Used 2004 Saab 9-3 Sedan Consumer Reviews
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Happy camper in Wisconsin
Purchased used (off lease) late in 2008 when Saab looked like it might not survive. Great buy. Car had been very well cared for, and dealer was able to provide a complete service record. Car is solidly built and remarkably quiet with the top up. While no sports car, it is quite peppy and fun to drive. Some turbo lag, so it is important to keep the RPM's up around 3000 if you want to go fast. Comfortable interior in the front. I am 6'2" and have plenty of room above my head, even with the seat elevated to its highest position. You can put adults in the back seat, if they have no feet or legs (good for children in car seats though.) Have driven the car 30,000 in two years, with no problem
Fun car, not so reliable
96,000 miles and it has needed a lot of repairs. Expensive repairs, too. That being said, I love the way this car drives and looks. Picks up speed quick, super comfy seats, GREAT interior and exterior design. Overall a lot of fun to drive and is very safe (Swedish). It's unfortunate that they don't make these anymore.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
- Linear SedanMSRP: $2,38070 mi away
- Arc ConvertibleMSRP: $8,500280 mi away
- Arc SedanMSRP: $5,999298 mi away
at last
cant find fault with anything about the car. after driving and owning a freelander, this is the one car that has not let me down. wonderful gas mileage and so comfortable. if you know how to drive a turbo, you got it madeeve
Nothing else is even close
I am a used car dealer and like cars a lot but cannot compare anything else with my Saab. Bought used one with 60k and now at 120k cost of my repairs are $0. When driving cars like accords or Camry from auctions I just cannot understand way people like them so much. Will never own any other brand for sure. I am sorry to hear that other people have some problems. Just change oil every 8k and transmission oil at 90k with coils and be happy that own one of best cars around. There is no timing belt to worry about either (timing chain) good for life time of vehicle. Still original battery after 7 years and 120k. Last year one Saab was retired because of over 1,000,000 miles. I hope this will be helpful.
Not as bas bad as the reviews suggest
This is the 3rd saab I've owned and the first since GM took over. All my Saabs have been good to me as far as reliability goes. I've never had any problems and have only had to replace tires in addition to routine maintenance. My only complaints about my 9-3 is that for the price, it should have more performance/HP and the interior material quality is noticeably inferior to my older 2000 9-5 wagon. Braking and cornering on this car are excellent. Acceleration is not, but it handles well at higher speeds and on the highway. You can probably get more out of a car for the same price, but it won;t look as good. As for the reliability of my saab 9-3, I have no complaints.
Wasn't impressed at all
I have been back to the dealership 8 times in the last 3 months. Here is a list of problems: 1. security lock system failure 2. electronic stability control failure 3. turbo failed at 37k miles 4. outside temperature sensor broke 5. Needed to add oil in between oil change 6. loud clicking sound when making sharp turns.
Oh my
Good looking. Nice lines. Horrible electrical system. Just had to get seatbelt replaced for $675. Are you kidding me? My first and last Saab. Too many bothersome electrical problems such as sunroof, saab infotainment, security system, etc. It's a shame because it's a great looking car but the little issues keep me from coming back.
Never Again!
My wife and I purchased the car in April of 07 with 46,000 miles on it. She loved it until the repairs started. In one year and three months we have spent over $3000.00 in repairs. First thing that went was an input sensor on the auto tranny with 49,000 (covered under warranty). Next time the output sensor went out at 54,000 miles not covered. I went ahead and had the tranny flushed at the dealership at this time also. At 64,000 miles, total transmission failure to the tune of $2540.00. I talked to Saab myself took it as high as I could and they wouldn't help me at all. Saab file# 71- 649725108
Love it when it's working
It is a beautiful car that is fun to drive...when everything is working which is seldom. The sunroof works when it feels like it as does the radio and CD player. Have replaced the master cylinder twice in a year and a half. The stability control went out to the tune of $700. The locks constantly malfunction. The brakes are always spongy. Have replaced a wheel bearing also. This is all in less than two years of owning it. I am considering trading it even though I owe money on it. I would never buy another Saab. I walk up to it and love it then get in and something isn't working again and I get angry. SAAB - Something's Almost Always Broken.
Unreliable!! Unsatisfied owner
I've had my car a little over two years and now I've started to have problems. List of the problems I've encountered: computer chip in key not working - go to open car and won't unlock - had to get new keys programmed twice, tail lights went out - dealer stated it was due to the lights running all the time, left work one day and car wouldn't start - needed a new battery - dealership claimed it was due to the HOT weather, had to replace all four tires due to tread running thin before 2 yrs. If you have the a/c on high and need to accelerate to get on freeway car has no power... very sluggish. This wknd engine light came on... will take in Monday. Looking to trade it before warranty expires at 50k :(
disappointed and shouldnt be
bought this one used in 2009. cd player broken. headlight wire harnesses broken. front spoiler fell off. paint peeling on control buttons. comfort fan replaced-$600. driver side spring broken-replaced- with new tire $1000. lock system always malfunctions. key fob disintegrated in my hands. cover on third brake light fell off. seat belt retractor just broke-recall item. i am waiting for the next thing to go wrong and i shouldnt be. the engine has been great. the ride is fun although the seats are uncomfortable. have been able to get good gas mileage 31 - 38 and thats what keeps me in it. if I had to do it over I wouldnt. if you're looking at saab used be careful
2nd times a charm
This is my second Saab. First was a 2000 9-3. Very quirky. Had a mind of its own. The 2004 is much better in many ways. Have driven this car for 2 and a half years w/o any major problems. Battery did die at 2 years; replaced under warranty. It was a stock battery, knew it would happen sooner or later. Also had a problem with tire wear; replaced at 50%. Otherwise, car has been very good. Gas mileage is great, seats are comfortable, trunk is huge.
9500 Exciting Miles
Very nice car! Quite a looker both inside and out. Turns heads and gets comments. Great Factory wheels on the Aero! Turbo is fantastic for passing and handling is probably as good as it gets for a front wheel drive factory car. Hand to take it in once for a faulty air valve, but was a minor problem.
Fun and Safe
This is my third Saab. I've only spent $140 on the car since purchased new. I drive it every day. Mileage is great on the highway (about 30 mpg) but on city streets it drops to the teens. A bit of trouble with the locks, and speakers not great in the 2004. Huge trunk but still prefer the old Saab hatchback (had my 1985 900 for 20 years). Safety features ahead of its time.
total disappointment
this is my 2nd saab. my first saab (2000 9-3) saved my life in a near death car accident, so i replaced it with this brand new saab (and my first brand new car). imagine my disappointment when the gas gauge broke 2 days after i had it, anthor month after that it broke again, then the locks broke and i couldn't shut my driver's side door, then the remote control stopped working, then the black plastic started pealing off the inside console, the gas gauge broke again... then to top it all off as i was going down the highway at 65mph the entire car just shut off - NO WARNING - it just stopped working. the car hass been in the shop 6 times in under 8 months!
Love this car!
I've had the Saab 9-3 for 4 years now and have loved every minute of it. There have been no major problems with this car and I have only had to do routine maintenance. The only gripe I have is that the silver plastic piece on top of the shifter came off (super glue fixed that!) and there was a rattle in the door which the dealer took care of promptly. The car handles like a dream and is very sporty. The gas mileage is also fantastic! I average 23 in the city (stepping on the gas pedal pretty hard) and 34 on the highway doing 75 to 80 miles an hour. I would not hesitate to recommend this car to anyone!
Still Love it After All These Years....
Versatile, luxurious, and quick. I drive this car for business--bringing clients along, making long trips, etc. and it's a comfortable and faithful performer. Given the choice between a 1 hour flight and a four hour drive, I drive. Great on the highway, quiet, powerful and safe. Oddly, I also use it to haul things. The roof rack goes on and off in minutes and can hold 220 pounds: that's a few sheets of plywood, or enough 2x4s to stud a new playroom for my kids. I also installed the towing hitch (myself) and occasionally hook up a trailer to gather/move antiques and such. And there's room for actual adults in the back seat for trips up to an hour. What more could I ask for?
Yes, GM ruined Saab
Look at all of the poor reviews previously submitted and you basically have my review. I purchased my 3rd Saab, a 2004 9-3 Linear and what a disappointment. I knew GM had more input in this 9-3 than the previous models, but I still bought one. That's how loyal I was to Saab. Boy, was that a mistake. I've lost count of the number of times she's been in the shop; brakes, radio, transmission, rattles, doors unlocking by themselves, SID going blank, key replaced, etc., etc... I wish I could tell everyone who is considering a GM...er, Saab to NOT DO IT! Stay away. Don't let the image of the old Saab cloud your decision. PS: Saab no longer makes fighter planes - haven't for some time now.
Do research before you buy one!
Loved the car. Had every option that cars do now except nav system. Even had 6-speed manual! Had MANY problems. It was always driven on the highway and taken care of so it was about the quality of the materials. I had to replace lower left ball joint, both struts (and mounts), springs, the entire car computer, rain sensor, radio, seatbelt, & ignition. Don't get me wrong the car was a great car but I am a college student and it was difficult to pay for repairs. I suggest not buying one unless you plan to have repair bills & you KNOW you CAN pay them. Saab's going out of business & the company is only required to make parts 10 years after the car was made. Plan on not finding any parts by '13.
A huge disappointment
Just a terrible experience. The car has been into the shop more times than I can remember. A cylinder failed within 6 months, and it was in the shop for 3 days. Then months later it went in for an electrical problem that was burning the headlights out. The cup holder broke, the seat height adjuster broke, the center armrest broke, and it goes on. Just mediocre build quality. We can't wait to get rid of it, which is a great shame. It also doesn't drive very well with excessive body roll, and screechy tires. It's not a driver's car.
A Total Disappointment!
I can't wait to get rid of this car. It has been a nightmare. Let's see... transmission, engine, and computer problems to name a few. Then there's the water leakage, cheap interior materials that break,defiant trunk lid, volume controls that don't work, and seat upholstry that comes off. What about the door locks that open on their own and the incompetent/hostile/indifferent dealer/corporate network? I am so regretful that I purchased this car. I can't believe that it is considered a luxury car. It clearly not in the same quality realm as its European neighbors.
Saturn with a price tag of BMW
What a disappointment, this is what GM does with any company they buy/own, they Saturnize it! What this car is really worth shows it depreication, 2 years and your Sat.. sorry.. Saab is worth half what you've paid for it. In one word we lost a lot of money on this junk.
Unreliable!
Bought the car used towards the end of February, problems started within 3 months of owning. Some of the problems I experienced: fuel pump breaking, the radiator needing to be replaced,the security system failing not once but twice, battery dead, and the transmission failed at 60k AND 66k. Not only that but in the summer I got into my car and notice the floors were soaked. A pipe had backed up into my car, flooding it and ruining the electrical box under the seat. I brought it to Saab and they fixed the problem or so I had thought. The car is still damp and smells like mold. This car has been in the shop more than I have used it in the last 10 months!
Fun to drive
I LOVE my Saab. Perfect gas mileage, good acceleration (stick shift), great looks. It was everything I wanted in a car.
Fun to drive. Great feul economy
The car is extremely responsive, agile, and powerful. It has a great fuel economy (> 33 mpg on highway). The interior looks cheap and feel cheap (but not as bad as GM or Ford). The dealer has been very responsible. I had an A/C problem 3 weeks after the warrantee expired. The dealer picked up the bill. It has 4-year, 50000 mile warranty.
Follow up from my last review...
OK... about a month after my last review (which noted only small problems), it's in for service where they found coolant in one of the cylinders. Long story short, two weeks later they're completely replacing the engine (which has 2500 miles on it). Brand new car, and on 3 occasions already I've had to drive a loaner (which right now is a Subaru... SaabUSA was giving the dealership grief about giving me a Saab loaner? Huh???!). Luckily (?) I'm approaching the criteria to invoke the Lemon Law in Colorado, which is the vehicle being out of service for 30 days in the first year... pretty sad.
Jet Performance
New owners of this vehicle will find themselves feeling as though they are in the cockpit of an airplane. One step on the pedal will then convince them as they find the car responding to twists and turns in reponsive fashion. The well appointed amenities inside the car remind the driver that all of his or her hard work has finally paid off. The Saab 9-3 is truly a symbol of status with its elegant curves and pampering aesthetics. Drivers finding themselves in situations requiring speed and response will have no regrets that they have purchased the car of their dreams. General Motors has built a car that allows drivers to feel as though they were flying without ever leaving the ground.
2004 Saab 9-3 Linear
All in all not a bad car. It just started with the electrical gremlins @ 35K. Had the window regs. replaced many times. The rattles have started too.
Great car but
Just purchased my saab (linear) Ext is very nice but the int really looks cheap if you dont upgrade the sound systems which really stinks. My kids small hand radio sounds better. You will need to keep the window shut in order to hear it. It does rides nice....
Cant wait to get it in convertible!
At first I hated it because I didnt know how to drive stick shift; the dealership didnt have it automatic in the color I wanted. Took me almost 3 months to master the manual and now I LOVE IT! My previous car was a C class MBZ and had constant electronical problems and had to take it for service literally every month. My Saab is truely reliable, very sporty, fun to drive, unique looking, and I just love it. I cant wait till my lease is over in 2 years so I can get it in convertible. I was always intrigued by Saab and people who never drove a Saab discouraged me to get one. Im happy with my choice and I'll be driving Saab for many years to come.
Great car, fun to drive!!!
I bought this car for a great price. So far I love everything about it, the style, handling, acceleration, and all the attention you get from driving such a classy car. I really have no complaints as of now and I would definitely recommend this car to a friend. Also it's a very safe car!
Great car
I've had my Saab 9-3 about 2 1/2 years now. In that time I've put over 60k miles on it. Maintenance is very important with these cars to keep them from giving you problems. I religiously change my oil every 7500 miles with ONLY mobile 1 full synthetic. Also keeping up with the other maintenance has proved worth while. The dealers charge a lot but it's better than having a broken down car. I average 33mpg between all driving. It has the original clutch at 80k, still shifts and drives like new. Brake dust is out of control but brakes have lasted about 45k miles and still over half left. I had one major issue with engine block at 45k. It was under warranty and I got a free loaner.
A Sweet Auto
This is a car for people who want some individuality rather than being just another BMW/Audi/Acura driver.
Pretty good
Wow. That's all I can say. Wow. I mean it's a pretty good car. Actually it's great, it's turbocharger, it's performance...
I'm totally a snaab now.
I bought this car used with 43,000 miles on it. I did a lot of research into Saabs, Volvos, and VWs before I decided to purchase this car, and believe I made a very good decision. I have had absolutely no problems with the car other than normal wear and tear issues (new front brakes/pads, new tires) and it has totally exceeded my expectations. It handles great in all types of weather and has only gotten stuck in the snow once. I have never felt safer in a car, and even though it's kind of a little guy, I feel like I have a substantial car around me when I drive. I would recommend Saab to anyone as long as you get a good dealership to take it to for service.
SAAB Story
Sorry, I can't give my SAAB 9-3 a good review. My car was lemon and was returned to the manufacturer. Even though the engine and transmission worked well, the electronics had problems as well as the parking brake. I had to have the car towed into the dealership 6 times, 3 for the engine immobilizer shutting down the car, and 3 times because the parking brake would not release. Oh well, the car in no longer an issue for me
What a Lemon
I could not be more unhappy with a car. I had a 2003 which was fine. I traded it for a new 2004. You name it, and it has gone wrong. I spend more time at the dealership than at work. The dealership has been awful, Saab corporate has been awful, and the car itself - even worse. I cannot believe companies can get away with selling such a piece of trash. The transmission does not perform properly, parts keeping breaking inside the car, the windshield wiper motor has blown, the oil pressure sensor has been replaced (and other major mechanical issues). I will never, ever buy another Saab, and probably will never by another GM vehicle because of my experience with this car.
Super Fun, but a little rattly.
I've put about 1700 miles on my new 9-3 in two months. Very responsive, fast, corners great. Very slight turbo lag, but 5-speed overcomes this. Back seats are a little small, especially for a baby seat (passenger seat has to be fairly far forward). During the 30-day checkup, I had them check out a "clank" noise from the front axle, but they could not duplicate the noise. Seems to happen whenever I back out of the driveway in the morning. I've also recently discovered strange rattling/buzzing noises coming from inside the door panels when going over 20 mph.
First Month
Love the car. Traded from a 2001 LS430 to this for something smaller, sportier, and more fun and we love it so far. Dealer experience was incredibly good. Great deal on a great fun car. My first SAAB and likely not my last based on my so far limited experience! Classy alternative to a Japanese car.
Good Value
Bought my 9-3 Aero 4 years ago with 9k miles on the speedo. Now have 81k and I'm very surprised at how much I like this car. It's been very dependable, drives great and gets amazing gas mileage. I average 28 miles to the gallon and easily get 33 on the highway. I think these cars make a good value on the used market. Buy a used one with an extended warranty and you won't be disappointed.
A truly heartbreaking expereince
After 8 months and only 10K miles my once passionate purchase is now a shop visiting menace. Small things I was coping with. Now the transmission. Completely unreliable even for work commutes. Rattles galore and surprisingly weak gas mileage (24.2) at high altitude. Can't wait to get rid of it.
2004 Saab 9-3 Linear
All in all i think this is a good car. The interior is a little cheap with the finish flaking off. Also i've had to have the speakers in the front replaced twice now. My lock system failed during one very cold Wisconsin winter. All I can say is buy the Saab extended warranty! I didn't have to pay for anything to get fixed!
Great Saab 9-3!
The Saab 9-3 is a pretty good car. In between its great luxury and its being very sporty I would say this car a very good car to have.
So far so good!
Purchased my 9-3 used with 4,800 miles on it (9,000 now). I assume that it was traded in because of the rather harsh ride (my previous car was a MBZ 300E), especially given the poor condition of the roads around here. But it is a blast to drive - quick handling and acceptable acceleration with only 170HP. Love the exterior design. The enterior is minimalistic - very European. Trunk is quite large given the overall size of the car.
Thank goodness for my S60
I bought a brand-new 04 Saab 9-3 Arc in May and I was happy with my decision. Sadly, too many problems arose including a bad fuel pump - which had to be replaced. Because of the lemon law, Saab bought it back and I switched to a new S60 2.5T which feels better inside, drives the same, and has slightly more comfortable seats.
Great Car at Any Price
I feel sorry for those Saab owners who've had a bad experience with their 9-3. I've owned the car almost two years and have been completely happy with it. The Linear's motor puts out 175hp, but with a low curb weight (for this segment) and the great-shifting 5sp, I can get off the line quick enough for most situations. Great gas mileage (27 mpg mixed), plenty of back seat room for our 3 kids, massive trunk, and Saab's unbeatable safety rating. The important stuff is all standard - traction control, dynamic stability control, brake assist, 8 air bags, etc etc. My wife likes it so much, we're getting her the 9-3 Sport- Combi and ditching our minivan.
Best car for the money
The drive is the experience for the love of driving with the handling and feel of the car is unexplainable. You just drive this car once and you will understand my delight with driving this car. So, give it a test drive and make the decision for yourself and appreciate speed and comfort of a once in a lifetime automobile.
Brakes!!!!!!!!
I definitely enjoy driving this car, until I have to slow down or stop it. The brakes have been horrible from day one. They have "roared" and/or "squeaked" since I purchased the car. It is has been in the shop three times already. Also, the radio sometimes just goes out after starting my car. Only a high pitch sound remains. Overall: If they get the brakes working properly then I will like it. Currently, not so impressed with this car! Thinking I should have went with the BMW or Lexus.
Great Value
A wonderful value, handles like a champ in the snow. Very comfortable and fun to drive. Best seats I have ever sat in, HVAC is powerful. Only downside is the interior look (plastic), but that is superficial. Drives fast, turbo is cool, the car is very safe and a winner for value among all other makers (pay more for wood interior and nothing else). Indy Saab on 16th street is a great dealership with wonderful service.
Another Awesome Saab! (2004 9-3 Arc)
This is my 3rd Saab and I love it as much as my first 1985 900S. The 9-3 is smaller than my 9-5, but has a more comfortable interior with two cup holders and a better instrument pannel. The techtronic shifter manual override is sweet for those times when the auto just doesn't cut it off the line. The Arc is quick, but opt for the Aero if you want blazing speed. Euro styling with the control of FWD in the snow and rain. Bought it off GM lease with no major repairs but that is no surprise to me having had two others both with over 130,000 K. I LOVE THIS CAR. Goes 110 MPH with ease. It is a Saab through and through and is not for those who like to be convential. Enjoy it!