Used 2003 Saab 9-3 Consumer Reviews
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100% Mistake
Displeased, 05/11/2009
2003 Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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!
William C. Eastwood, 08/24/2002
2003 Saab 9-3 Vector 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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!
2003 Saab 9-3 for sale near you
Showing 3 of 4 listings
- SE ConvertibleMSRP: $4,995133 mi away
- SE ConvertibleMSRP: $3,495318 mi away
- SE ConvertibleMSRP: $11,500465 mi away
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Great car
jh, 02/09/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Best Fun Car I have ever owned/Great!
HUGE Mistake
brian, 05/09/2009
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
Gerardo, 02/10/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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!!!
best saab ever built
hapster, 09/27/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 Vector 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
found myself over steering for the first few miles.once i got it,it was all there.and watch the brakes.they are awesome.
100 mile commute seems a lot shorter!
Luba, 09/21/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just bought my 2003 9-3 ARC last week w/auto and sport wheels. GM employee discounts for the 2003 model made it tough to pass on. Already put 800 miles on the Saab. Replaced a 1995 Volvo 850 turbo. No comparison, the Volvo was quick, but did not handle the turns, the Saab takes the turns like it is on rails,a lot of fun. I would recommend this car to anyone that is considering a euro sport sedan. I also drove the Infinity G35 sedan, which was quicker, but felt like a very heavy car, not as nimble. So far I love the car, and I'll keep you posted on our progress.
Could not be happier !!!
optimistck, 09/19/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is a dream come true. The performance, the handling, the breaking, the comfort is just as it looks when you look at the prospectus in the dealership. There is no turbo leg, acceleration is great, really roomy, I love the dashboard and the night time feature. Most notably this car is sexy - oh yes it is. It is slick, classy, and sporty. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking performance, comfort, and most importantly safety. The side airbags and a whole lot of room around me makes it a very safe car.
New 9-3 Just What Saab Needs
jimdl, 02/11/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The new Saab 9-3 Linear is just what Saab has needed for many years. This car epitomizes fun to drive -- truly a pleasure in wet, snow, and on dry pavement. The 9-3 is sure footed and give the driver all of the information needed. Smooth acceleration and all the power you need for around town or on the road. Great storage and styling and phenomenal safeth features. The radio controls are a little daunting at first, but once you get used to them, they're really quite logical. A definite winner!
Great new platform
nomorebmw, 09/19/2002
2003 Saab 9-3 Vector 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The new 9-3 is a great car. Far superior to the rest of the European competition.
buying 9-3 linear in one month
tobethebest, 02/14/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just got home from test driving the 2003 Saab 9-3 linear. I was very impressed with the drive and comfort. I was receiving plenty of looks from good looking girls on and around my University campus. This car made me feel good when driving. I felt more confidence within myself. It's amazing how driving a car can make you feel, and the Saab 9-3 made me feel great. I am currently an Audi owner. For the price the Saab is a much better deal. Looking forward to hearing other's comments!
My second 9-3
Rodney Imai, 02/14/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I previously had a 2000 9-3 and never had any problems. After the lease was up, I was happy to purchase it, but the temptation of a new car was too much, so I leased the 2003 model and am glad I did.
awesome
odininfl, 09/21/2002
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The new 9-3 is awesome. I compared it to the BMW 3 series and it performs better. The price you can't beat. If you are looking for something no one else has that handles great, this is the car.
What a Shame!
citizen1130, 02/23/2008
2003 Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I own a 2003 Saab 93 Arc and I must admit, the drive and performance are awesome. That being said, I wouldn't get another one even if they paid me to do it. I bought this car with at little less than 31000 miles and it's been HELL ever since. Among the problems, to name just a few; power steering failure (while I was driving!), blower motor failure, wiper motor failure, hand brake stuck in the upright position and SIM module failure (which cost about $1000 to replace). I've owned many cars in my life from beat-up Chevys to Bimmers and I've never, ever had so many critical safety issues with any of them. Especially at so low mileage. It's the most UNRELIABLE vehicle on the road.
Sporty Fun
TL09, 02/19/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great vehicle. Very fun to drive. Handles extremely well.
Parts on indefinite backorder!!!
Jules, 05/12/2009
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had a lot of Saab's and no car has given me as many problems as this one. It was in the shop over 7 times in 1 month alone. Recently the alternator went and then the vacuum pipe and now a $34.00 hose that is on back order Saab Corp. says indefinitely. Thanks to GM the quality of this car and the company has gone down the drain. WATCH OUT!!!
awesome
Robert Pelton, 10/07/2002
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
new styling and very fast. I love the way this car performs.
premium-class SAAB!!!
CBK, 02/19/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 Vector 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Best handling car I've ever driven, beats its German competitors. A true premium entry level luxury sedan.
THIS CAR IS GREAT!
dreamcar, 02/21/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The new Saab 9-3 is a great car. Its handles wonderfly and I dont have to worry about safety either. It has saftey features out the wazoo, along with all of the performance feature, which really make it a fun car to drive.
Disappointed First Time Saab Owner
maddux111, 06/10/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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!
Swedish surprise
Fritz 2, 08/17/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Everything from purchasing to driving has been a unexpected surprise! The dealer, Just Saab, would be rated a 12 on a 10 scale, pleasant, knowlegeable, and the building is squeeky clean! And the car, what a thrill to own! Fit and finish is execellent, creature comforts are many, performance is great. The Saab 9-3 SE gives a lot of bang for the bucks! I would definately suggest this execellent auto to any one looking for a fun and beautifully built vehicle. Keep up the good work!
sweet
bob saab, 11/21/2002
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
2 weeks old love it
swedish built??
chuckgolf, 08/17/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
did not meet my expectations... turbo has a lag, not as much power as i thought...built way too low to the ground... sporty look without the sporty performance... winter driving is fair...but look out for that snow.... cracked bumper a few times driving through it..
I love my Saab
Lucy Florses, 12/13/2007
2003 Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car new, I had 1 problem with it took it to the dealer, they fixed it. The problem is with a rattle but I have never heard from it since. I love the turbo, it makes you think it's a v6. I still get around 32 on highway and 24-29 in town. I never had any electrical problems with it. I have about a 2 hour drive each day and it has suited well. I will always drive saab from now on, this is my second one, the last one was crushed by a drunk driver with my daughter driving, she walked away without a cut.
Bad Decision
Mike29, 11/25/2008
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After I purchased my 9-3 I have had nothing but problems with it. I have had to replace the tires twice in 2 years. I only drive it 7500-8000 mi a year. I have had a check engine light come on several times which three Saab dealers can't come to a conclusion on. I have had my power steering shut off while driving with my young sons in the back seat. Other than the MPG and turbo this car is not a good decision to purchase. I WILL NOT be looking at purchasing another Saab anytime soon!
Contrarian choice that works
pablo_lie, 10/20/2002
2003 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car works very well in real world terms. Mixes quirkiness with practicality for a very unique formula. Nice real world performance, very good economy, hugely comfortable seats, and space for 4 adults are big plusses.
SAAB convert
DJN, 06/12/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 Vector 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
DO NOT BUY THIS CAR!!!!!!
César Mauras, 08/19/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It squeaks and rattles. Very unpleasant to drive. The quality of the interior material is very poor. It does feel like driving a Cavalier or a Saturn. I agree with the other reviewer who said that they should change the name to SAAturn. OnStar is nice if you like to be put on hold.
03 9-3, 4th Saab in 20 yrs
rgc2200, 11/27/2002
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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!
Fun and Safe Car
driver-pilot, 01/14/2009
2003 Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
2003 9-3 is a great car!
Paul in Boston, 09/03/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am very happy with the 2003 9-3. My first service kicked at 14,400 (most of my driving is highway). Have 15,700 miles after 7 months of ownership. The SID tripped once giving me a faulty gear box reading which I need to have the dealer reset, otherwise it has been 7 months of solid reliability and great driving. I highly recommend it.
Great BMW alternative
Chuck E, 11/30/2002
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
turbocharge your life
chad clarke, 09/06/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
-YEAHHH, ever since the purchase of my new saab i have had nothing but good times. I can honestly go out and just drive this car for fun. It has enough room for me and four of my friends to go golfing anytime and gas mileage that will blow your mind with all the power that the car has. Also I like the fact that I didn't pay ten thousand dollars to much for this car like a consumer who went out and bought a bmw like a fool.
A lemon?
Saab-ing in NJ, 09/09/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Are computer glitches common with this car? I loved my new Arc -- until day 2 of owning it, when I had to have it towed in because of a computer glitch that made the car barely move when accelerating from a stop. I'll never feel safe again, because I'm afraid of the next computer failure. And safety was a big part of why I chose this car!
No ordinary Euro sedan
scdo, 12/17/2002
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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!
Fun to drive, great mpg
heilig, 12/20/2007
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
So far so good
FitnessCC, 07/17/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Six weeks into owning the Arc, and I enjoy driving it more and more....The ride and handling are exceptional. Performance is very good, but definite turbo lag takes some getting used to. Had early problem with a couple of stalls in stop and go situations, but either break-in or dealer "reprogramming" seems to have corrected the problem. I think the car looks (and works) as good as the BMW 3-series, for thousands less. Interior is very comfortable for a car this size.
Fun to Drive Again
NJ Dad, 12/22/2002
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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 9-3 Auto
Robertsc, 07/19/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
JUst leased a saab 9-3. The computer system is a bit confusing, and the ventilation system is not quite as good as the one on my 98 outback. Overall I enjoy driving it, auto is smooth, sound system is great. Small rattle in passenger side door. overall a pretty good car.
just average
TONTO, 07/02/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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 9-3 nightmare car
Erik the great, 07/20/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car WILL NOT and DOES NOT work or drive well after 85000 miles.....it's worth more in parts and pieces than it is put together. If saab really makes jet fighters..............they're FALLING OUT OF THE SKY. This is by far the most unrelaible foriegn car available in the us market, notwithstanding Jaguar.
Love it!!!
FRG, 01/04/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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."
different is good!
VINCENT, 10/29/2002
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The new 9-3 is the real deal, I test drove a Linear model and was pleased with the car. It's fun to drive and I just can't say enough about the interior! I love the look and feel of the interior. The only drawback from the Linear is its 175hp. it needs atleast 10-15hp more. It does not feel as fast as a 325i from BMW.
Not overly impressed
MikeC, 07/09/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I must admit, part of this is my own fault. I test drove a Vector model since it was the only manual transmission model the dealer had. I then bought an Arc to save some $$$. Well the difference in handling is very noticable. My Arc is too softly sprung to offer top-notch handling. Plus the seats are much less supportive than in the Vector. A major improvement over previous Saabs but still no BMW or Audi.
Too much GM -- really a SAAturn 9-3
Wiggy, 07/11/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The SAAB 9-5 is a great car, while the more I live with the 9-3 the more disenchanted I become. The stereo is horrible, it sounds like it is from a Cavalier rental car, and for this reason alone I would NOT recommend this car!!!! This cheapness / poor quality is found throughout the interior, which has the cheap look and feel typical of GM products. Instead of feeling like I'm driving a quality Euro car (as I did with the 9-5) I feel like the 9-3 is a glorified Saturn, or should I say SAAturn!
My last SAAB
jmklwck, 01/13/2008
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased new - experience has been less than stellar with immediate recalls of front wheel axles. As the weather got colder the first winter (2 months after the purchase) the car would not immediately start. After repeated trips to the dealership the problem was resolved with an adjustement to the engine software. Multiple recalls on the vehicle - seat belts, gas cap, etc. I have had a constant check engine light issue which I was told was a secondary vacuum pump for the turbo ($600+) that I have chosen not to repair since it service tech stated it only affected mileage which I have seen no change.
Quick Review
Mavv23, 10/30/2002
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Simply put--this is by far the best GM sedan on the market. Moreover, when I matched it against the stiff entry- level luxury class, it was by far the best value for the luxury offered. But,I did have the GM discount--a whopping 3400.
Great Swedish Sport
dtmarz, 07/23/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
My Sabb
J007, 07/23/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've loved my car ever since I bought it. It is really fun to drive.
Best Car on the Road
heystupid, 11/03/2002
2003 Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Nothing comes close. Anyone who complains about this car has neither driven it nor seen it.