Used 2004 Saab 9-3 Sedan Consumer Reviews
Used 9-3 for sale
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Thank God for Cruise Control
bouchgf, 09/17/2004
2004 Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This vehicle is a speeding ticket waiting to happen! The car just wants to go fast. I find that I am cruising along at 85 mph before I know it. The cruise control is the only way to keep the car (and me) from getting carried away. Acceleration and braking are flawless. Steering is precise and the SID is truly a gem. I was spoiled by it after only a week. When driving my BMW I find myself missing the convenience of the "heads-up" SID.
Fun Fun Fun
fast fredi, 09/25/2004
2004 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Fun, Fun, Fun. This Saab is much more elegant. The 88 Saab design was far ahead of any other car that was on the road at the time. Saab again has developed a car far beyond anything else on the road. This time they improved the ride, much smoother, very little turbo lag, and good fuel economy. The top comes down with the touch of one button. But there is always a draw back to Saab, If you are going on a long trip, take another car or don't take any clothes with you. Trunk space is a big factor if you travel alot. If the top is down, You can put a pack of gum and a pair of shoes. but all in all UI love my new SAAB.
2004 Saab 9-3 for sale near you
Showing 3 of 11 listings
- Arc ConvertibleMSRP: $3,500168 mi away
- Arc ConvertibleMSRP: $10,995184 mi away
- Aero ConvertibleMSRP: $9,875299 mi away
See all 11 listings
Linear 9-3 Saab with Touring Package
Saabnewbie, 10/09/2004
2004 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
New to Saab family and so far loving it. Former Volvo S70 owner and glad that got rid of it. We looked at BMW, VW and Volvo, but nothing came close to the performance and look of the car. I love the fact that there are not many out there. Unlike BMW's. This Saab is great to drive especially when cornering. Exterior is beautiful and smooth. The door handles can be painted or made of non-fading plastic. My 9-3 has the Touring Package upgrade with the 17" wheels which should be a must! I do have the clunking noise when backing of the driveway or just starting to roll when starting the car, according to Saab technician, the noise is due to the self adjusting brake and anti-lock brake system.
Slow and quirky
dumpdit, 10/11/2004
2004 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I know, I got the Linear and performance could be better, but the biggest downsides of this car are the random layout of the interior controls and the soggy performance and handling. You have to punch, turn turn punch to go AM to FM and the sound is the worst stereo in recent automotive history. The base engine has bad turbo lag and more torque steer than you would like. Better give it some consideration before jumping out in traffic.
Good performer
SAB, 10/15/2004
2004 Saab 9-3 Aero 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It was either a beemer or a Saab and I chose the Saab 93 with every option that came with the aero...I have no regrets, I used to own a 2001 95 Aero and BMW's before that, but I wanted something smaller and more agile. The car rides great, a little stiff around town but it's tight around corners, there are small build issues inside the car but they are very minor, over all I really like the car and I think I made a sound choice.
Great Car
Joe Ausanio, 11/09/2004
2004 Saab 9-3 Aero 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have always been a Honda owner, i went to drive this car cause my friend said worked at the dealership..I remember Saab's as boxy looking doofy cars...I get a lot of compliments on this car.. Its lines are better than the BMW 3 series and the Mercedes Benz series.....It has performed better than i expected and the turbo engine is plenty fast enough....This car rocks
11 Months and still loving my 9-3 Linear
BrianCA, 11/30/2004
2004 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had my Linear with the Cold Weather and Touring Packages for 11 months. I love it. The ride is great, it handles like it's on rails, and the car turns heads. The auto climate control works very well, and the heated seats are great. I love the auto stick shift. A real thrill to drive. The major problem with this car is the sound system. The base system is simply terrible. I upgraded to the premium system (13 speakers, 350 watts), and it is simply awesome. Saab shouldn't waste time on that terrible base system. I've had no problems so far, and love this car as much today as the moment I drove it off the lot.
Money Well Spent
Colin B, 12/31/2004
2004 Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Saab 9-3 is a crown jewel. After driving this car for the past 6 months, i will never drive anything else. It was designed with the driver in mind (especially the ARC). This car is the perfect balance between a sports car and luxury sedan. The sound system is amazing, acceleration is superb, and interior very sleek. I've had the car for the past 6 months and am also impressed with the handling in poor weather. As for safety, the car is top ranked. Trust me when I tell you that you'll get what you pay for with this car.
Beautiful Car - Poor Quality
Donervogel, 01/19/2005
2004 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Me and my partner purchased an 04 Linear back at the end of April. We thought we were buying a very reliable car. NOT. It has been to the dealership service about once or twice a month. 1) Bad transmission programing (happened on an 800 mile trip). 2) Trunk wouldn't close 3)Bad rattles/vibration in the doors 4)Skid control failed (another 500 mile trip) 5) DTE Failed 6) Key would not unlock computer. Could not start after transmission programming fixed ( 800 miles away from home) 7) Service engine soon came on and was a false read. If you don't mind going to the dealership every month, then this car is for you! Won't buy another one. Will buy German from now on.
Worthless OnStar
spaman, 03/19/2005
2004 Saab 9-3 Aero 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Had the car for two months. If you live in the Northeast, you must buy snow tires. Car would not go forward without them. The OnStar does not work. The problems is the system is analog only and the towers now send digital. I cannot use the phone feature so contacted Saab who will not do anything about it. They keep putting the blame on the dealership and the dealership on Saab. Radio is cheap and not modern. Must keep the button down for memory seats to work. The car is overpriced for what you get. I will not buy another Saab. Saab does not care about their customers.
Must Buy
Must Have, 08/20/2005
2004 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this Saab last year and I am very pleased with it: Great Value, 30 MPG, turbo performance, great standard options including leather heated seats, traction control and much more...
My Lemon Saab
Pam, 12/06/2005
2004 Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am very disappointed...My Saab 9-3 ARC has been in repair 8 times in 1 year, computer and windows, have never worked properly. I'm not sure if I should file a complaint or just take the loss and trade-in. Yes, I have driven 38000 miles in 1 year.
Best car ever
soggy, 12/07/2005
2004 Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
the only downside of this car is that there's no AWD, which will hopefully be out in 2008. Other than that, I'm in love!
My First Saab
wl clough, 01/15/2006
2004 Saab 9-3 Aero 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
So far this has been an excellent buy. The only problem has been with the door locking system. The passenger rear door lock malfunctioned which took three trips to the dealership to correct. They replaced the physical lock assembly and reloaded to door lock program to the computer. the trunk pressure sensitive release latch hasn't worked correctly since new. Mileage in town is great about 23mpg. On the highway it is about 32-33 if you can keep it at 74mph. I think the styling is best in it's class. Saab charges extra for the metallic paints, but I don't see the value or quality for the premium.
Great Car
Bryan, 02/05/2007
2004 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my Saab 9-3 Linear after driving a Honda Accord for 6 years. I have always loved Saabs. The car is fun to drive and handles beautifully on the road. It is a bit bumpy due to the lower profile and the sport tires. The interior is great, cabin is very aero dynamic with a great sound ssytem and full curtain air bags. Standard with anti lock brakes and stabila-trac handling. This is a great sporty car that appeals to those who want a quality car at a reasonable price that says luxury and sporty.
So far, so great
mechanical engineer4, 02/21/2007
2004 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
55,000 miles and I love it. Great fuel mileage (around 40). I drive the speed limit and my trip computer shows well over 40 mpg at 55 mph.
Safety First
ThreeSaabs, 03/29/2008
2004 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought new in 2004 for my teen-aged daughter. Car has been great; economical, fun, very few problems. Dealer service has been superb. Car was in an accident this week; car totaled, but my daughter walked away uninjured. Passenger compartment was completely intact. Crumple zone at engine compartment absorbed all impact. All airbags deployed. I am incredibly impressed and thank the Lord she was driving a Saab.
Pleased with purchase
William, 05/03/2008
2004 Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used off a lease with high miles - 75,000. I have had no problems with reliability so far - crossing my fingers this doesn't change. I only drive about 5,000 miles a year, though. Handling and braking seem pretty good. I'm happy with the acceleration though sometimes turbo lag is quite evident. The car is also pretty comfortable and has more room than my friends with 3 series and a4's.
2004 Saab 9-3
Rose, 03/24/2022
2004 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Very fun car to drive with great performance and gas mileage. I have owned 2 (still have one with 82,000) The cars hold up well against winter driving. Solid built car with great rust resistance you don't see in many US cars. I would still own the first one if not for a spouse totaling it.
The State of Dependence
sjames, 01/28/2004
2004 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
After years of driving second hand cars, I purchased a Saab 9-3 in the summer of 2003. I love everything about the car, except that it doesn't dependably start, has frequent electrical problems that are never fixed, and lastly, an abrasive and unempathetic service staff. DO NOT BUY THIS CAR. REPEAT. DO NOT BUY THIS CAR.
Swedish Lemonade
Smatti, 01/28/2004
2004 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I hate this car. Believe the editors reviews and spend your money on a teutonic import or a Lexus. This vehicle is a GM knock-off full that lacks function and performance. My experience has been more like a "State of Intense Misery" than a state of independence.
saab love
bozotheclown, 06/01/2004
2004 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love this car. Its great and the dealership in Skowhegan Maine was awesome to deal with....
What a scam
mike03870, 07/22/2004
2004 Saab 9-3 Aero 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
i have owned a dozen cars ranging from hondas to BMWs and this is the worst piece, least reliable piece of dung I have had the displeasure of owning. The dealer, Gray Blake SAAB in Exeter, NH has been beyond terrific. Very helpful, straightforward and polite. The car is a different story. Within the first 30k miles, the car completely ran out of oil TWICE. I drove this heap for up to 20k miles with NO OIL before the indicator came on. The most frustatrating part of the ordeal has been SAAB's absolute refusal at a corporate level to acknowledge this or rectify it. Just Crazy. Stay clear.
Cheaper is definitely not better!
Sad Saab Owner, 09/04/2004
2004 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
So you want a luxury vehicle and a 9-3 is appealing because it is cheaper right. Don't make the same mistake we have all made. I am writing this review to save you time and money. Spend the extra money and get a car worthy to be called a luxury vehcile. Saabs are different but when it comes to reliability and build quality the 9-3 is a definite NO,NO,NO... I wanted to love this car, I paid cash for it. It is a DEFINITE THAT YOU WILL EXPERIENCE NUMEROUS PROBLEMS. These problems range from rattles to weird problems with the transmission, brake noise, to things just not working. PLEASE SAVE YOURSELF THE HEADACHE. DO NOT BUT A 9-3.