Used 2003 Saab 9-3 Consumer Reviews
Used 9-3 for sale
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First time Saab owner
theaba, 06/13/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
awesome car
Suey, 06/12/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
no sites on saab in singapore so have to participate in this one to get news on views and news on the car... have had the car for 2 weeks now and its so fun to drive! And like in the US, they are less common than Beamers...which are as common here as Toyotas are Do get an intermittent error msg about low dim light failure although the lights work fine.
2003 Saab 9-3 for sale near you
Showing 3 of 4 listings
- SE ConvertibleMSRP: $4,9952,047 mi away
- SE ConvertibleMSRP: $3,4952,333 mi away
- SE ConvertibleMSRP: $11,5002,421 mi away
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Great new Saab 9-3
newsaab, 06/16/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I traded my old 1997 900S Turbo for a 2003 9-3 last week and I am very happy with this car. I did my homework on this car and compared to a handful of other (Audi A4, BMW 320, Subura Legacy GT, Honda Accord). After driving them all and comparing value for money, the Saab 9-3 came in 1st place. The new 9-3 is a great car overall. Compared to my old Saab, they have improved the car in almost every way. I can't notice any turbo lag. My car has the upgraded sport tire package - looks great and really hugs the road. I love the fact that the 9-3 is unique out there in a sea of Acura, BMW and Audi vehicles.
Drive of your life
doctj, 06/18/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Saab marketing says : " 95% of people who test drive a Saab end up buying one". I have to say I'm one of those. After test driving the Infiniti G 35 MT I wasn't too happy, when my wife suggested checking out the Saab. After the test drive my search was over; the handling, acceleration, implementation of turbo, braking are all superb not to talk of the silky smooth 6 speed manual transmission . Problems: 1. Battery completely died after a week requiring towing to the dealership, and was changed FOC. 2. Onstar lost reception and was reset at the dealership. In summary if you love to drive try out this car.
As good as it gets for the bucks.
Michael Menard, 06/22/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 Vector 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We wanted entry level luxury and we found it. The 9-3 has it all. The handling was most impressive and the list of safety features and standard equipment is very competitive. Take a long look, you won't be sorry.
Awesome...my second Convertible Saab
SAAB for me Baby, 06/21/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
2003 Linear
Mike Schurr, 06/24/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned every car imaginable from BMWs to VWs and have never before owned a Saab. I was drawn to the car's looks and ammenities. The overall performance is better than expected from a 175 hp turbo 4 cyl and handling is excellent for a front driver. I really enjoy the car and suggest that anyone looking for a sport sedar consider this car. I recently attended the Saab sponsored Proving Ground where the 9-3 is pitted against, a BMW 325, M-B C230, Audi A-4, and a Volvo S70. After driving the Linear, Arc and Vector as well as a 9-2 convertible I was impressed at how well it stood up to the other vehicles.
TIGHT
First foriegn car, 06/25/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
First sports car. Wanted a manual convertible just for fun. Checked everything from a VW to Jag and Lexus. For the $, this was definately it. Put 15 hours and 1,000 miles on it the first weekend and still could have driven more. But, got a BAD sunburn. Turbo kicked in on the highway when needed. I'm 6'5" and ability to fit me confortably was a BIG plus. Plus have room in back for 2 adults. Very LARGE trunk for small car. 2 sets of golf clubs and luggage for a weekend. Why spend 2-3x's as much when you can get the fun with this?
Saab Story
tidegolf, 06/29/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My Saab has had nothing but problems from day 2. The car runs rough and had engine and brake issues within the first 6 months. Continual trips to the service department are getting so routine that the personnel know my voice when I call. I am sure all Saabs are not like mine......or at least one would hope they aren't
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear
Perdition, 07/07/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The turbo lag on this car is frustrating and dangerous. Initial boost takes a full second or more to engage making crossing a road with traffic impossible. After turbo boost, however, this car propels the car like a high end sports car. Get a manual transmission, not an automatic.
Great car at Great Value
tk421, 07/07/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car get 30 mpg at 100 mph. I love the turbo and zero torque steer. The value is great and the interior is fun. I like the safety and the sporty feel.
Nice Car to Drive; Hard Car to upkeep
Glad to Move On, 04/03/2008
2003 Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Enjoyed driving the car, but lots of problems. Bad fuel pump, gas tank level gauge replacement, front suspension problems, very expensive emissions system repairs, both power windows went bad, cable connector to starter motor completely corroded away - I could go on. Tire wear was horrible, no matter what kind of tire I tried or advice I received. I barely got 20K miles out of a set of tires despite 3k rotation. Oh well - glad to move on to my next vehicle - not going to see me in another Saab any time soon - sorry GM. Maybe I just got a bad vehicle.
I Miss My Saab!
I Miss My Saab..., 05/11/2008
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am still kicking myself ever since the day I sold the best car I've ever owned! I bought my Saab because I didn't want to conform to they typical A4, 3 series or IS300. I only had minor problems with it that were all fixed under warranty: Door handles, peeling dash, key FOB, door lock. Nothing major, great dealership treatment from Saab of Santa Ana. I sold it because the family needed and SUV to pull our boat. The SUV (Infiniti QX4) currently has a for sale sign on it and I'm in the market for another 9-3 (hopefully the convertible this time!)
unreliable car in the world
Worst car i ever had, 05/19/2008
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I brought this stupid car and didn't even had it for 9 months, the car spent most of its time in the garage then in my parking lot. has a lot of electrical problems( doesn't start some times, the theft alarm goes off, doors and trunk lock and unlock themselves, the ac doesn't turn on some times, have to restart the car every time , to get this problem fixed). the interior surface peels off, very cheap looking interior and the materials used are so cheap. it's nothing but a chevy malibu (with a Saab badge), better we can call it SAALIBU. pls dont get attracted to the looks, every thing else sucks.
Something's Almost Always Broken
teblhasa, 05/29/2008
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It would be a great car, if there wasn't always something going wrong with it! I've only had it not even 6 months and I want a new car. Some of the 9-3's are great, just make sure you have it thoroughly inspect it before you buy. But it is a lot of fun to drive (when it behaves), and it turns heads! I love how expensive they look all cleaned up, and the really nice infotainment display.
Bar car.
Saab driver, 09/06/2002
2003 Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is a great car for people who want originality because there are so few on the road. Cheap quality and too much inspiration from cheapskate GM cars. Not worth the money.
Bland GM product
Zeke, 11/07/2002
2003 Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is an example of how GM can engulf and ruin a smaller company. This car is bland, uninteresting, and full of cheap touches from GM. I have owned Saabs for years, and loved their quirky personality, uniqueness, and practical hatchback design. No more. This car is built on the same platform as a Pontiac Grand Am. Why waste your money on a cheap GM product with a Saab label on it.
Call it a GM, not a Saab
BernieS, 11/16/2002
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 3 people found this review helpful
This is a cheaply made GM product..NOT a Saab. It's even built on the Pontiac Grand AM platform. The interior is cheap-looking and full of plastic. Worse, it has none of the Saab individuality or the wonderful, unique silhouette that made the hatchback synonymous with Saab for decades. GM has the ability to ruin anything. Unfortunately it has its clutches on this once-terrific company. Save your money and buy a Pontiac if that's what you want.
Terrible Car
Chad Schwartz, 12/02/2008
2003 Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
We purchased our 9-3 from a private seller with about a year and 11,000 miles left on the factory warranty. We quickly began to get use of the factory warranty and have already gotten nearly $2,000 of use off an extended warranty we purchased. This is, by far, the most un-reliable car I have ever owned. The electronics dont reliably work (Saab consistently updates the program which amounts to a patch before the next issue), the CDs get stuck in the changer, there are countless rattles/squeaks, broken plastic junk on the interior, failed A/C Comp., failed alternator and now the check engine light is on. The small 4 cylinder lacks torque and the car handles (bad) much like a family sedan.
Me too - never again!
Bob O'Keefe, 04/28/2009
2003 Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I helped my son purchase a used Saab in January 2007 and with each year the repair costs just keep coming. In September of 2007 the check engine light came on with a total cost of $545 to fix. In February 2008 a new radiator cost $721. In December 2008 it cost $903 for a new window regulator and new blower motor. In April 2009 a tow charge of $105 and an estimated repair cost of $900 to fix after the car simply stopped running on the highway. With the latest fix the total repairs bills are over $3000 in 2 years and 2 months. What a piece of junk!
No more Europe for me!
Slappy, 06/01/2010
2003 Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 5 people found this review helpful
Bought this car used in September of 2009 w/ 85K miles, now has 94K (just traded it in). Had to replace all 4 rotors and sets of pads, crankshaft positioning sensor (twice), oil pressure sensor, and the head gasket was blown, this was all after the place I bought it from said it was in tip-top condition. Strut mounts were noisy (known issue), headlights were too dim, vehicle rode like a tank, gas mileage only around 21 - 23 mpg HIGHWAY. I owned this vehicle less than a year. After this and my Audi, I will never buy another European vehicle.
Heavy!
magicman, 10/20/2002
2003 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car has some good features, ease of driving is not one of them. It handles like a tank, the front wheel drive makes driving this car an athletic event. It has a tendency on uneven surfaces to throw itself and you in random directions. I do like the power of the turbo but it's not enough to overshadow the work, this car is not fun to drive. Random plastic things keep falling of the dash board and if you hit a pebble with the 17inch wheels, the rims dent.
Be unique don't follow the masses!
Saabmstr, 01/29/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I recently purchased a Saab, and boy am I satisfied. After test driving the Audi A4 and BMW 3 series, I decided hands down on the Saab. Not only is the interior more spacious than either car, but the exterior design has more attitude(this probaby stems from the fact that Saab has contracted BMW's(now ex) designer.) Not only is this New and refined Saab a great deal, but by driving one you set yourself apart from the masses who are conent with paying $5,000 more for the Audi or BMW. My recommendation, Buy.
BUY IT AND REGRET IT
Matthew Allascanina, 02/09/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
As an opulent consumer I have purchased the 9-3 for my 17 y/o son. Made the mistake by letting him choose out of the cars we tested. Car has a classy look but thatsthe only good thing. GM can't make luxury cars, Cadillac is the most dangerous luxury car on the road. Saab was a great car but GM has ruined that. Want real luxury and style look at one of the two best made luxury marques' small sedans, Volvo S60 or Mercedes C240. The prices of Volvo and Mercedes maybe more but it is worth it. Odd when an engine and driver's seat has to be replaced on a brand new car. Mercedes had a few problems with the 4.3 liter engine but at least they handle the problem.
Computer Problems
Kate M, 08/05/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've never loved a car like I do my new 93 Arc sport sedan. It's a great looking and fun to drive car. Unfortunately, we've had several major electronic problems in it's first 3 months. The power in the left door went out, then the power seat, then the radio malfunctioned, then the onstar, then the airbag....now the computer decided to shut off the engine in the middle of traffic and it refused to restart. I'm really frustrated with the computer in this car. At first I thought it was just the SAAB quirkiness...now I know it's a lot more serious than that. I'm afraid to drive it not knowing what the computer is going to do next.
Been lucky
ron, 09/10/2005
2003 Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Been in for non-scheduled visits twice in two years. both incidents were releated to non-serious computer malfunctions. The dealer has done more than one could expect. For the size of the engine, power and mileage are better than expected. Car is smooth but noisy. Interior ergonomics very easy to get used to. Almost bought a new A3 but realized what I have.
Huge Disappointment!
halloween, 04/16/2004
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
LOVED my 2000 Saab 9-3. HATE my 2003 9-3. How anyone who claims to have driven a Mercedes Benz or BMW has the nerve to suggest that this car is a great alternative with a more attractive price tag. They either have to have their heads examined or they are liars and have never stepped foot into either of those car models before. This car is nothing more than a Grand Am with a Saab logo on it. Do yourself a favor and bite the bullet and buy the 3 Series BMW like I am instead of going through the agony of owning this car - it is the worst!!!
Saab 9-3 in Atlanta
b6542, 05/25/2004
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car has met or exceded all expectations. I definitely would recommend the manual shift over the auto. Great Milage !
Really Enjoying My Saab
Swurvydel, 05/15/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Switching from a sports car (honda s2000) to the Saab 9-3 was a big change in driving experience. Although I miss the performance of the Honda, I am throughly please with my Saab. The service after purchase is 1st class. The really know how to treat the customer. It was great to get all the luxury features of cars more expensive than the 9-3. I would recommend this car to anyone looking to get a sports sedan.
My 9-3
gozer, 05/19/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Everyone that sees my car immediately asks what it is and wants to check it out. Great, fun to drive car. Lots of utility with fold down rear seats and trunk and passenger space that betters almost all competitors. I have optional 16", 10-spoke wheels that look great but are hard to keep clean. Surprising performance out of 175 hp motor, feels and performs more like 200 hp. And I've been averaging 26 mpg. Manual shift mode on auto tranny is fun. Solid built quality.