Used 2003 Saab 9-3 Consumer Reviews
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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.
it's the little things
tb9er, 07/27/2005
2003 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Move the cup holder! Slight spills and your coffee is now part of your cd player. Speaking of audio components, if a cassette is not part of the system, provide an aux input for the ipod or mp3 played or even better a portable XM radio. Also, improved spearkers would help; perhaps incorporating speakers into the headrests. Try listening to something other than blasting rock (like subtle classical) while moving at 65mph with the top down. Is that Mozart I hear!! Could use a secondary power port. Cruise control cancel should be a "push" not "pull" switch. Seems more intuitive. Light, window, lock and roof switches on console should be illuminated. That said, I love the car.
2003 Saab 9-3 for sale near you
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Faabulous
Bigun, 09/29/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 Vector 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my second Saab. I was hesitant to lease a new car, but so far the experience has been great. The car gets lots of 2nd looks as it is not common. My dealership has been fantastic so far. Excellent pep & good milage from the 4 cyl turbo, the interior is completely new for 03 and takes some getting used to but is driver friendly.
No Competition in SAFETY
MichaelG, 01/21/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 Vector 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Lemon!
no more Saabs, 10/02/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a great looking car, fun to drive, and a good value for what you get. Turbo lag is minimal. Unfortunately I have had numerous computer glitches and one breakdown (with less than 2000 miles on the car) which required the entire engine to be replaced, the car was in the shop for more than a month. Fortunately, Saab customer service is superb and they are repurchasing the car. I am sad to see it go but I am looking forward to having a more reliable non-Saab vehicle. I would be very nervous about holding on to this vehicle once the 4 year warranty runs out.
My Saab has been a great purchase
Harmiclir, 03/31/2009
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Owned Better
Owned Better, 01/07/2005
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The build quality is quite poor. Rattles and noises first in the doors, then the B pillar, and now the dash. They keep accumulating and the dealer just can't get them fixed. Mechanically, the brakes are noisy and the engine has required tweaking to prevent stalling. The center dash mounted computer also has its own agenda. It doesn't keep time or settings correctly.
Fun to Drive
Julian93, 01/25/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Best handling car I've ever driven. Beats its German competitors hands down,
What high hopes......What a mistake!
bd, 08/30/2005
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I searched for a used Saab to replace my 02 Passat and found an '03 9-3 Linear w/Touring Package. The car was beautiful, and had all the difficult to find bells and whistles I was looking for in the Linear. However, as we all know, looks aren't everything. The car has been at the dealer 10 times in 5 months. It takes forever to get parts and the techs are terrible at diagnosing problems. Saab North America could care less about customer service, their reputation, or dealer service standards. Tomorrow, the Saab is going away in favor of the 06 Passat. Word of advice, stay away from used or new Saabs until they start building quality w/ a decent residual
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!
Gambled on a Swedish hottie...
bca1995, 10/13/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Disappointing dealer experience, but satisfied with the car. Enjoy the quirky styling; very different. Like the turbo and 4 dr utility. Awesome brakes, supermodel looks. Disappointed in the quaility of plastics, both inside and out (outside door handles already fading, cheap plastic trim inside). Wish it had more power off the line, but it has surprising mid-range acceleration when merging on the interstate. Rock solid at 100 mph. I describe it to my friends as my "upscale economy car", which is exactly what I was looking for.
Replacement for the Bimmer
pskim72, 01/29/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
One of the best sport sedan I've driven. The design is fresh and appealing. Performs heads on with the BMW 3 series.
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.
Overall a great car
ArcGP, 10/15/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car after more than a year's worth of research. Test drove BMW 325,Audi A4,VW Passat GLS,Acura TSX and found the 9-3 to have the perfect combination of power, luxury, and roominess. For the money, there aren't many better options. The TSX was nice, but too bland and too much like the Honda Civic I was replacing. There is a slight bit of Turbo lag in the Saab, but not very noticeable. VW did not handle as tight as I preferrred, though it was a good overall value. BMW was a tad too small and pricey for what you get. Unfortuantely my Saab does have the door panel rattle problem, but Saab is working on a fix. Otherwise it is an awesome car.
SAAB 2003 LINEAR
JAT8, 01/31/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Car is well designed,looks good,is fun to drive and a great value.
Blast to drive
memphis saab, 01/03/2004
2003 Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have always wanted a Saab, and finally bought the newly designed 9-3. I could not be happier with the handling, acceleration, comfort, gas mileage and roominess. The main problem has been the computer system. I have had to take it in 4 times in 8 months for computer malfunctions--mostly ONSTAR related. A recall softwear update seems to have fixed this problem, finally. Now my parking brake is hard to release.
Fast
xian, 02/04/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Lets hope it keeps up
Daan, 10/28/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I plan on racking up miles fast so it will be interesting to see how she holds together. I plan on being in it for the long haul, so we shall see how we look in after six years and 150,000+ miles. The first 500 miles have been a delight and a refreshing change from the 3-series BMW I traded in. There is a learning curve to go through with the many functions, but it is user friendly. I suggest learning these functions in your driveway and not on the road Thus far the experience has been great.
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.
Another Saab Story
MissMyAcura, 03/28/2005
2003 Saab 9-3 Vector 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had my Vector for 3 weeks and the dealer has had it for almost 2 of the 3 weeks. It leaks oil and radiator fluid. The power locks broke, sunroof wouldn't close. It has been back to the dealer 3 times to fix the leak and still they can't fix it. Also the loaner 2005 9-5 with 5k miles, leaked oil also all over my driveway! Now my wife is upset and the stains all over our driveway. I tell neighbors it's my Saab story! They way I see it, if you want problems buy a Saab, if you want a car that will not give you any problems, this is the wrong car for you. It is just that simple!
The fresh new kid on the block...
fedomg, 02/09/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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 !
2003 SAAB 9-3
DaviDwight, 10/22/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just got the new 9-3 and I love it. It drives well, plenty of power, particularly at higher speeds. There's a lag from a stand still, but it's overcome quickly and then has plenty of response. Corners like a champ.
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.
none
pius, 10/22/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
great car for the money with great fuel efficiency
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!
This is One Fun Car
ChristianSaab, 10/22/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I'm a first time Saab buyer, just bought the 9-3 Arc and love it. Test drove the MB C230 and a few others in this class, and the 9-3 is by far the tightest, quickest drive.
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!!!!!!
Fantastic Car
missqueenbean, 11/06/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car and very fun to drive. Several of the reviewers complain of annoying door rattles, this happened with my Saab as well. There are two screws in the doors which come loose after repetitive opening and shutting-- it took the dealer 20 seconds to fix. I was considering the 9-3 and the CTS when I went looking to buy. The 9-3 truly drives like a luxury car, which is more than I can say for the Caddilac CTS. Paying a little extra for the upgraded radio with the six disc changer and infotainment center is a must.
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!
nervous saab
ohiosaab, 01/18/2006
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have owned 3 years now. Still under warranty. Fun to drive. Great mpg. Clock keeps own time. DTE always wrong. Onstar intermittent. Replaced seatbelts (recall), replaced door handles (color changed year 1). Car drives great, but mechanically quality is iffy.
I love my 9.3 Linear sedan
JasonS, 11/29/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought in March and have really enjoyed this vehicle. It handles great and I love the CD changer and the fun "extras". I commute about 30 miles each way and this car makes the time fly by!
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.
Tough to beat at the price
redk, 12/12/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought the 2003 9-3 for almost $5000 below MSRP because the dealer was in a hurry to get rid off the 2003 models to make room for the 2004's. Four weeks into the ownership, I love this car - It is fun to drive, gets excellent gas mileage, and looks cool. The brakes are phenomenal and features galore. If you are considering a car in the 25 - 30K range, this car should be at the top of your shopping list.
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.
Great car
moeman, 07/08/2005
2003 Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I think this a great car--my second SAAB. The up side is that its a great blend of performance, handeling, ammenities, safety and fuel economy. I'd recommend it to any friend. The down side is that you better not think about adults in the back seat except for a very short trip.
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.
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
jpn207, 07/10/2005
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car had two personalities. It was easily one of the best handling road cars in any situation or condition that I have ever driven. On the highway the car was a dream, getting over 31 mpg and so smooth that the only thing that prevented me from getting tickets was the speed alarm that I set for 90 MPH. HOWEVER, the service record was abysmal. The car was in the shop 44 times in 24 months. Most problems were computer related (mechanically the car is very sound). Eventually the people at the dealership found a broken wire in the wiring harness underneath the battery that was causing the car to break down. If you buy one of the '03s you should get friendly with your service techs!
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!!!
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.
fun to drive, but needs some improvement
skyking444, 07/24/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a fun car to drive. It is my first convertible and my wife and I are having a lot of fun driving up the coast or even to the grocery store!
Car needs improvement
saabisbad13, 12/24/2005
2003 Saab 9-3 Vector 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Electronics are not well integrated. Cannot open truck without using remote or by opening car from inside trunk release. Many rattles and other minor issues still exist after more then two years trying to find/fix them. Engine burns oil, Saab unwilling to fix problem. Two oil consumption tests indicated car burned 2 qts in 4000 miles, and 3/4 of a qt in first 1250 miles of next test and then additional 1/8 qt in next 1900 miles). Saab says it is normal to burn 1 qt per 2000 miles, this is outrageous. This is a GM company wide statement to boot. There are better cars for the same money. This is how GM proves why they are going out of business.