Used 2003 Saab 9-3 Convertible Consumer Reviews
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Objective 2003 Saab convertible review.
geek, 10/02/2009
2003 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
32 of 32 people found this review helpful
Quiet (yes a convertible) solid feel, comfortable seats, highly responsive engine, reasonable few blind spots, good MPG. Some odd features but not annoying and something Saab is noted for. The torque steer nonsense you read about is something that average drivers will never notice or care about. This is nice riding and driving car, that was a great purchase. It has all the options that you would expect in a car that sold and sells in this price range. The higher than normal depreciation means you can buy an expensive car for less. The cost of repair is not out of line with any high end car. BTW the trunk is functional for trips, the back seats go down to extend the storage.
Used 2003 9-3 Convertible
disasterdawg, 05/25/2013
2003 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
38 of 41 people found this review helpful
Bought this car with 89,xxx miles on it, AUTOMATIC I knew it needed a few cosmetic items and tires, but was a value for $4400. Solid car that is fun to drive. The AC blows so cold I had to turn it down on a 90+ degree day. Items are simple to fix like the DIC and fluid for the covnertible top. Lots of parts on eBay and videos on YouTube to help. Is quick and responsive. The Sweeds know nothing of cup holders though. The car will throw trouble codes every day. Buy a scanner when you buy a Saab. Nothing to worry about, most are harmless warnings and can be fixed without huge money. The DIC (coil pack) is the common failure for most codes, new is $500
2003 Saab 9-3 for sale near you
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Caught the Swedish Bug
VW to Saab, 09/11/2009
2003 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
14 of 15 people found this review helpful
When my daughter needed a car for school, reluctantly I gave her my beloved Jetta and purchased a used Saab 93 convertible. It's now my beloved Saab. Amazing car!! Purchased with 46K miles already on it, the Saab performs beautifully. A heavier car than the Jetta, the steering is only slightly less responsive, but you can feel the weight of this car. It's solid. Comfy and sexy! The mileage - near 30 mpg highway. The car has its quirks - a wonky gas gauge and that damn SID that reads like Braille - but these are easy to overlook when you hit that turbo and the car responds without a hiccup. No maintenance woes to date. Amazing since the car was in a flood 4 years ago. So far, fantastic!
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.
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.
euro quality
ernst, 08/08/2002
2003 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I look forward to drive my Saab and use any excuse I can find to drive it instead of my wife getting behind the wheeel.We both enjoy its handling and performance and can feel the european build quality all around us.
The Ultimate Tanning Machine
mbm135, 02/20/2006
2003 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Wonderful car, turns heads, powerful, and best of all hardly anyone owns one. I rarely see another Saab Vert. I bought mine used with only 16K miles on it and it is like new. If you want a head turning, fast, unique sports car, this vert is the one for you. Loaded with luxury features and designed for sheer fun.
saab
PandyAndy, 09/29/2019
2003 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
this is a very nice driving car has all the power you would want it has three drive modes regular sport and winter the winter mode works great to be fair I only drove it in the snow for about 2 weeks in PA winter and it was a good one it did great never spun or mad me feel uncomfortable the sport mode I can only say hold on this car will hit 130 with out hammering it I am sure there was more left there just a great car
- Safety
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- Reliability
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2003 Saab 9-3 Convertible
SMann, 10/22/2004
2003 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
6 of 8 people found this review helpful
Great car for most local driving and when you want to go out for a "fun" drive. The lack of a center arm rest makes it uncomfortable on a long haul.
Hot Car
Teaching English, 06/22/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This car is comfortable and fun to drive. As a high school English teacher, I was the talk of the school when I got it. We recently took it on a trip to North Carolina. The back seat passenger wasn't very comfortable, but it was great in the front seats. It got excellent gas mileage on the trip. I highly recommend this car.
New to Me
tiki saab, 06/18/2009
2003 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
I am a week and a half into owning this car. I bought it in spite of it being a rental for its first year, 10,000 miles per Carfax. I am happy with the purchase, 117k on the car. Mostly in good to above average condition. I had it checked out by an independent shop and it received a clean bill of health. Had an oil change, will run synthetic of course. I am planning on a tune and complete fluid replacement @ the next oil change interval. A lot of juice when I hit the gas, I am well above the posted limit before realizing it.
Never Again
Steve, 10/14/2009
2003 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
Bought this car brand new in '03. Decided on this instead of the BMW 330 Convertible because of price and the BMWs are everywhere. What a mistake! While fun to drive, it has been a maintenance nightmare compared to any other car I've ever driven. Fuel pump failure (huh?) at 56K, CLUTCH at 70K, A/C compressor at 48K, wheel bearing at 80K, Ignitor Coil at 80K. Compare to my '86 325: original clutch at 150K; my '83 Tercel: original clutch at 150K. I work with a guy that has an '02 9-5 - same problems. No wonder the resale value of Saabs stinks. Stay away from Saab!
RUN!!!!!
beth, 12/05/2010
2003 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
4 of 18 people found this review helpful
DO NOT buy!, bought mine with 27,000 miles, when the car hit 40,000 it was down hill!, rattling under the hood, cup holder broke, radio dislpay broke, panel behind the drivers seat broke, compressor broke, forget about check engine light, ALWAYS on despite paying hundreds of dollars to replace stupic sensor, last 8 months i;ve shelled out $3000, and as we speak, was towed from work to dealer for not starting, not battery either! ive had it!, when it comes back im driving it onto HONDAS lot and prepared to take a hit. PIECE of crap, DONT DO IT!!!!! unless your rich and have $ to literally to throw away!
Never Again
Dan A., 06/05/2009
2003 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 5 people found this review helpful
Where do I begin? My "latest" issue is that although the electrical system is working, the car wont start! The Saab mechanic informs me that it "may" be the started, but maybe not. He can replace it for $700+, but if it's not the problem, I'm out the money! The leather seats are worn out. The fan for the a/c stays on for an extra 15 minutes after I shut off the car. The car rattles way too much. The seals on the back window are coming off. Oh, and the motor for the passenger seat is gone and now starting to go on the drivers side as well. They inform me that the motor is over $700! I can easily say that I will not buy a Saab OR a GM auto ever again. Haven't met many happy Saab owners lately.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Saab the convertable
matt mitchell, 08/17/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
THIS CAR HAS ANYTHING THAT ONE WOULD EXPECT IN A FUN TO DRIVE CONVERTIBLE. THE SPORT FEATURE IS USED MOST OF THE TIME TO ALLOW FOR THE PERFORMANCE THAT THE CAR IS WORTHY OF. THE HORSE POWER COULD BE A LITTLE BETTER BUT ALL IN ALL WE WOULD BUY AGAIN.
Love the 9 3 Convertible
sosogo5, 09/16/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Second 9 3 convertible I've owned and just love it. Have had it all out in the twisties with the top down and its great fun. Always have people asking about it. Great car. Have had some minor trouble with the new one getting steering to track straight, both otherwise a great, tight , comfortable car.
Saab 9.3 se is fantastic
Alexandra Solomon, 07/20/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A solid good looking fun car. Grabs the road tight and is very fast. Very comfortalbe and take curbs like a porshe.
My Saab Review
Dougie, 10/04/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I absolutely love this car. No problems with it since new except for the pin in the convertible top snapped but was replaced under warranty. I would recommend this car ro anybody looking for a great convertible.
Keep the top down
mwgallant, 02/01/2005
2003 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I pored over internet resources to search for a four seat convertible that would handle my family of four and New England winters. I upgraded from a Chrysler Sebring and haven't looked back. I traveld 100 miles by train just to pick up a rare Merlot color with only 8800 miles on it. Way better than the Chrysler even with 2 less cylinders! Put the 9-3 into Sport mode and get ready for some G's. Real smooth ride with very little rattles. I have used the traction control to get out of many slippery situations. Combine it with Winter mode and you rarely get stuck. Purchased a 6 disc changer for the trunk on eBay at half the cost and had it dealer installed. Love to drive it topless!!
Still Great at Two Years
tprettejohn, 03/25/2005
2003 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
No problems with this vehicle at the 2 year mark. This is my second 9-3 convertible, this time in a 5-speed. Gets about 32.5 mpg on the highway on a long trip. Turbo engine has great power for 2.0L 4 cyl. Front seats very comfortable.
Zoom
Mysaab, 10/28/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Nice car - fast and good looking! Backseats are pretty useless.
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.
A fun to drive convertible
sandstones, 02/25/2006
2003 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Trying to decide whether to buy out my lease, and thought I'd see what others had to say. Overall for me car has been a blast to drive, and have only had a few minor maintenance issues. Think it will age better than new GM based Saabs, but only time will tell.
Great convertible!
scot, 04/08/2006
2003 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Wow! I received a fantastic deal after this gem sat at my local dealership for six months with no takers. Car turns heads and continues to receive compliments. Driving topless is the best stress-buster in the world. If I'd heeded the reviews in Consumer Reports, I would never have purchased this vehicle, so I'm glad I lived on the edge. I love the unique design and the fact that so few others own this vehicle. Still love it after owning for a year.
2003 saab 9-3 turbo convertible
william palmer, 04/09/2006
2003 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is one of the finest autos I've owned. I've owned mercedes as well as other expensive autos. The fit, and finish is excellent. The performance is superb especially when you realize it's coming from a 2 liter engine.
My 1st Saab, my 1st convertible!
Rise, 06/18/2006
2003 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I got the convertible "bug",and happened to find the Saab accidently on Autotrader. It looked nice in pictures, so I set out to find a "real one" to test drive. I was sick of driving a gas guzzling SUV! I couldn't afford anything new, but that didn't stop me from looking for one I COULD afford. What luck! I found a 2003 about 75 miles from my home, and the rest is history. It is a decent size, responsive, gorgeous vehicle. I'm getting 25 mpg versus about 17 with my old SUV. It's a slick ride to say the least. I just wish I'd bought one sooner. I feel 20 years younger!! The best thing is that it's unique. Not many of these on the road, so you'll get noticed.The 4 cylinder turbo is unreal.
My fabulous 2nd Saab
tprettejohn, 04/02/2004
2003 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The salesman told me once I bought one Saab I would go back. Same as my 2001 that I sold to my father-in-law except for the manual transmission. Great car no issues so far.
OK so far on 2003 rag top
Stafford VA, 05/04/2004
2003 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Not as good on gas mileage as I had hoped. Does much better on extended trip. Can use mid-level gas with no problem--regular might be OK too, but I haven't tried it. Recommend the leather arm rest--gave it to me at purchase. Paid $32,400 in October, 2003. Car does shake over any type of rough road--but has good pick up and excellent braking. The hand brake is the strongest I have ever experienced. The car will not move when it is engaged. Top works well--no leaks.
Disappointment
DiAnn, 06/19/2004
2003 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
2003 Saab SE Convertible
gggcag, 04/12/2007
2003 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We recently purchased a used 2003 Saab SE convertible with 25,000 miles on it. We wanted a convertible for summer fun and this vehicle certainly fills the bill! It has outstanding performance and is a thrill to drive. We live in the mid-west and promptly took it on a trip down south to take advantage of the warm weather and driving with the top down. Very little wind noise for a convertible and averaged 31 MPG! What more could you ask for?
Best 4 seater convertible in it's class
Patrick Lo, 12/12/2002
2003 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great interior with lots of features. Comfortable seats, rear seating with room for 2 adults. Lots of power when turbo kicks in. Great exterior styling, not your average european / German car.
Fun in the Sun
WillieA, 06/07/2003
2003 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I chose my Saab convertible over the BMW 3 series for a variety of reasons. The nutshell reason is it is a better bang for the buck. The incentive laden Saab blows away the beamer from a financial perspective. The msrp of 42K for the Saab would be out of the question for me but with the money rates of its current lease and 6k in incentives, it is a no brainer.
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.
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
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.