Used 2005 Saab 9-3 Consumer Reviews
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sierra alpha alpha bravo (SAAB)
Jon Cox, 05/01/2005
2005 Saab 9-3 Arc 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Great handling - powerful when turbo kicks in and luxurious but practical. No gimmicks, just functional, solid and safe! 2005 is deeper and longer, so at 6'5" I was very pleased to find a convertible that provided me with plenty of head room and leg room, as well as a couple of rear seats so the kids can come along on the ride. A great family convertible!
AWESOME CAR
JXD, 11/13/2004
2005 Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
GREAT EUROPEAN RIDE. MORE SPORTY RIDE THAN LUXURY. FUN DUE TO TURBO PICK UP.
2005 Saab 9-3 for sale near you
Showing 3 of 13 listings
- Arc ConvertibleMSRP: $6,995204 mi away
- Linear ConvertibleMSRP: $3,590535 mi away
- Linear ConvertibleMSRP: $8,995565 mi away
See all 13 listings
Best alternative sports sedan
newsaaber, 02/22/2005
2005 Saab 9-3 Aero 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Before driving the Saab 9-3, I tested the BMW 3 series, Audi A4, Acura TL, Lexus IS300, and Volvo V50. After driving the 9-3 with the manual transmision, I was sold. Most distinct personality of the group. This car deserves a test drive if you are shopping these cars.
BEST CAR EVER!!!!!!!
SaabDriver, 03/05/2005
2005 Saab 9-3 Aero 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is the best car I've ever had! My color is Flame Red Metallic. It changes from orange to red in the light. The interior is a creme color with black inserts in the comfortable sport seats. The ReAxs suspension is very tight andoffers great steering and ride. Thecar's appearance is very low to the ground and sporty. It's not a car that you would say "Whoa, that's the 5th carlike that I've seen today" about.
SAAB 93
Terry, 03/11/2005
2005 Saab 9-3 Aero 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Excellent car and fun to drive, you really stand out from the crowd in this car.
My NEW Car
KAINALU, 03/22/2005
2005 Saab 9-3 Aero 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I've only had my Saab 93 Aero for a little over a month but so far...i love it..no problems and good to drive.
The car to buy
saabdog, 10/24/2004
2005 Saab 9-3 Aero 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have test driven the acura tl, bmw 3 series, infiniti g35 no room in this car, and I traded my problem riddled mercedes 320 to buy a real car. I feel this is the best looking car on the market for the price and you get the performance to go along with it. The interior of the car is very modern looking and very ergornomically friendly. I freguently go on long road trips and this is by far the most comfortable car I have ever driven. I don't even need to say this but the safety is unmatched by any other car manufacturer including the parent company GM.
Not a sports sedan
teacher, 03/23/2008
2005 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 4 people found this review helpful
Don't get me wrong, I like my Saab. It is safe, reliable, comfy, quick and gets great gas mileage. However, this is not the sports sedan that Saab makes it out to be. I don't understand how all of these consumers give this car a 9 or 10 in performance. I don't know what they drove before their Saab. This car is much too soft, leans much too much in corners and turns. The steering is much too light and there is excessive torque steer. Bumps in the road upset the suspension and the car never really feels under control when driven quickly. All of the professional reviews from car magazines and even Consumer Reports agree with me on the handling. This is NOT a BMW. Born from Jets?..ha ha
Saab 9-3
cjcypert, 05/13/2005
2005 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Never thought about owning a Saab until I drove one. Fell in love with it the moment I drove it. Was comparing a Saab 9-3 to an Acura TSX and Mazda6. Saab won hands down.
Review of my 04
Bret B., 11/14/2004
2005 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am very satisfied my Saab 9-3 Linear.It gets unbelievable gas milage, better than the 21/30 suggests.I've actually been getting 33-36 on the road.The engine is very smooth and quiet.My wife has an 01" 9-5 and you can really feel the sporty nature of the 9-3 when comparing the two. Oh yeah, Very comfortable seats.
Amazing Value
CARtx478, 01/11/2008
2005 Saab 9-3 Aero 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my first Saab two weeks ago and couldn't be more impressed with a car in this price range. After a year-long search I found a low mileage black Aero model with a parchment interior. It's quick (especially at highway speeds) and has a firm, but comfortable ride quality. I absolutely love the 9-3's styling and relative anonymity on the road.
Saab surprise
happy owner, 05/26/2005
2005 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After selling my old 900s, I looked at VW (Passat), Volvos and Audis. The 900 was okay, but I don't miss it. Then I saw that GM was getting generous with its cash back program, so I decided to give Saab another try. I was glad I did. The interior quality and the handling were better than the Passat or the Volvo v40, and on par with the Audi A4, but 5k cheaper than the Audi. And after cash back, only about 2k more than a VW. The interior and the trunk are larger than any of those competitors, which is great, given the baby seat we recently had to install. The 9-3 offers 99 percent of the quality of a BMW 3 series or Audi A4, but for a lot less money. This car is a steal.
The SAAB
oscsret, 11/13/2004
2005 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is really a great car. The turbo charged 2 liter engine moves it down the freeway with no strain. SAAB incorporates many safety features, some of which would cost you extra on other cars.There is an active head restraint system built into the front seat headrests that I don't think any other car maker includes at all. I am a car nut and I was very impressed when I drove The SAAB for the first time.
Another Saab
Trevor, 05/27/2005
2005 Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the second Saab I've owned. Once you own one of these things you will never let go. Everyone who sits in it is blown away. I'd take it in a heart beat over all of its competitors, 300c, Audi A4, Volvo s40, this car is way more fun to drive than anything else out there. Until my first time driving this car I had never seen a smile on someones face from driving, or riding in a car before. Now I grin every time I sit in my car, and so does everyone else, literally.
Great Saab!
Saabie, 01/03/2005
2005 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Car handles much better than previous models. Dealer incentives make this a tremendous lease / purchase.
We love this one
Jim G., 01/20/2005
2005 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is our second new car in as many years and we cant be happier.
So Far, So Good
Richard, 05/27/2005
2005 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Love the ride, the eurocar-snobs like to put this car's ride down because it is front wheel drive, but do they all live in California where it doesn't snow? Front wheel drive is so much better in snow and wet conditions, I won't buy a rear wheel drive car because of this simple fact. I like the handling, and I am most surprised at how much power this turbo 4 cyldr car has, makes for a fun driving experience.
WOW!!!!!
RYAN, 02/07/2005
2005 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the most fun car I have ever drove in my entire life. I am leasing this car and am having the time of my life. The pick-up is better than my Eclipse, and top speed i havent even been able to hit. I would recommend this car for anyone, its a family sports car.
2005 Aero Saab Convertible
Karen Gustin, 05/29/2005
2005 Saab 9-3 Aero 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
So much better than the 2002! Quieter, sturdier, faster, solid. Overall, I love this year's model and may not ever get another!
Jim
Jim, 02/19/2005
2005 Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Absolultely incredible vehicle. The drive/ride is superb; the handling is absolutely the BEST and the safety is above all others. The interior electronics are far superior to any vehicle in its class and all controls are within easy reach. We checked at least 10 other supposedly comparable brand-names before visiting Saab and we were convinced the Arc was THE BEST after 30 minutes of explanation on its safety features and a test drive.
OK
Scott, 06/10/2005
2005 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Alot of turbo lag unless you are going 60+. For the price does not come close to the audi or bmw. Spend the extra 5- 7k and stick with an audi or bmw. Terrible winter vehicle. Salespitch noted "this car is made in sweden". Must have made it in the summer.
Great sport luxury value
Ken G, 09/06/2005
2005 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Coming off lease of a MB C230K coupe/hatch, I wanted 4 doors, a real trunk, front or AWD (for winter), and lower price while retaining as much of the sportiness and luxury car experience as possible. In my first few days with the 9-3 Linear, it reminds me a lot of the C240 4Matic that the MB dealer often gave me as a service loaner. My impression of that car always was "not as fun as the C230 but a bit more practical and very livable." Now I have the same benefits for $10k less than a new C240 and $4k less than I paid for the C230 almost 4 years ago. Pricing is more comparable to Accord or Camry but with more safety equipment, free maintenance, premium dealer experience and smaller exterior.
Boring
John, 03/14/2005
2005 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The electronics in the car don't seem to be all that reliable, but everything else is aesthetically nice and comfortable. One specific problem I found is the new rotors they installed in the '03 and newer are too thin andneed to be replaced much too often. Very fun to drive though, especially the 6 speed.
I love my Saab!
Jvalerio, 03/19/2005
2005 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have nothing but positive things to say about this car. It is reliable, and great fun to drive. For years, I drove nice GM cars, and although SAAB is a GM brand, it by far superior to any I have owned. I get great miliage, and these days that is quite important.
Doens't get any better
corbin, 06/28/2005
2005 Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this car so much. It handles like it is on rails and feels as solid as a bank vault. The 210 horsepower inline-4 is more than enough power. This car is wonderful at about 85-90mph (quiet and is only reving about 2200 rpm)
2005 Saab
Russ, 03/23/2005
2005 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just purchased an 05 Saab Linear. I am really pleased with sporty look and power the turbo produces. Whats great about this vehicle is the gas mileage. It says 30 on the highway, but it's actually 36. I get 27 in the city. Great vehicle!
Wife's Saab
Biff, 04/01/2005
2005 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Good fun car to drive. Looks good and handles great. Gas mileage is out of this world! Safety headrest can be uncomfortable, but overall we love this car!
Nice car
KJ, 07/10/2005
2005 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We enjoy our new car, it is responsive and fun to drive.
Wow! Top-down fun in Florida
SW-MIMI, 04/02/2005
2005 Saab 9-3 Aero 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had many convertibles in the past and I finally test drove new models this month. I fell in love with my black on black Aero Saab. I think it's much more stylish than the Audi. I felt the BMW inside wasn't as special as the Saab and everything was another fee. My Aero Saab has every extra I could want and more. Drive one today and you'll have a new love too!
highlands
JAIMEB, 04/05/2005
2005 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car in central Mexico in the city of San Luis we are 6000ft or more over sea level like all the region, in these highlands the turbo shines, my first option was a BMW325 but for ten grand less and a better financial offer I get this one. The testdrive - _ cant believe the huge diference in response between both cars the turbo is fast and has a killer gas milleage. The BMW is more refined but not for the $10k gap in a similarly equipped car. The Saab for me has a very unique personality and performs like an a wolf in a sheep clothes. The quality - I only have a minor problem with a coolant drop that was corrected under warranty, good buy.
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.
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?"
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.
9-3 Turbo...dare to compare!
Chaz, 05/10/2005
2005 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I test drove all of the European imports in this class, and the Saab 9- 3 offers perky performance, nice handling, and great gas mileage. If you drive a lot, the manual seeting with multiple adjustments is better than any electric seating system I have had in the past. The factory sound system leaves a lot to be desired. The on-board computer systems are functional and informational without being intrusive. Plenty of rear seat room for adults as well as children without having to "move the seats up" for rear passengers. Dollar for dollar, a great performer and great investment!
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.
Saab 9-3
C Tower, 05/19/2005
2005 Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After years of Japanese cars I decided to go for something different, I am so glad I did. The handling is so much tigher and exact. I love the manual feature of my automatic transmission, it gives me more control and it feels as if there is much more power than there really is.
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.
My First Convertible
Ron, 06/03/2005
2005 Saab 9-3 Arc 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Briefly, this is a well-built car with a great fit and finish. The trunk will hold 2 golf bags with the top up and 4 passengers comfortably. Along with its 5 star safety rating, convenient controls and good looks, what else would you want in a convertible?
Fun to Drive
AZ, 09/07/2005
2005 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just drove to Long Island, NY from Michigan and it was great. Handling, driving performance - especially on curves was excellent, a fun car to drive. Gas mileage was 35 mpg.
disappointed in build quality & service
notsofast, 01/10/2005
2005 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Took delivery 11/29/04 - after having the car for 26 days it had to spend 11 days at the dealer for repairs (steering wheel lock). The acceleration is very slow for surface street driving and hesitates badly. Service also a disappointment. Car has been in three times to get reprogramming offered by Saab completed.
What a rush!
bostonsaabfan, 06/07/2005
2005 Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I was initially a little skeptical about leaving the safe but bland world of Japanese made cars, but after just a test drive in the 9-3, I remembered how much fun driving is! The other reviews that mention the rush that comes from 40-70 mph are right on. This car has been a pure joy to drive. I have a friend with a BMW 3-series, and in terms of comfort, interior and trunk room, competent snow handling (as I anticipate for next winter), and overall cost, the Saab 9-3 seems a hands-down winner.
Saab 9-3 linear
BAF, 06/08/2005
2005 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Drives great, enough power w/great gas mileage, excellent ownership experience with mfg and dealer
Can't Rave Enough
PJL, 06/20/2005
2005 Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car because the price was right and my dad, a longtime Saab enthusiast, suggested it. Three months later, I am nothing but thrilled with my new Saab 9-3 Arc. The turbo and pep are incredible. Every so often I look down at the spedometer and freak out because I somehow got it up to 80 without realizing it. The seats are very comfortable and the smooth but tight ride surpass anything I anticipated. After a roadtrip through New England, my boyfriend confessed he liked my car better than his Audi. People that questioned my purchase have all done 180's once they have a chance at the wheel. Plus, you don't look like every other generic car on the road.
More bang for your buck
Alexander, 06/22/2005
2005 Saab 9-3 Arc 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After one year I still in love with this car. Quick,stylish,secure and handsome. The only thing that bothers me. The navigation system is available now and last year that was not an option.
A swedish sedan
Bart, 07/28/2005
2005 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
While not a quirky as Saabs' past, this car still maintains distinctive Saab Features: Nightpanel, Key in the middle, hidden cupholders. This large sedan gets better MPG than my Focus, and has performance when needed. The seats are comfortable, standard with leather.
3 Saabs and still going
saablover, 11/21/2005
2005 Saab 9-3 Arc 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned 3 Saabs...92 -9000, 99 -9/3 and now a 05 - 9-3. Once you own one you know they just keep getting better. I feel great about my new purchase...fun to drive, tight, clean, great fit and finish! Even the wife loves it!!
Couldn't be happier!
Patty, 07/28/2005
2005 Saab 9-3 Arc 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We purchased this car for our 16 year old son. He always wanted the SAAB convertible. Driving it is an amazing experience. You hate to reach your destination. Heads turn the entire time it's on the road. We feel good about it's high safety standards. We test drove ALL convertibles - this one is the best the others cannot compare.
Best Car I've Owned
chuxley, 08/01/2005
2005 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have purchased some 40 cars in the past three decades - everything from large Buicks to SUVs to a Mercedes- Benz. Among those 40 cars were eight Saabs - one of the old ones we still own, purchased new in 1989. But... this 2005 9.3 Linear is the best one yet. Having just come back from a 2500 mile road trip, I can report fantastic performance, 33 mpg for the entire trip - at speeds up to 100 mph, and absolute comfort. The A/C is finally terrific in Saabs. And, the Saab seats eliminate fatigue like no other. This is a great, quiet, smooth machine. I am really glad I bought it.
Saab 9.3
wgstatenj, 12/22/2005
2005 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Leased Vehicle after top scores regarding safety scores. Handling and comfort will not dissappoint any driver. Turbo lag although is evident and needs to be addressed. This is a common complaint. Interior design of arm rest, use of power door locks are annoying. Cell phone options on steering wheel are not functional as Saab offers no phone accessaries.? Driven for 12k, glad to have stability control and safety features. Turbo lag is major issue and if not addressed in future model I would not lease/purchase another.
Efficient
Geremy, 12/22/2005
2005 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had the car 6 months now and I am very pleased. I came out of a BMW so I have high standards. This car is perfect execution of efficent Swedish design. There is nothing fake about this car, it is pure form and function. The minimalist interior is actually a breath of fresh air for me, especially when every other car is clamoring to confort you like your living room. Buyers need to keep in mind that the Swedes are not trying to sell image, luxury, or top performance. This car is constantly compared to BMWs, Audis, and Mercedes, but I think the car is more comparable to a Camry or an Accord. I bought mine for the same price as a Camry. No problems to date.