Used 2003 Saab 9-3 Sedan Consumer Reviews
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Great car
I love this car. It is fun to drive yet luxurious at the same time. I have never had any trouble with it and I love the way the turbo kicks in when you stomp on it. It is not extremely fast or anything but it feels great on the road and has great low end torque. It handles great too for only sixteen inch wheels and when I buy a new car it is definitely going to be a saab. Thank you for reading this.
Value
This car fun and jazzy. Its distinctiveness is one of the main draw for me, of course, value counts too, it has all the luxry you want plus more... Get one with sports package, you won't be out of style for a long time.
- SE ConvertibleMSRP: $3,495625 mi away
- SE ConvertibleMSRP: $4,995663 mi away
- SE ConvertibleMSRP: $11,500835 mi away
Saab did real good!
This car is great! Second Saab I have owned and this car kills the hatchback in every single category. smooth ride, handles nice, looks better than a BMW. This is the best new car you can buy for 30k. I looked at 3 series, a4, volvo, and a loaded Saab is the way to go.
Saab 9-3 Auto
JUst leased a saab 9-3. The computer system is a bit confusing, and the ventilation system is not quite as good as the one on my 98 outback. Overall I enjoy driving it, auto is smooth, sound system is great. Small rattle in passenger side door. overall a pretty good car.
great car
So far, a great car. Had one recall with with the hand brake, but the dealership brought out a tow truck and fixed the problem for free. The turbo is great... love the turbo meter. Comfortable car for its small size. We sometimes use the car to fit the entire family of five... but beyond local commutes, stick with a large sedan or SUV, if you can afford the gas. The butterfly cup holder is pretty cool and 100x more useful then the one in my 2001 540i. The car is sporty, fun, and has never spent more then the alloted time at the dealership. Great car!
Best in its Price range
This is a great car and truly outperforms in terms of quality all other cars in it's pricerange. You really have to drive a Saab to fully understand what a great vehicle it is.
Fun
Fun car. Very happy. Zero turbo lag.
truly a saab story
I purchased the Saab 93 used and let me tell you. When I first got the car, the first thing that happened, was the Engine light coming on. This car only had 21k miles by the way. Took it to a dealership. Had it looked at 6 times in 4 weeks. The interior plastics were fading and had to be replaced 3 times. The door handle faded. Transmission slipped shortly after 35k miles. Finally the transmission died at 60k miles. I maintained the car well. even though saab has the "lowest maintenance in its class". Which I feel personally was misleading. I had to pay for a oil change and other maintenance that was covered under Saab's "free scheduled maintenance plan". I wouldn't buy another Saab.
sad but true
I am so unbelievably disappointed in my new 93. I have always loved the look of Saabs and knew I would own one one day. To my surprise, I have had nothing but headaches from this car. I have had it in service approx 6 times now for various problems & it's still not resolved. Never again.
Great Car - High MPG and Performance
This car has great lines, handling and performance. With the turbo charged four cylinder engine you get both great gas mileage and performance. If you want to accelerate off the line there is a half second delay before the turbo kicks in and snaps you into the back seat. Open the sun roof and take it though the corners and you have to be impressed.
Saabs puts together a fine vehicle
I recently purchased a 9-3 Arc and I am ,so far, very satisfied with my decision. The interior is in no way cheap as some may think or say. This is no Grand Am. The leather seats are comfortable. The dials are easy to read and the cabin overall has a nice layout. The shifting is smooth and positive. The exterior styling matches that of any European model in my opinion. Some may complain about turbo lag but I have not noticed a significant problem with this. Unrealistic expectations may be to blame. The infotainment system can be a bit distracting.
SAAB 9-3 linear w/launch package
This is my first SAAB, and I was thinking about the BMW 325i as the other alternative. After driving the SAAB, I liked it a lot more than the BMW, and it was $7k less, and it gets much better gas mileage. I am truly enjoying the car and I have got a lot of complements, especially from BMW owners. I can't say enough good things about the car.
Fun to drive, great mpg
I have had some problems with this car (HVAC fan broke twice, emission control blower, front lights burned out), but all in all this has been a fun to drive, economical car. I drive between 75 and 80 MPH and regularly get 32 MPG at these speeds. Acceleration when driving 55 to 90 MPH is excellent.
Joyful car
Had it for about a month now, I still enjoy every trip in this car. It looks really good from the front and side, and alright from the back. The interior is very cozy with good quality materials. The seats are superbly comfortable, the controls and gauges are quite good. The stereo is good but the bass is a bit weak (no subwoofer). Great handling gives amazing feeling of control, the car feels very light and nimble. Great breaks, nice shifter and pretty good power from the engine. Turbo a bit lazy at low end, but gives very good response afterwards.
Just Drive it!
After many weeks of research and driving, I opted for the 9-3 Linear with all available options and received a vehicle which is gorgeous to look at, extremely practical (I have taken it camping twice and easily fit all required items), and thrilling to drive. Add to this a reasonable price tag and flexible purchase options, and the decision was fairly straight - forward. Truly, I am pleased with this vehicle after 4 mos. of ownership and 8000 miles. This is one car I can live with for many years (or at least until the new model comes out!)!
2003 93 - Linear, Auto, Launch, Sunroof
Reviews vary on turbo lag. Expect 1/4 second delay when you punch the gas. Remember that this car has 195 ft/lbs of torque, putting it up with some V6's. It seems to run about 32 MPG HWY. Combination driving is about 25 MPG. Last week I drove the twisties... all I can say is wow, what a confidence inspiring car. When pushed hard, the ReAXS system [??] moves the car as if I were trail braking... an odd sensation at first. The "Sentronic" tranny is very nice coming down the hills. I love my new Saab. If you want good performance, MPG, $, and looks, test drive one.
We both love this car
Those who have rated the car poorly in this forum must really like the old hatchback style, but that's why I never owned one before. This car is beautiful both inside and out. Some said its cheap and GM ruined it, but if you read the automative journals, this is the best car Saab ever produced. The linear model is fast enough for me. It accerlates quickly and gets up to speed in seconds. Handling is this cars best attribute. It simply carves up twisty back roads. The interior is laid out very well. There are a ton of features and the profiler system is great. Put simply, this car is terrific. I have never gotten up early on a weekend just to go for a drive!!
100 mile commute seems a lot shorter!
Just bought my 2003 9-3 ARC last week w/auto and sport wheels. GM employee discounts for the 2003 model made it tough to pass on. Already put 800 miles on the Saab. Replaced a 1995 Volvo 850 turbo. No comparison, the Volvo was quick, but did not handle the turns, the Saab takes the turns like it is on rails,a lot of fun. I would recommend this car to anyone that is considering a euro sport sedan. I also drove the Infinity G35 sedan, which was quicker, but felt like a very heavy car, not as nimble. So far I love the car, and I'll keep you posted on our progress.
Buy one and enjoy
I have been more than pleased with it's reliability, exceeding my expectations. I have the manual trans. with the 175 hp light pressure turbo. To me, this is the best set up. The engine is smooth and powerful, with no turbo lag, not to mention 28-29 mpg. The interior is roomy with the best seats in the business. The dash has been the only quality let down. Thought I have had nothing go wrong, the centre consol units up the dash seems very flimsy, not tightly secured to the dash. Otherwise, the doors shut with a solidity that is reinforced with the excellent safety ratings (Best in Class!) I recommend SAABs to anyone wise enough to stray from the heard and follow your own road.
Awesome Car
Purchased after EXTENSIVE research on safety, drivability, curb appeal and overall value...NOTHING came close for the price. I've owned several european cars and this car is by far the best I have driven... including the 2002 Saab 9-5 wagon I own. I upgraded the wheels to the 17" with pirellis....and chose the rich looking metallic midnight blue...this car turns more heads than my red miata convertible!
Electronic bugs
overall its a great car
2003 9-3 is a great car!
I am very happy with the 2003 9-3. My first service kicked at 14,400 (most of my driving is highway). Have 15,700 miles after 7 months of ownership. The SID tripped once giving me a faulty gear box reading which I need to have the dealer reset, otherwise it has been 7 months of solid reliability and great driving. I highly recommend it.
Saab 9-3
Don't buy a Saab-- It is a GM Car, remember that! I have had nothing but problems. Car drives great but more electrical nuisance problems than any other car I have ever owned. No one at Saab stands behind their cars. That includes the dealership and the 1800 Customer service number. Saab is very tempting to buy but don't do it!!! Consider the BMW 3 series or Acura TL instead.
The Truth
I must rebut the misinformation in some these 9-3 reviews. The 9-3 is built on a new platform only used by Saab and Opel as of yet. The only truth about GrandAm connection is that GM plans to build it next-gen GrandAm on the platform to cut costs. Volkswagon and Audi do the same. Anyhow, I like the way the the 9-3 drives - nice handling and comfortable seats. I think the Linear has plenty of power for everyday driving and compares favorably to the A4 and 3 Series base models. The real story is that the Saab has leather interior standard. If you make a true comparison (option for option) the 9-3 will save you at least 5K over a A4 or 3 Series.
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!!
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.
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.
Great car great ride. A good buy!
We are very happy with our New Saab. It is a perfect entry level luxury sedan for the money. Solid handeling quiet cabin a joy to drive. Test drove and researched dozens of other cars and when we test drove this one we knew right away this was the car for us! People who test drive a Saab usually buy one. This will not be our last Saab.
Saab 9-3 subpar on reliability
Since owning my Saab 9-3 it has been to the shop at least 15 time for maintenance. From 2 front end tire rod issues, struts, motors for power window failing, radio issues, stability control failures, immobilizer failures to broken flimsy cupholders.
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.
Amazed I Bought it
Spent months researching my next purchase in the sport sedan market. I had pretty much decided to buy the BMW 330I with all the usual packages. Then I started test driving all the different makes: A4, Acura tl-s, Bmw, G- 35, Mazda RX-8, Lexus, and as a lark the new Saab 9-3. Funny thing happened, I couldn't stop going back and driving the Saab Vector. It was just the best combination of Fun to drive, safety, and Utility. After 1500 miles I don't regret the decision at all. This car rocks, just plain fun, I have yet to find anything I dislike about it. If you test drive this car you will probably buy it.
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.
This is a cool car!!
I wasn't going to purchase this car; what I really wanted was a Volvo S40. But after I test-drove it, I fell in love. The 9-3 is as sophisticated as the S40 but with more features. It has a sporty engine like the A4 but without the high torque. It is one of the best cars in its class. It's comfortable, has tons of amenities and great performance. In addition to all of that, my dealership in Akron, Ohio (Towell Saab) gave me one of the best deals going on this car. I can't believe what I'm paying (or not paying). If you are in Ohio, go there to get your Saab!
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.
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.
Excellent
Have owned 2 other Saabs and this is the best one yet
More of the same
Similar to other reviews, I've had numerous electrical and mechanical issues since purchasing the car 4 years ago. The HVAC blower has been looked at and 'fixed' 5 times now. Window motor replaced. Fading door handles replaced. Interior finishes now chipping off. Hood Saab emblem is cracked and deteriorating. Excess brake dust.
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.
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.
My Saab has been a great purchase
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.
SAAB=FUN+QUALITY+STYLE
the car that will never let you down...
ESP works Great too.
I live in Torontoand was worried when the lease ran out on my SUV in the middle of the worst winter in decades. After a white out at 60 mph I was a believer. The Alero in front of me went spinning out of control. My car broke loose as well but as soon as I turned the wheel to correct it the electronic braking started. Before I knew what was happening the car was straight. The others were in a scattered mess all over the road and I just drove around them. The engineers at Saab got it right, I think I would have been on another car or in the ditch on the roof if I was in the SUV. Made my day. :-)
Fun to Drive Again
The Saab 9-3 is sporty and fun to drive, at a price that is affordable, even in comparison with some of the more run-of-the-mill sedans. I must admit I was concerned about getting a 4 cylinder car, but the turbo seems to give the car more acceleration power than my 6 cylinder car had.
turbocharge your life
-YEAHHH, ever since the purchase of my new saab i have had nothing but good times. I can honestly go out and just drive this car for fun. It has enough room for me and four of my friends to go golfing anytime and gas mileage that will blow your mind with all the power that the car has. Also I like the fact that I didn't pay ten thousand dollars to much for this car like a consumer who went out and bought a bmw like a fool.
Solid 9-3
I've been extremly please with my 9-3 Arc. It has been everything that I expected and more with one exception. Good value vs. competitor "add on everythings". Turbo lag is a problem. If you switch to manual shift on your auto, the drivetrain repsponses change and the lag is not noticible. Good to know if you need crisp acceleration in traffic. Especially bad lag from a dead stop.
Very Happy to have it
My first SAAB, definitely not the last. As I get the GM discount the options were the 93 and the Caddy CTS. The 93 is clearly the better choice. The drive from Columbus OH to northern Michigan was the most fun I've ever had on a 6 hour drive. The 2 lane blacktops in MI are a blast with this car. I don't see any turbo lag and the 6 speed is the way to go. There is enough acceleration to push you back into your seat. The fit and finish are exceptional. I'm hooked!
Saab on the Plains
Have owned my 9-3 Linear for 1 month and LOVE IT!!! The interior is roomy, and elegantly designed...the ride quality is great. Also tested a BMW 3-series and an A4, but for the price, quality and options the 9-3 was easily the best deal! Was initially concerned with GM influence, but rest assured this is a Saab! designed and built in Sweden!
A lemon?
Are computer glitches common with this car? I loved my new Arc -- until day 2 of owning it, when I had to have it towed in because of a computer glitch that made the car barely move when accelerating from a stop. I'll never feel safe again, because I'm afraid of the next computer failure. And safety was a big part of why I chose this car!
Its the Best Value Used Car out there
It's no secret that Saab's dont hold there value. I bought a one year old Vector that MSRP for $38,400 for $23,500 from the local Saab dealer with 10,000 miles. I now have 75,000 miles and it still looks like new. I get 32mpg around town and 37mpg on a trip the 4 cly. Turbo has as much get up and go as any V6 out there. So far I have only replace the front brake pads and tires other than that it's been 100% perfect. I highly recomend this car.
The last time I'll ever buy a Saab
The car spends more time in the dealership than in the driveway. Had the CD changer replaced 3 or 4 times (I actually lost count), "Infotainment" center works only half the time, multiple sensors replaced on car, major stereo and electronic issues (too much to go into here), and other problems that are escaping me at this time. The car squeaks and rattles like a 10 year old economy car. You would think for $30k it would have been built better. Good MPG? I wish I knew the secret of these other people, I am averaging 21-24 mpg with my daily commute and having to put premium gas in, that's not good. My biggest regret is that I purchased this car. Very big MISTAKE!