Used 2003 Saab 9-3 Consumer Reviews
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Disappointment
I'm a VW convertible owner,until purchasing the 9-3.What a disappointment.I have definitely discovered that the Germans are better engineers than the Swedes.The ride is rough; the air-conditioning is poor and the interior convenience is non- existent.The interior is cramped; options are inconvenient. The cup holder is horrible unless you like hot coffee spilled on your radio controls.The window controls located in the console are right where they can be bumped several times during any ride, a window suddenly going down as you drive.The pick-up of the turbo 4 cyl. is very good and the braking is superior.Other than that,my purchase has been an expensive mi
Great Car for the Money
I started out looking for a brand new BMW. Someone suggested I check out the new 9-3, I'm glad I did. Price wise its a great value compared to the Bimmer. Handsome all around, I was impressed by its Scandanavian attributes and performance. Do yourself a favor before you buy any car in that price range and check this one out. The car really is a great value when you consider that a Nissan Maxima or Honda Accord with similar option about the same as the Saab.
- SE ConvertibleMSRP: $4,9951,737 mi away
- SE ConvertibleMSRP: $3,4951,950 mi away
- SE ConvertibleMSRP: $11,5002,113 mi away
First Saab not my last
Just got the 9-3 Vector. Wow, clean lines, more power than needed, handles like its on rails. Innovations galore, some from old Saab some from GM, just a great blend. Tested G-30, A-4, BMW 3 and Baby Caddy.. 9-3 Vector is the very best mix of technology, power, appeal, and price.
Ur Money ... U Decide, I want a Refund!
My 2003 9.3 2.0t is a great looking, fun car to drive with excellent dealer service BUT, this car has more annoying rattles, noises, and little gotchas than any other car I have owned. I expect more from a $30K car. (I have owned Infiniti, Nissan, Chrysler, pre-GM SAAB, and others). The base stereo system sounds terrible. I added an aftermarket amp and 6x9 speakers which make the system sound much better but now I am being told it causes problems with SAABs Infotainment system. The dealership has been excellent, since I have been there a couple of days every month since I bought this car.
Flat out outstanding vehicle
Not one complaint about this car. It has exceeded my expectations in every way, and my expectations were high.
Certified Saab
I have 88k on my certified 9-3. Performance and comfort has been good to very good. Gas mileage averages 33 on the highway!! Snow traction and safety on Vermont roads have been excellent. I am glad it is certified though. Problems every 3 months including various leaks, yellow warning lights and electrical. I would recomend but get the 100k warranty!!
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.
best in it class
this vehicle is fabulous top of the class even better than lexus ES300 or Is300 its a sporty sedan to offer plenty and its playful fun to ride and own it too.
best saab ever built
found myself over steering for the first few miles.once i got it,it was all there.and watch the brakes.they are awesome.
Germany take notice!
I wish the last guy/gal who rated it a 1.0 (and drove down the overall ratings) would admit they are working for BMW. I'll wave bye-bye as I pass you're ass on the autobahn. ...Test-drove the 3, IS300, A4 and C class, if you like <b>DRIVING</B> a car visit you local SAAB dealer.
NO REGRET
I can go on an' on what made me buy a Saab, but I don't want to take all day...Bottom line: I LOVE THIS CAR !!! My previous cars were Acuras and Bimmers and I used to have a 900 turbo hatchback in my teenage years and that car was a blast so when I first saw the pictures and specs. of the new Saab 9-3 last summer in Europe I thought:"give it a chance"...and BINGO.
Major Disappointment
1.5 years into my lease and I can't wait for it to end. It's apparent that now that GM owns 100% has lowered SAAB quality down to GM levels -- quality far far below the 2000 SAAB 9-5 I had before. Squeeks, rattles, the clock won't keep time, and the world's WORST stereo system -- other than AM talk radio I leave it turned off it's so bad. This was the third -- but will be the last - SAAB in this household. I want a quality car, not a GM car. Next stop, Toyota / Lexus or Honda / Acura. Save yourself much grief and avoid this badge-engineered Malibu.
What a terrific car!
If you can be open minded enough to embrace the uniqueness and character of this car you will truly be astounded at what a wonderful automobile it is. I have always been a fan of Saab yet until now was never fond enough of the product to purchase one for myself. I have never been so happy with a car. With enough time spent, the car just makes sense. Everything is in the correct place. Everything is well though out. The attention to detail, while simple is astounding. The lines are clean and uncluttered. I can honestly say that I have never driven a car that gets so much attention and inquiries.
Faabulous
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.
I love it!
All the luxury features available on the more expensive 9-5 on a brand new platform. Outstanding safety features (5 star European safety rating), luxurious interior, highly computerized with customized "profiler" settings, convenient location of computer read-out, plus a lot of "quirky" but fun features. The zippy turbo engine on the Arc,improved audio system along with more options makes it a definite step up from the Linear 9-3.
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.
Lemon!
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.
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.
Excellent
Have owned 2 other Saabs and this is the best one yet
SAAB 9-3
This car gets great gas milage on both in town and on the highway. I get an average of 27.5 miles per gallon in 40/60 highway driving. For a 2.0 Turbo it out performs the Toyota Camary, Honda Accord for both performance and acceleration. This is a very fun car to own. I have not regreted purchasing this car at all.
Love my Saab
I've driven 120 miles to test drive this car 3 times now, and each time has been a blast. So much so, that I've ordered one for European delivery to coincide with my summer vacation. If you want a BMW, then buy it. BUT - I test drove the 325 several times, and, maybe it's me, but I prefer the distinctive styling of the 9-3. It doesn't look like every any other car, the back seat can fit humans, and it drives great. I'm no race-car driver, but the performance of the 9-3 impressed the heck out of me. This is a great all-around sports sedan.
Owned Better
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
Best handling car I've ever driven. Beats its German competitors hands down,
Poor Quality although Sharp Exterior
The car has been in the shop for more than 10 times in less than a year. The engine light is constantly on due to the poor quality of the electronic (e.g., computer)and mechnical design (e.g., brake). It has been the worst car I have ever driven. I will never ever even consider the SAAB brand when I look at any new cars in the future.
understated sophistication
You always stumble across the Saab fanatic and just figure that what they rave about is more of a statement about themselves, that they dare to be different and drive a non-mainstream vehicle. Well I guess, I dare to be in the hottest car around. The new 9-3 is not only eye-catching but a high performance dream. With precision handeling that you can totally put your faith into. I have tried to put my car out of control and it just doesn't have it... it counters and responds in such unison it is truly unbelievable. People don't know what they are missing. And what they don't know, doesn't hurt them, but it could save them... everything.
First time Saab owner
Test-drove and eventually leased this car because of GM financing and its standard safety features. The car is a blast to drive. It is a great value if you stay at the base level. It is relatively light weight. So, it really handles very well and the acceleration is quite adequate. The interior is very well done with leather seats. The five speed auto trans is very smooth and responsive. The car looks beautiful to me! After 900 miles, a warning appeared about auto transmission. It was a false alarm probably caused by a bad sensor signal. The second and current problem is related to the malfunctioning of OnStar.
Lots for the Money
Leased the ARC model after looking at the Acura TSX and others. Saab is a ton of car for the money. Acura was too bland. The Saab blows the Acura and BMW away in driver information and features. Saab's 210 hp and 221 lb/ft torque make the car feel more like 250hp b/c turbo acceleration. Lag is noticable but present only under 2000rpm, above 2K rpm it is strong. Our's is a week old and Onstar registration of the car is the only issue. Buy an Arc rather than a loaded Linear (cheaper that way). Dealer experience was good and I expect more of the same in the future - all service covered is a plus (not so with Acura).
One year mark
Outstanding 1st year. Have owned Audi Mercedes, BMW, Porsche, Volvo, Acura in the past. Saab 9-3 represented the best value when we went for a new car in August '03. Car has lived up to expectations. The car has the right amount of torque for daily driving. It is pleasant and smooth with adequate power when pressed. The Linear is a nice balance of riding comfort and handling agility (only my Porsche handled better). The car is one of the safest ever built (refer to crashtest.com for testing done worldwide).
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear Sport Sedan
Nice handling, decent 175 HP turbo engine, gorgeous 17" wheels and Pirelli perf tires, interior not Audi quality bit good fit and tight, excellent safety features, easy to use Saab Info Display computer.
Gambled on a Swedish hottie...
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.
Awesome
This car is more enjoyable than bmw's 3s series of audi's A4
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.
Concervatively stylish
Great job by SAAB! Stay away from auto tranny-it's slow.I din't like some interior plastics-seem to be hard and cheap to touch(door handles) Those who say it's build on Grand Am platform are on BMW payroll. Saab wheelbase is 105.3, Grand Am 107 and BMW 325 is 107.3. BMW is built on "stretched" Grand Am platform:)
9-3 Linear Launch Pkg really shines
Bought a Laser Red Linear with Launch Package (17" wheels, CD Changer, Roof, Electric Seats, Auto), it is a beautiful car to look at when it nice and clean and with the 17" 5 spoke wheels it really looks sporty - great handling for reasonably priced car, upscale and euro looking interior, over 3500 miles on it so far no problems, minor rattle in the door which the dealer fixed right away, they installed the on-star a month after we took delivery and gave us 2 years free service, transaction was smooth and I pair 28K out the door We like the car just needs a little more HP Overall very pleased with our red hot 9-3
9-3 Linear: Fun and Practical
My first Saab; I'm very pleased so far. The 175hp turbo and automatic are very flexible. Gas mileage (27+ mpg) has been better than I had hoped for with the Auto. Handling is xlnt; not M3 great, but better than the Acura TL we had. Some of the SID functions are awkward, but most controls are good. The 150wt stereo needs help, 6-CD changer is good. I have gotten a number of "thumbs up" from people looking at the car for the first time. It's sharp in silver. The exterior fit and finish are as good as any. The interior materials look good, but not quite A4-good. The heated seats are very comfortable. I also consideded an Audi A4 and Mazda 6s.
Awesome Car!
Saab really hit a home run with this one!
Lindy's Review
Beautiful car. Very speedy. Does hitch a bit a lower speeds. Interior comforts abound. Dials/switches could be clearer.
Overall a great car
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
Car is well designed,looks good,is fun to drive and a great value.
I drove them crazy!
After driving the A4, 325Xi, and S60 I hopped into my first Saab, the 2003 Arc and drove out of the dealership. I had a smile on my face before it shifted to 2nd gear. The display in the center of the dash tells everything needed and is unobtrusive. Took it out to the twisty roads to discover that this is the Best handling FWD I have ever sat in. The feel, ride quality and overall composure of this car is phenomenal. When I took it back I decided to try the Linear and was shocked to find about the same car with less frills. Still very torquey and smiling all the way. Now I know why they say most buy that try.
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.
Don't buy one Because....
There are many problems with the 9-3 that are unfixable, especially if you live in a hot climate like Texas. The Fuel injextions system has many problems that the manufacturer is choosing to ignore, causing many of these cars to be irrepairable, but these problems are not showing up in statistics b/c the manufacturer is repurchasing the cars from the owners without having "Lemon Law" suits filed. The car looks great and is fun to drive, but don't be fooled. Many problems need to be fixed with this car.
MISTAKE!
It seemed like I was driving the loaner more than my new car. Infotainment system had various bugs that came and went for days at a time. Engine Light was always on due to defective engine parts that had to be replaced. Horn stopped working shortly after purchase. Automatic windows began malfunctioning such that the window would not go up...very inconveinent in rain! I spent a great deal of time returning my car to dealer for warranty repairs. I wish I had bought the Audi A4 as I had originally wanted! Also was not impressed when I traded it in and the dealer called the selling dealership to get a value and was told, "No, we wouldn't buy that vehicle back...too many problems."
Great Car
after considering the following cars, i choose the saab. i test drove: bmw 325xi(all wheel drive) audi a4- bmw drove -ok not great, it had no trunk space and tiny backseat. the controls were boring looking and the spedometer had 65 mph very low on it like a race car. the audi- only comes in 5 speed. i have owned 5 speeds and dont like luxury cars with lots of shiftin. Saab- 1)looks better than the other 2 2)better gas mileage, huge trunk and backseat. the spedometer has 65 mph right in the middle were it shouldd be!
Great vehicle!
I love my car. It has been wonderful and only issues have been its common gnomes in the electrical work/displays (funny at times, annoying at others). Comfort is above par and makes daily long drives bearable. Turbo lag is certainly there, but as soon as it realizes that it's supposed to go, it does so with awesomeness. Plenty of power and fuel economy to boot. Overall, a wonderful car for my first dive into the luxury branded vehicles.
Excellent Choice
After looking at all the competition, the Vector is by far the best value and the most fun to drive. It looks great and performs well ahead of more expensive competition.
9-3 Sport Sedan 2.0t - LOVE IT
I decided not to wait for the 210hp ARC and basically got the 175hp vector fully loaded minus the 17" sport wheel package. I thought the sport suspension was a little to rigid for my confort. Overall the car is roomy and fun to drive. There is a little turbo lag when making that zero to 60 jet merging into traffic, but overall the car responds well.
9-3 Arc
This car is so much fun to drive. I look forward to merging on to highways because the power band is exactly where it should be. That range between 20-80 is exhilirating. The steering on the car is impeccable. It cuts through turns at high speeds with ease. The interior appointments are rich and comfortable. The gadgets are cool. Bottom line is that you'll have your friends drooling and asking you where you got it and how much you got it for. Its a really unique car in its class. Why be like everyone else?
Stay away from this Saab
I bought the car for my wife last month, I had so many problems that I am seriously considering selling the car at a huge loss. The ride is harsh and uncomfortable, the quality of the parts on the dashboard are noisy since are shared with other less expensive GMs. The driving position is odd and unsual.
Awesome...my second Convertible Saab
This is my second SAAB. My first Saab 900 SE Turbo was a 1997 and I drove it for three years . In Winter, I drove right by BMWs during our major blizzards and watched them spin their wheels . The seats that first drew me to the car. They are so comfortable.. I am also 6'3" and fit nicely into the SAAB with leg room to spare. Performance-wise the new 2003 is a better handling car. The cat back sport exhaust growls and she'll stay with or pass most cars. They build this particular car on the same assembly line as the Porsche Boxster...a little known Fact.