2003 Saab 9-3 Review
Price Estimate: $306 - $495





+39
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Sharp handling, frugal yet powerful engines, generous passenger room, class-leading trunk space, excellent audio systems.
Cons
- Some turbo lag at lower speeds, not as vaultlike as some of its European competitors, front-wheel drive also a slight disadvantage.
What’s new
The 2003 9-3 is an all-new design from top to bottom. It rides on a new platform, has new engines and an interior that's considerably more modern than the previous version.
Edmunds says
A much improved 9-3 in a category that demands excellence -- whether it's enough remains to be seen.
For sale near Harrison, AR
4 listings
- 87,705 miles
- Frame damage reported, 3 owners, personal use
- 4cyl manual
- MR Auto Sales (730 mi away)
- Leather Seats
- Power Driver Seat
- Auto Climate Control
- Alarm
- Trip Computer
Close
Located in Eastlake, OH
2003 SAAB 9-3 ARC CONVERTIBLE***CARFAX CERTIFIED REPORT INCLUDING RECENT DOCUMENTED SERVICE RECORDS *****BLACK OVER BLACK LEATHER INTERIOR**ONLY 87,70...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Issue reported
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: Yes
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
23 Combined MPG (20 City/29 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: YS3DF75K437005113
Stock: 005113
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 08-29-2024- 114,712 miles
- 2 accidents, 4 owners, corporate fleet vehicle
- 4cyl automatic
- Virginia Auto Trader Co (895 mi away)
- Leather Seats
- Power Driver Seat
- Auto Climate Control
- Alarm
- Trip Computer
Close
Located in Arlington, VA
2003 SAAB 9-3 Front with powerful 2.0L (121) DOHC MFI high-output turbocharged engine and driven only 114712 miles! Fully loaded and much more! CARFAX...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
23 Combined MPG (20 City/29 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: YS3DF78K837013906
Stock: 2056
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Vehicle overview
This fully redesigned version of Saab's entry-level sedan marks the first use of GM's Epsilon global vehicle platform in North America. This means front-wheel drive and a stiffer chassis, but unfortunately it's expected to be coupled to a shape that lacks the eccentricity of Saab designs of the past.
See Edmunds pricing data
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Saab 9-3 Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
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2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 2.0T
5 out of 5 starsJaime Perez, 04/17/2016
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
Great car! This car is bulletproof if properly maintained. I stayed on top of maintance and the car never let me down. At 230,000 miles I drove the car cross country coast to coast all the time without any fear of breakdowns. I even cruised at triple digits out in the desert with no problems. Engine still strong at that mileage. Frequent oil changes highly recommended to prevent sludge … in these engines and to prevent turbo failure. Car still has original transmission at 230,000 miles. The car feels very light and corners like a sports car. These Saabs do have electrical problems but the only ones I encountered were passengers door lock stopped working and the high beam shutter in the Xenon headlights stopped working so no more high beams. I would definitely recommend getting the daytime running lights disabled at a shop that specializes in Saabs because they come from the factory with the daytime running lights which leave the headlights on all the time whenever the car is on. If your car is equipped with Bi Xenon headlights like mine was you don't want them on whenever the car is on because the bulbs are expensive and if the high beam shutter stops working like it did in mine then you're looking at $750 a headlight for replacement. Also check the Coil Springs on all four corners because they tend to rust due to poor coating from the factory which can lead them to breaking which is not good if it happens while driving. The car gave me an impressive 39mpg on the highway during summer days and 34mpg during winter on the highway. The car gave me 24 mpg in the city. The car has more than enough power for everyday day driving. The car is amazing in the snow and it's a great cold weather car. Never got stuck in snow and drove it in multiple snowstorms where there was so much snow that only rigs and trucks were on the roads. The car also survived every day cold starts in -20 degree weather never failing to start. I will definitely be buying another Saab in the future. Great European cars. Stay on top of maintance and you will get a car that is reliable, sporty, good looking, good on gas, great driver in any weather, turbo power, handles, great cargo space, room for 5 people, luxury features for the year of the car! There's a reason why there's so many of these on the roads especially in the northeast!!
first sight fell in love, still loving strong
4.88 out of 5 starswhasaab, 09/22/2013
2003 Saab 9-3 Vector 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
At first, I was very hesitant about buying this car because I read many unsatisfying reviews on Saab.
However, bought 2003 9-3 vector in Feb 2013 under 6k, looked new inside and out, one owner and no accident.
Checked with Saab if the car had any mechanical service done.
All the recalls had been taken care of and no other mechanical issues.
After 8 months putting over 10k still feels … like a new car.
But make sure you use premium gas and full synthetic oil.
Not using premium grade gas will give you check engine light.
But don't panic, it will go away if you put premium.
My $6k saab looks better and runs better than brand new camrys or accords .. love this car.
Objective 2003 Saab convertible review.
4.5 out of 5 starsgeek, 10/02/2009
2003 Saab 9-3 SE 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
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.
Loveable but complicated!!
4.5 out of 5 starsmerashad, 06/14/2011
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
I love the car for it's design and drivibility. The car responds well if maintained. The complicated portion of the car is its electrial and quirky engine light. One day the car is fine and the next, the electrial system can just quit without warning. No, mishaves to complete shut off. If you are looking to purchase this car you'll need to have on hand about $1500 due to abrupt … problems.
2003 9-3 Highlights
Convertible
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $39,995 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 23 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $188/month |
Seating | 4 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 12.5 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the 9-3 include:
- Alarm
- Stability Control
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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