Used 2003 Saab 9-3 Consumer Reviews
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Worst Car Ever Owned
Please don't buy one of these cars!! It looks great and performs like a Saab should but something is always broken. Transmission and radiator went out @ 43k and now the check engine light is on @ 46k ($900 repair). I worry about if I will make it to work everyday.
Look at this before you buy!!!
In short: for the love of God stay away from a Saab!! My Saab has been involved in 6 separate recalls, needed a new transmission due to mechanical failure (out 2 weeks), lost two batteries which requires a tow (no kidding), I had no idea what "turbo-lag" was until I tried to pull out into traffic with this thing and the service teams have been less than stellar. For the record mine only has 24K miles on it!
- SE ConvertibleMSRP: $4,9951,737 mi away
- SE ConvertibleMSRP: $3,4951,950 mi away
- SE ConvertibleMSRP: $11,5002,113 mi away
This car breaks a lot
I purchased my SAAB because the test drive was great and the car had great features and design. The turbo engine is a lot of fun, and the interior and exterior are beautiful. After 3 months, while driving in Manhattan, we had our first engine problem. The car was towed to the dealer at no charge and we were given a replacement. After that, the car has been in the shop at least once every 3- 4 months for various problems. Computer problems are the most common, but the most surprising was the complete tearing appart of the clutch, something not even the dealer had seen in 20 year old cars. This is very odd as the car stays in a garage and we drive very slowly around NY streets.
nice car, nice rental
This car hugs the road! This car is sleek and beautiful! This car sucks in the snow with the high performance tires! This car loves being in the shop! (I guess it misses it's brother's and sister's at the dealer). Man, I love the way this car handles and looks. But, it goes into the shop every month or two for something new malfunctioning. Tires wear down like crazy. I wish they would have taken time to fix all of the electrical kinks as they did in the styling.
worst car ever!
This car has been to 3 different Saab dealerships 39 times in 2 years! It has had 2 computers, 2 transmissions, a crankshaft even a new engine! The car quickly became very uncomfortable and Saab is the worst manufacturer to admit that they have very poor design and build quality. If someone wants to sell you a Saab or even give you one, run, even a free one would end up costing a fortune! They have had to tow this car and loan or rent us one more often than we have driven ours!
Oh my!!!
Fine apart from: £5000.00 New Auto Gearbox £0090.00 New Front Coil Springs £0130.00 Diesel Fuel Pump £0200.00 Alternator £0500.00 Tyers, 3 developed punctures (1 two days after we bought the car) £0100.00+ on Bulbs (all changed, Brake Lights changed monthly) £1000.00 For Service. The final straw came, when the car would not accelerate past 50 mph, later traced to the Particulate Filter. This would have cost us another £2000. At this point it was goodbye to SAAB... at least they cleaned the car each time it went in to be fixed, yes... you guessed it... the cleanest car in history!
RUN!!!!!
DO NOT buy!, bought mine with 27,000 miles, when the car hit 40,000 it was down hill!, rattling under the hood, cup holder broke, radio dislpay broke, panel behind the drivers seat broke, compressor broke, forget about check engine light, ALWAYS on despite paying hundreds of dollars to replace stupic sensor, last 8 months i;ve shelled out $3000, and as we speak, was towed from work to dealer for not starting, not battery either! ive had it!, when it comes back im driving it onto HONDAS lot and prepared to take a hit. PIECE of crap, DONT DO IT!!!!! unless your rich and have $ to literally to throw away!
Never Again
Where do I begin? My "latest" issue is that although the electrical system is working, the car wont start! The Saab mechanic informs me that it "may" be the started, but maybe not. He can replace it for $700+, but if it's not the problem, I'm out the money! The leather seats are worn out. The fan for the a/c stays on for an extra 15 minutes after I shut off the car. The car rattles way too much. The seals on the back window are coming off. Oh, and the motor for the passenger seat is gone and now starting to go on the drivers side as well. They inform me that the motor is over $700! I can easily say that I will not buy a Saab OR a GM auto ever again. Haven't met many happy Saab owners lately.
Holding On to Rattlebox Junk
I only wish I had the foresight to read review sites such as this before making the worst car purchase in my auto-owning history. I won't reiterate what everyone else has said about electrical, rattle, peeling dash and overall gremlin nightmare about this car. GM has replaced the engine three times under extended warranty. Because of the new engine and all the time and money I've put into this car, I'm holding on until my warranty runs out and the car dies on the side of the road. It's very interesting to see all the high reliability marks if you scroll back to 2003 when the car first hit the road. Except for one person who had high mileage early on. Everyone else scores it a 1!
sweet
2 weeks old love it
The opposite of Zeke
Critics calling this car bland need to drive the car first. The new car has barely any turbo lag, unlike the old 9- 3, No torque steer, unlike the horrible torque steer in the previous car. Add in comfortable seats, fresh styling, more interior room for passengers, no body roll , great brakes, better interiors, and improved safety. And it costs thousands less than before. Unless your lifestyle involves carrying 36" TV's on a regular basis, the sedan is useful enough for most. the old 9-3 came in near the bottom in most sport sedan comparisons for a reason. The new 9-3 is a big improvement.
Fun and Safe Car
I got a Saab 9-3 Arc used and this car is definitely something different. You have to notice the sloped hood and clean exterior styling, a testament to Saabs new-age design. The interior is pretty roomy, but the paint can scratch off and some parts feel like cheap plastic was used. The CD changer works well as does the radio. This car drives excellently, and using the sport shifter allows you to get some pretty solid acceleration times, with the turbochargers help though! Highway performance is EXCELLENT, and the car handles exceptionally especially when the ESP control is on. We even took it up to the mountains and it handles excellently even with front wheel drive.
03 9-3, 4th Saab in 20 yrs
Best built, handling Saab ever. How was torque steer and turbo lag finally eliminated? Very cool looking in 16"launch/touring + 5 speed manual. Not a rocket, but plenty fast, and will keep you out of trouble. Larger then expected inside, head room galore (i'm 6'4") and with ease of seat fold down/ski pass through, don't miss the hatch back. Unsure why they aren't selling! Waiting for 2nd key, onstar installation and fixing one minor defect (source button on steering wheel upside down). after 3 weeks, I love the car and value, and unique look. I happily pass scores of A-4's and 3 series bmw's each morning!
93 is an over-priced Passat!!
I've been shopping for an entry-level lux cars for about two weeks, and just test drove 93 recently. This skinky car shouldn't even be mentioned with the likes of Lexus IS300, BMW 3s, and Audi A4. Simply put, this car lacks power and its interior looks dirt cheap (like GM Cavaliers). To aggrevate my already disappointed experience, its sleazy salesman told me that you CAN NOT get an automatic transmission option without getting Launch package first, and quoted a price of $31K!!?#. I bet those people who gave 93 a 10 pts, didn't even test drove BMW or Lexus, or must be insane! Get Lexus like I did.
Great BMW alternative
This car has everything we need, good looks, safety, decent power, sporty handling, and a reasonable price. Until recently, you had to sacrifice something if you didn't get a BMW. This new Saab isn't a BMW, but costs less and comes very close. Quick and smooth for a 4 cylinder turbo car.
Nice Car
This is a great car for the money. Much better car then either the Audi or BMW.
Fun to drive, great mpg
I have had some problems with this car (HVAC fan broke twice, emission control blower, front lights burned out), but all in all this has been a fun to drive, economical car. I drive between 75 and 80 MPH and regularly get 32 MPG at these speeds. Acceleration when driving 55 to 90 MPH is excellent.
Fun lively ride
I have no complaints about car, turbo acceleration is flawless, overtaking is amazing and I have only 2.0t!!! Just overall sexy!! My only problem is airbag light, but I will get that fixed.
No ordinary Euro sedan
I considered several of the other high- end vehicles, but I was truly convinced that Saab offered much more and was all around the best choice. Now the Jones' will have to try to keep up with me!
Electronic bugs
overall its a great car
Fun to Drive Again
The Saab 9-3 is sporty and fun to drive, at a price that is affordable, even in comparison with some of the more run-of-the-mill sedans. I must admit I was concerned about getting a 4 cylinder car, but the turbo seems to give the car more acceleration power than my 6 cylinder car had.
Saab on the Plains
Have owned my 9-3 Linear for 1 month and LOVE IT!!! The interior is roomy, and elegantly designed...the ride quality is great. Also tested a BMW 3-series and an A4, but for the price, quality and options the 9-3 was easily the best deal! Was initially concerned with GM influence, but rest assured this is a Saab! designed and built in Sweden!
Love it!!!
I have had the car for 3 months now and still love it. Over the last 4 decades I have owned dozens upon dozens of cars and motorcycles and, so far, this is my favorite car. I believe it will remain my favorite as long as it is as reliable/trouble-free as it is "fun to drive."
Value
This car fun and jazzy. Its distinctiveness is one of the main draw for me, of course, value counts too, it has all the luxry you want plus more... Get one with sports package, you won't be out of style for a long time.
Interesting little things
This car is full of useful (and interesting) little features that make for a more enjoyable ride. Little things like the 'blacked-out' area just above the rearview mirror that prevents the sun from peeking through between the visors, the cooled (and very large) glovebox, rubber-bottom compartments all around the very comfortable driver's seat, an engine tuned for ample torque and fuel economy as opposed to more marketable horsepower and acceleration numbers and a display set far back on the dash where the driver's eye need not refocus as much when glancing away from the road are among many dozens of useful little things that do not appear in my Audi.
More of the same
Similar to other reviews, I've had numerous electrical and mechanical issues since purchasing the car 4 years ago. The HVAC blower has been looked at and 'fixed' 5 times now. Window motor replaced. Fading door handles replaced. Interior finishes now chipping off. Hood Saab emblem is cracked and deteriorating. Excess brake dust.
Worst Car Ever Owned
Great looking car with excellent performance but you can't go a week without finding something else wrong with it. Bought it with 41000 miles on it and had to replace the transmission and radiator. The wiper motor, front wheel bearings and window motors are all going to need to be replaced soon too. Definitely will never buy a Saab again.
Solid vehicle
This is a very well made car, it is very much a Saab in all the ways that I can see. I have owned a 900 for the pst 5 years and there are many marked improvements over the old cars. True that it may have a few more GMesque tendancies, but that's because I believe Saab has a few more resources and idea pools to pick and choose from. I am enjoying this car more than any other other car I've driven thus far; if word gets out about how nifty of a vehicle Saab has engineered, it's possible that Saab may not be able to keep up with demand for the first time in a long time.
We both love this car
Those who have rated the car poorly in this forum must really like the old hatchback style, but that's why I never owned one before. This car is beautiful both inside and out. Some said its cheap and GM ruined it, but if you read the automative journals, this is the best car Saab ever produced. The linear model is fast enough for me. It accerlates quickly and gets up to speed in seconds. Handling is this cars best attribute. It simply carves up twisty back roads. The interior is laid out very well. There are a ton of features and the profiler system is great. Put simply, this car is terrific. I have never gotten up early on a weekend just to go for a drive!!
No Competition in SAFETY
When spending this kind of money I like a car that I do not see everywhere which made me choose a SAAB. Have the 9-3 Vector on order in time for the summer, but have drove the arc edition with the same engine 210 turbo which was very impresive. Love the design interior and exterior, the gadgets like the tire pressure monitor. The new 9-3 might not be the best out there in the category with BMW and Audi but it is very close especially with that reaxes system. In the end what made me choose it was the safety, still a young guy so my life is a little more important than the performance of a crap, see everywhere, overated BMW or Audi.
My Saab has been a great purchase
I had a few minor problems in the first year but since then, nothing. Granted, it's a fairly low-mileage car but it rides well and has been reliable. I still get compliments on the way it looks. I have no idea how the problems with GM cutting Saab free will play out or affect future value but so I'm glad I bought the car and have never understood the concerns raised by many old-time Saab-snobs.
Overwhelming experience!!
I bought my new 9-3 Sport Sedan about a month ago, and let me tell you, I wish this car were out 3 years ago!! The styling of this new Saab is outstanding. This is the first Saab I've owned, and heads are turning as I drive. The power in the Linear model is great. I love the ability to switch from auto to manual for a little more excitement in driving. The sales staff I worked with was phenomenal as well. I've never had such a positive and honest car buying experience.
Fun to Drive
Best handling car I've ever driven. Beats its German competitors hands down,
This is a cool car!!
I wasn't going to purchase this car; what I really wanted was a Volvo S40. But after I test-drove it, I fell in love. The 9-3 is as sophisticated as the S40 but with more features. It has a sporty engine like the A4 but without the high torque. It is one of the best cars in its class. It's comfortable, has tons of amenities and great performance. In addition to all of that, my dealership in Akron, Ohio (Towell Saab) gave me one of the best deals going on this car. I can't believe what I'm paying (or not paying). If you are in Ohio, go there to get your Saab!
Replacement for the Bimmer
One of the best sport sedan I've driven. The design is fresh and appealing. Performs heads on with the BMW 3 series.
Disappointed First Time Saab Owner
Fun to drive and looks good. Poor product quality. Turbo had to be replaced and the car repainted due to peeling paint. Car had less than 1500 miles on it when both occured. Customer Service Center very poor. Poor radio sound and cup holders have a tendency to spill cups. Service at the Dealership great. This car has not represented the quality that Saab markets itself as having. Great Dealership, poor product quality and poor customer service. Not worth the money. Buy a BMW!
Still Get Compliments on the Car
I did have some fairly minor mechanical problems the first year, all of which were covered under warranty--nothing since. The car still turns heads after all this time--people assume I paid a lot more for it than I did. The ride is a little stiff and the model has improved since 2003. I still enjoy it and never had some of the mechanical problems that other '03 owners seem to have encountered. I enjoy driving the car and will probably buy a 9-3 again but hope to be able to keep this one going another few years at least--I don't use it much more than 7,500 miles a year and if I can avoid any major problems expect to hold it until it dies.
SAAB 2003 LINEAR
Car is well designed,looks good,is fun to drive and a great value.
Not a Grand AM!!!! This is a nice car!
I want to get a crying towl out for Zeke, Bernie S and Saab driver. I applaud GM for the exterior styling (if they are responsible). How can these guys rate the care so low without owning one? We just traded a 2000 BMW 328 to lower our payment. This car is not a BMW, but it is light years ahead of a Grand AM!.
Fast
This car is great. I leased this car with the all the options they were offering, sans the 17 inch wheels (I have the 16's). This is really sharp. The manual didn't quite match up with the CD changer, and the OnStar was not ready when I picked up my 9-3 (the dealer told me the software was not ready). So far, for my first Saab, it's been great.
Marvellous Saab
Saab has delivered a serious competitor to BMW's and Audi's at an EXTREMELY competitive price - the 93 sports sedan is fast, safe, and packed with standard features that would cost $000's in similar European cars. Handling, agility and stylish looks are major pull factors. I test drove every car in its class and then some and for the money, there is no question that this is the leader of the pack.
The fresh new kid on the block...
Many years have passed. Now, value for the buck has a new dimension with this entry luxury car, the best in this category I´ve driven. ¿5 extra grand for a similar equiped 330I? NO WAY. One thing is clear, once again BMW will have to rise the bar, if they want to keep market share. Bravo for Saab !
100% Mistake
This car seems to have spent as much time being fixed as being driven. It is now in the shop for oil leaking from a vacuum pump and a broken bolt that was supposed to hold the sway bar in place. Just replaced the blower motor for the heater two days earlier. In the time we've owned it, we must have gone to the dealership at least 20 times. All I can say is if you ever buy a Saab voluntarily, you have just made the worst mistake in your car buying life.
Welcome to the premium-class SAAB!
A good friend of mine works at SAABs NY office and got to test the new 9-3, as a good friend of his I got to drive it to. What can I say, a wonderful car. I'm considering getting rid of my BMW 330Ci and getting a new 9-3 Aero when it hits the market, I suggest you do the same!
Great car
Best Fun Car I have ever owned/Great!
HUGE Mistake
Traded my infinity g20 (loved that car) to saab of tampa (only because the miles were getting high). I picked a 2003 9-3 linear with 38,000 miles on it. The price seemed too good to be true. The car looked great... And that's about it!!! To many problems to list, about 2,200 dollars and a year later traded it in for a 2009 xterra. DONE WITH SAAB!!!!!!
New Saab 9-3
If you are like me wondering wich car to get ( a Passat, a Volvo S40 or a Audi A4) do not get confussed this is the car.It has an agile response with a steel ,but sensitive feel of total control.The CBC, ESP,ReAxs & ABS work together as a symphony.Beware: this car is highly addictive.Almost a bet of you try it,you buy it.... Only minor:Get the 150 infotainment system (at minimum,you won´t regret,the 75 is not good as the car) if you get the 16¨ alloy wheels expect to get a 35 psi front and 32 psi rear wheels at least( making it little bumping),but who cares if you are having a car like this!!!
Great Swedish Sport
My Black ARC is definitely the best Car I've ever owned. My smile starts every time I click the key fob to unlock the door, and the light flash a quick Hello. Everything you read about the great safety features, can be matched with the performance and attention to user details (for the driver and all the passengers). Saab shows it's serious about building a great car, not marketing hype.
just average
the 9-3 is OK but I expected better handling and more responsive pickup. i just hope it doesnt wind up in the shop too many times.
SAAB convert
The combination of great styling, handling, performance, and (relative) affordability of the new 9-3 Vector made me a Saab convert! Just as good as its German competitors, with better looks. The Vector is very fun to drive, no sign of torque steer or turbo lag. It handles great and has decent power. The interior is very comfortable and well laid-out.