 9-3's and 9-5's from this era have succumbed to (Google "Saab oil sludge" and read all about it). Long story short, Saab admitted the oil sludge accumulation is due to an engine defect, NOT consumer negligence, and they "extended coverage" on '99-'03 9-3's and 9-5's. What they don't tell you is that you're not eligible for coverage unless you can produce oil change receipts for the entire life of the car. So for those, like myself, who bought their car used, you're essentially fresh out of luck. It's either pony up $6000 for a new engine or scrap it for parts.
So much potential but alas !!
Dave, 08/05/2008
2002 Saab 9-3 SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
2002 9-3 SE auto hatch with 125K. Loads of power in a practical package - especially in Sport mode. Best driver's seat ever! Would be a keeper but for constant repairs (antenna mast; squeaky brakes; center exhaust pipe; shocks; CPS; alternator; etc etc) and premium gas! Thank goodness the new engine cassette was a recall! Too bad, I guess they were right when they said SAAB stands for Swedish Auto Always Broken. 2009 Mazda 6 or Accord will take the 9-3's place in the garage. Sushi for herring I guess.
Saab is my favorite
Zacharyzoosh, 06/14/2009
2002 Saab 9-3 SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I've owned about 4 9-3s, as I move a lot, and will sell my car before every move. I always buy these. They are one hundred percent reliable for me, and they're fast. Also, I drove my most recent 2002 9-3 from WA to ID and back, and I got 35mpg on the highway for real, no joke!!! So I think they should change the average fuel economy on here. You only get 25 mpg (lowest I've seen) when you're driving in city, using the turbo all day. I give this car an over all 9 out of 10. The only brand I like better then Saab is Lexus!
Saab 2002 vintage
Steven Patriarca, 01/02/2007
2002 Saab 9-3 SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
The car is dependable and solid. The body style on the 2002 93 SE is vintage. This car with 30200 miles on it and Saab Certified is like driving a new car. I also had replaced all four tires in 6/2006 with factory Pirellis since I had basically just bought the car out of my lease agreement and would be driving it a while. Prior to purchase from my lease the dealership also did all the 30k service at about 21k miles. The 2002 93 SE has every available option one could ask for including the cold weather package and traction control. The traction control is necessary due to the high performance tires.
We'll miss you when you're gone!
Lee, 03/01/2002
2002 Saab 9-3 SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
8 of 15 people found this review helpful
The most important selling point for the 9-3 is its personality (i.e, quirkiness). The handling is very good on my new 9-3 SE with excellent steering and lots of power from the turbo 2.0 liter engine(although the secret is to click on the "sport" button which gives added power.) The 9-3 excels in terms of comfort as the Saab seats are outstanding and the controls are easy to see, reach and understand.
**CAR IS A SOUR LEMON**
shay127, 03/06/2012
2002 Saab 9-3 SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
10 of 22 people found this review helpful
I purchased my '02 Saab 9-3 used and right out the car lot, it was problem after problem. It started with having to get the front right wheel bearing fixed, then the right headlight went out twice, shortly after I had to get the heating coil fixed (cold air blowing), then the air stopped working. Car stopped 3 months later on the expressway (found out I needed another fuel pump) got it fixed, 3 months later, I had to replace the Starter, left wheel bearing, control arm & ball joints on drivers side, CV Shaft, Spring Coil Sensor for Check Engine light, Brake Pads & Rotors, but the biggest problem is a Starting Issue. The car will randomly NOT start for about 15 minutes. No one knows why:(
9-3 turbo hatch, irresistible
baxter10, 12/28/2010
2002 Saab 9-3 SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
6 of 15 people found this review helpful
I had one of these for 4 years. Bought it at 45k miles when it was 4 years old. It had all the reliability issues everyone talks about, including the sump oil problem. It was totaled last month when someone hit it while it was parked. I looked at other cars, and ended up buying the exact same car again (except stick instead of auto), now at 80k miles. They're as spacious as a small wagon, very quick and great handling, heated leather seats, premium sound, climate control, sunroof, power everything, 30+ mpg, and the style of a classic suit from a vintage store. All for under $6,000. Irresistible.
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