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Used 2003 Saab 9-3 Consumer Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
380 reviews

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Honest Review

leviphx, 06/20/2014
2003 Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
18 of 21 people found this review helpful

I bought this car used with 63k miles on it and haven't regretted it a day since. Knowing the history of these cars however, I made sure I had an independent mechanic familiar with the brand take a look at it before I made an offer (easily worth the $150 dollars). I don't want to put anyone down, but I believe that at least half of the poor reviews this car gets are due to A) Poor maintenance by/no knowledge of previous ownership, or B) Poor maintenance by current owner. Love this car and it will love you back, simple as that. And don't buy a performance (or any other) car without a thorough inspection. Tho people I suppose have been burned by a bad car regardless of their caution I guess

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Great first car

dipper94, 05/07/2013
2003 Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful

It's a blast to drive. I highly recommend it, however a few words of caution. You're going to have some problems with the electric lock system, but other than that it will perform really well. It's incredibly safe and incredibly reliable. Before you get behind the wheel of this car though, make sure you understand how a turbocharger works and how to mantain one. More importantly know how to drive a car equipped with one, they drive differently than naturally aspirated cars (Cars without turbochargers or superchargers). It's a great first car for your teen. It's my first car, go it used for 5.5 grand with 50k miles on it. It's driven me reliably for the past year. It also looks great.

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5 out of 5 stars

Fun, Fast & Comfortable Swedish Style!

jimb, 11/20/2008
2003 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

My 2003 Saab 9-3 Convertible is a very reliable, comfortable, well-built automobile. Power from the turbo-charged 2.0 liter 4 is outstanding, as is the gas mileage - 20 mpg city, 28 highway. The seats are superb - I've driven 10 hours non-stop in complete comfort. The 9-3 handles well and provides a smooth, quiet ride. The power top operates without a hitch, and driving with the top down is a great experience. I love the styling of the Saab inside & out, and the trunk is quite large for a convertible. The rear seat is most suitable for 2 children or smaller adults, as the convertible top does take up some space. Overall I rate the Saab a 9+ out of 10.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Quick, Comfortable & Reliable

jimb, 03/25/2009
2003 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful

I am very pleased with the combination of power and fuel economy the Saab 9-3 convertible provides with the 2,0 liter turbo-charged engine. My 9-3 is equipped with an automatic transmission and delivers 20 plus mpg city and 28 mpg highway - not bad for a comfortable, powerful and fun to drive convertible. The 9-3 delivers more than adequate acceleration, and plenty of reserve power for merging and passing. Ride & handling are superb, albeit with a bit of cowl flex on less than glass smooth roads. Comfort is fantastic, thanks in part to some of the best seats in the business. Top operation couldn't be easier. Reliability thus far excellent! A very nice automobile.

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3.13 out of 5 stars

2003 Saab 9-3 Arc

OpusTwo, 10/10/2006
2003 Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
75 of 112 people found this review helpful

I always wanted a Saab, so I bought the 2003 9-3. BAD MISTAKE!! It has been in the shop 36 times in 3 years!! It always has something wrong with it. Saab will do nothing for me. They have the worst customer service I have ever dealt with. The say my car does not qualify for a buyback? If 36 times in the shop does not qualify, WHAT DOES? Never again. Don't buy one!!

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