Skip to main content

Used 2005 Saab 9-3 Consumer Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
136 reviews

See Edmunds pricing data

Has Your Car's Value Changed?

Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.

Price history graph example

Trending topics in reviews

Pros
Cons
4.75 out of 5 stars

Can't stop driving....

lbh, 05/09/2005
2005 Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I had a great car before - a 300HP V6 Infiniti - and this 210HP inline 4 is more fun. Pure excitement when the turbo kicks in as the power band is just awesome. Wait till you hit about 40 mph and then you will fly - much quicker to 80 mph than one would think! I LOVE the interior - not as Saab as the past - but still Saab, Swedish simplicity and minimalism. I admit to having a few rattles and the brakes emit a squeal in reverse. But my enjoyment of my 9-3 is pure.

Report Abuse

4 out of 5 stars

surprised, fun, quick

richard, 07/27/2005
2005 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I am surprised how much I like this car. I had always had cars with larger engines, so I was pleasantly surprised at the spunk of this 2.0 liter 4 cyl engine, I guess it's the turbo. I enjoy the pick-up, the agility, and the nice handling. contrary to the reviews, the stereo is just fine, and I prefer a front wheel drive car, especially in the northeast USA, where we have snow, and a rear wheel car is never a good idea.

Report Abuse
2005 Saab 9-3 for sale near you
Showing 3 of 16 listings
See all 16 listings

4.5 out of 5 stars

Why did I wait so long to buy it?

C-ville Saab, 04/22/2005
2005 Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

After owning 4 Saturns in the past 13 years I switched brands and bought a 2005 Saab 9-3 Arc. The sales transaction was as stress-free as any of the Saturn transactions and the final price was better than I had expected. The Saab is a beauty to look at and a hoot to drive. I thought that my 2003 L300 handled well, but not compared to the 9-3. It is quick, agile and smooth. I have a 15 mile daily commute through the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the 9-3 accelerates freely and handles the curves with no discernible body lean. I can point the car into fast sweepers early and it powers through with very little understeering. My only question is, "Why did I wait so long to buy it?"

Report Abuse

4.75 out of 5 stars

Finally Did It

Satisfied Customer, 08/16/2005
2005 Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I hesitated to spend so much money for this car but my dealer made it easy with a great lease and, of course, the GM Discount. This car is much better than my old 9-3 even without the hatch back. I don't even miss it. My new Arc has a quality look and feel and power when I need it. And it is a head turner with its Chili Red metallic paint, parchment interior and the 17" wheel option. I should have done this sooner. I look for any excuse to get out and drive it.

Report Abuse

5 out of 5 stars

SAAB Rocks!!!

Yippee, 08/17/2005
2005 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I recently purchased an 05 9-3..I'm in Love. I traded in a much loved SUV and couldn't happier that I am getting 33 MPG now vs. the 16 I was getting in the SUV. This car is a blast to drive, I fell in love with it as soon as I pulled out for the test drive. Contrary to what some reviews have said, I get no turbo lag at all - the turbo is best over 80, but also very responsive at lower speeds in 3rd and 4th gear (perhaps they at sissy automatic people). The seats are a dream. This car screams refinement. I've owned BMW's and they are a dine a dozen on the road.. why look like everyone else - if you are like me this car fits your unique personality and sense of style.

Report Abuse
Items per page:
5