Used 2005 Saab 9-3 Consumer Reviews
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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!
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.
2005 Saab 9-3 for sale near you
Showing 3 of 13 listings
- Aero ConvertibleMSRP: $18,99813 mi away
- Linear ConvertibleMSRP: $6,00036 mi away
- Arc SedanMSRP: $4,99547 mi away
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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?
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.
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.
Sold on SAAB!
Bill, 08/05/2005
2005 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had the SAAB 93 Linear with manual transmission for about six months and I love it. The pick-up is great! The ride is so smooth that crusing at 85-95 is like driving 55. I have to remember to check the speedometer or it would easily break 100. Considered buying a comparable Volvo, but the handling on the SAAB to the Volvo was so dramatic that Volvo was eliminated on the first test drive.
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.
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.
love it!
dbl, 09/19/2005
2005 Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car was purchased during the incentive period of 2005. Had not thought much about a Saab at the time but was unimpressed by any of the GM, Ford, Chrysler cars. The incentives made the Saab affordable for us. Extremely happy with performance and design. This car has brought back the fun in driving. Have almost 4000 miles on the car and like it better each day.
Solid Design, Excellent Value
TheProfessor, 11/11/2005
2005 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is one great car! I like the engineering, the ride, the sound system, and the overall look of the car. The vehicle comes with a great set of standard safety and security features. The car is truly fun to drive. The car has been truly reliable.
Mixed Bag
SAABer, 12/05/2005
2005 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Excellent gas mileage. 34+mpg on long trip from FL to OH. Electronics seem to fail often: Check engine light for fuel cap, intermittant failure of traction control, poor explination and exceution of customizable features (door/truck lock options, etc.) Local dealer (ohio) very poor service. Great value considering GM Employee Pricing Event when purchased. Suspension too soft, handling plows a little.
After a year. . .still in love
Tim W, 03/06/2006
2005 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had my Saab for a full year and over 24000 miles, and it still performs as if I had bought it last month. My regular commute takes me on highways, city streets, and curvy backroads and my Saab handles each with alacrity, even in poor weather conditions. I am attracted to Saab for the trifecta of great performance, ample trunk space, and comfortable passenger room; it is rare to find all three in a single vehicle! As far as reliability issues, I have had only two minor issues in a year: a torn door gasket (which was my own fault) and a faulty sensor on the external temperature guage which did not hamper performance. My dealership fixed both promptly and under warranty.
Very pleased at this point
Always wanted one, 04/14/2006
2005 Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I got a leftover 05 Arc with auto, heated seats and s-roof. So far is the car of my dreams. Plenty of power, comfort and quiet on the road. Wonderful hwy driver. On interstate trip of 213 mi. at 70 to 80+ mph I got 34+ mpg. Mixed is 25/26 and mostly town and short trips is 22/24.
Great car
GJP, 09/23/2006
2005 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Very nice clean interior. Runs very well on the highway. If you drive in a lot in traffic, get the auto. It also has great a/c. The more options you get, the more confusing the driver controls become but for 07 they have simplified everything with a new dash and radio. The car gets better mpg than its rated mpg on the highway. Great all around car.
Great car, does not hold its value!
Snaab1, 02/02/2007
2005 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This has been a great car. We received fantastic and professional buying experience from the dealer. Car has been getting awesome gas mileage (32 MPG highway), has been relatively reliable (3 burnt headlights in 14 months but other then that perfect) and is very comfortable and fun to drive. One thing I would like to caution is maintenance after free period becomes very expensive. My biggest complaint is this car does not hold its value at all. I have received offers of less then half the original purchase price from several different dealers, including original dealer, for trade in. The car is only 14 months old and is in showroom condition. It lost 13K in 14 months. GM discounts :(
Great car for the money!
Michelle, 02/01/2007
2005 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
All around great car. Gas mileage is higher than expected. I average 26/35 with very good passing power. This is the first Saab I have driven and it impressed me so much that I bought it on the spot.
Saab Shoots - Saab Scores!!
B-Dog, 03/20/2007
2005 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I picked up my 2005 Linear (w/8200 miles) on 2/27/07, and put about 1800 miles on it in three weeks. Sweet performance, smooth shifting, and terrific comfort and mileage are all part of the package. Even with "only" 175 horsepower, it has pickup aplenty. The control layout is excellent, and I love the Night Panel, manual transmission and console-mounted ignition. Those who whine about the ignition should drive one for three weeks, and they'll get used to it. Besides, who wants a key in their knee in an accident?? All in all, I LOVE my Saab.
Great Car, Great Value
David, 04/09/2007
2005 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I was just looking for an affordable car with good gas mileage. After two years, I've been pleasantly surprised at the overall comfort and performance and haven't tired a bit of the design.
Fun to drive, but mostly to the mechanic
Andy, 10/10/2007
2005 Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A great car to drive! Unfortunately, much of that driving was back and forth to the dealership for constant minor repairs. The engine was generally reliable and the handling was great, but the interior was cheaply built and little things kept breaking. I am convinced that the electrical system was possessed; I had problems with the taillights, the stereo, the alarm, the dome lights, and the dash display, all within a 6-month period. All things considered, this is NOT a car I would wish to keep after the warranty expires.
A blast to drive, but at a cost
perks77, 06/07/2007
2005 Saab 9-3 Arc 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had fond memories of my '83 Saab 900. That car was a tank and simply refused to be driven into the ground. My '05 9-3 has all the gutsy handling the old models did (and then some!), looks great, is quite comfortable and is surprisingly roomy for a car of its size. For a little 4-banger, it really zips along once the turbo kicks in! However, I've had the car in the shop REPEATEDLY for random electrical and mechanical problems that simply should not happen at 30K miles. Some of the interior finish is cheaply done and parts have decided to fall apart at random. This has left me so disappointed that I plan to trade it in as soon as possible.
9-3 ARC Convertible is a fantastic car!
JRMNJ, 12/08/2019
2005 Saab 9-3 Arc 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My 2005 9-3 Convertible is the best all around vehicle I've ever owned and I've owned plenty. I purchased my 42k miles 2005 ARC in 2009 for my wife. She wanted her own convertible seeing that I have both a BMW 645 ci and a C5 Corvette. After owning the 9-3 now for 11 years, the vette for 20 and the BMW for 10 I can say that the SAAB is in a class of its own. I've only had to put tires, oil, spark plugs, head lights/ tail lights, battery, new gas cap and gas in the SAAB after 148k miles. There was a factory recall on front springs but other than that this car has been flawless. Very low maintenance costs, extremely reliable, great in snow and fun to drive on sunny days. These cars perform well enough with the 2.0 Turbo but that are by no means quick or fast. They drive as nicely as one should expect from a 210hp executive car. My one complaint...the crummy interior laminate over dash buttons. The UV rays and moisture get to them and many have started to peel. The shifter selection panel being the worst. The driver seat has worn at this point and could use a replacement bottom cover. Other than that this vehicle is outstanding. I've since purchased my wife a 2017 Wrangler Unlimited CHIEF which she adores...so the SAAB is now mine. I still have the 645ci which if so was not mechanically inclined would have cost me a fortune in repairs at this point. The C5 is a garage queen, the BMW my summer driver and the SAAB...she's driven every season, sun, rain or snow and as reliable as a Swiss watch.
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Love this car!
Leslie, Los Angeles CA, 05/24/2023
updated 06/03/2024
2005 Saab 9-3 Arc 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It’s everything I want and need : style, comfort, convertible…with enough space and some great creature comforts like a passenger side mirror that tips down to perfectly see the curb when parallel parking.
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It is 20 yrars this month
Richard, 06/07/2025
2005 Saab 9-3 Arc 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Rides and handles well.Very well constructed vehicle. My only negative is that the dash knobs were made of a cycolac type material that gets a greasey feel when the weather gets hot (over 85 degrees.
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Saab - Bad Decision
jj, 06/06/2005
2005 Saab 9-3 Aero 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 3 people found this review helpful
With less than 2600 miles, this car broke down four times. The fifth time I refused to drive it anymore. I had it towed to the dealer and told them to keep it. During one of the episodes the car just stopped while I was driving, luckily I was in a parking lot and only doing about 15 to 20 mph. Saab tried to compete with some of the quality manufacturers and put in too many gadgets. It was tinny and confusing to run. I knew from the get-go that I had made a mistake but was willing to ride it out. Unfortunately this car's time ran out in less than six months. I took a $15,000 hit when I traded this junk in. Live and learn. I no longer drive a Saab and NEVER will again.
Best of the Best
RobertB, 01/13/2005
2005 Saab 9-3 Linear 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car is wonderful. The car fits me like a glove, handles well in snow and ice, sound system is great. The trunk space surprised me on how much it can hold. I've owned many cars over the past 25 years and this Saab convertible is my favorite car of them all.
Wonderful car
Keith, 04/17/2005
2005 Saab 9-3 Arc 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Beautiful, fun to drive, excellent acceleration, handles very well. Great stereo. Surely the most beautiful of the 4-seater convertibles. Excellent safety ratings. Stands out from the dime-a-dozen convertibles out there.
LEMON
jaime, 12/18/2004
2005 Saab 9-3 Linear 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
We first bought this car at a dealership that went out of business,not knowing that. Saab corp., decided not to contact anyone about this. The car has too many electrical problems.The car has been in the shop about 20x the first year. Every time we turn around there is a problem. We will never buy a Saab again, can't wait to sell it. Very disappointed in every aspect of Saab and there corporation. Consider this a LEMON.
saab convertble
Joel Klein, 04/02/2005
2005 Saab 9-3 Arc 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is my 11th Saab cobvertible and these feels the best
SAAB!!!
Hectorg, 06/20/2005
2005 Saab 9-3 Aero 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Let me start by saying that I also drive a BMW X5. I've had the car for 3 days, I am thrilled with the Saab 93 Aero!! This car looks great, feels great and it is fast! Why doesn't anyone talk about that? I even like the fact that I don't get that much attention, like I do in the X5. Still this car is beautiful. I love the details in the care. Did you see the in dash cupholder? The seats? The wheels? I drove others, like the BMW 3 series, Acura TL. The Saab just has character. Just test drive it, feel that turbo kick in. Right now when I drive around, I notice that I don't see other Saab 93 Aero in Nocture Blue and you know what? I LOVE THAT!!
Beautiful automobile - blast to drive
GKellogg, 07/30/2005
2005 Saab 9-3 Aero 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love this car. Aside from being gorgeous, it is exhilarating to drive. With the manual transmission you can really play with the turbo boost which is what makes this (as well as other Saabs) so fun to drive. The guy with the X5 mentioned he likes not getting as much attention as with his BMW? Nooooooo....lots of stares because its NOT a run of the mill 3-Series that you see on every street corner! Love it.
Saab Story
STL Saab, 08/13/2022
2005 Saab 9-3 Aero 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Had a 2005 aero turbo with just 70k miles. Constant electrical and computer problems. Front bearings were bad. Had to replace the hydraulics in the top. Went through several throttle bodies. I STRONGLY suggest avoiding these cars.
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