Overview & Reviews
The 2003 9-3 is an all-new design from top to bottom. It rides on a new platform, has new engines and an interior that's considerably more modern than the previous version.
- Sharp handling, frugal yet powerful engines, generous passenger room, class-leading trunk space, excellent audio systems.
- Some turbo lag at lower speeds, not as vaultlike as some of its European competitors, front-wheel drive also a slight disadvantage.
User Reviews:
Showing 91 through 100 of 375.00-
Never Again - 2003 Saab 9-3
By malco - September 16 - 2:00 amHaving decided to move to an entry level luxury vehicle, I was looking forward to years of trouble free driving. Was I wrong! Although the car looks great and is well finished, numerous mechanical problems have diminished my enjoyment of this vehicle. With only 5000 miles on it. the car has been in the shop almost weeklywith problems such as an undiagnosed clunk/ rattle from the front and rear suspensions in cold weather,squealing front brake pads , locked hand brake lever . Other problems include strong sulpher dioxide smell when the car idles and buzzing front door panels .
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Have confidence, get certified - 2003 Saab 9-3
By RLS123 - August 27 - 4:16 pmI wanted the confidence of an extended warranty and something different than the run-of-the-mill sedan. I didnt know much about Saab, so my expectations werent too high. If you only look at Consumer Reports, you would never buy this car. However, its an attractive automobile with many standard features which would be options on another vehicle. I was concerned about it being a 4 cyl, but the Turbo gives it plenty of guts. Additionally, I have owned this car for over a year now without any cosmetic or mechanical issues. Its fun to drive with very little road noise.
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Parts on indefinite backorder!!! - 2003 Saab 9-3
By Jules - July 1 - 7:30 amI have had a lot of Saabs and no car has given me as many problems as this one. It was in the shop over 7 times in 1 month alone. Recently the alternator went and then the vacuum pipe and now a $34.00 hose that is on back order Saab Corp. says indefinitely. Thanks to GM the quality of this car and the company has gone down the drain. WATCH OUT!!!
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Quick, Comfortable & Reliable - 2003 Saab 9-3
By jimb - May 27 - 11:13 amI am very pleased with the combination of power and fuel economy the Saab 9-3 convertible provides with the 2,0 liter turbo-charged engine. My 9-3 is equipped with an automatic transmission and delivers 20 plus mpg city and 28 mpg highway - not bad for a comfortable, powerful and fun to drive convertible. The 9-3 delivers more than adequate acceleration, and plenty of reserve power for merging and passing. Ride & handling are superb, albeit with a bit of cowl flex on less than glass smooth roads. Comfort is fantastic, thanks in part to some of the best seats in the business. Top operation couldnt be easier. Reliability thus far excellent! A very nice automobile.
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Too many repairs! - 2003 Saab 9-3
By BigHead - April 29 - 11:30 amThe first year of my cars life was normal. No major repairs. The last two have been horrible. The engine constantly leaks oil despite three repairs to various seals. The electronics are plagued with various bugs in the software and the OnStar module has been replaced twice. Ive had issues with the headlight wiring burning away the insulation on the wires and various other troubles with the computer when either cold or hot (< -15C or >+30C (which in Toronto, Ontario is quite often)). Not too happy overall. However the handling and brakes are fantastic.
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Love / Hate Relationship - 2003 Saab 9-3
By Vectra - April 11 - 10:00 amThis is such a great car, it is a shame that I have a Lemon. I was not worried about buying the Vector as soon as it was made available b/c of SAABs committment to quality, however have ended up driving the loaner car more than my fun Vector. There is something draining the battery when the car is off and they have replaced everything: CD Changer, 300W Amp, Window Controls, Battery, you name it. Unfortunetely due to the fine print on the contract since I used GMS discount I have no protection under the Lemon Law. I hope they get it fixed b/c it is a great car.
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its the little things - 2003 Saab 9-3
By tb9er - April 11 - 1:23 amMove the cup holder! Slight spills and your coffee is now part of your cd player. Speaking of audio components, if a cassette is not part of the system, provide an aux input for the ipod or mp3 played or even better a portable XM radio. Also, improved spearkers would help; perhaps incorporating speakers into the headrests. Try listening to something other than blasting rock (like subtle classical) while moving at 65mph with the top down. Is that Mozart I hear!! Could use a secondary power port. Cruise control cancel should be a "push" not "pull" switch. Seems more intuitive. Light, window, lock and roof switches on console should be illuminated. That said, I love the car.
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what a car - 2003 Saab 9-3
By ktm - April 5 - 10:00 amThis Auto is the best ever, it hugs the road and handles great. It has enough power to get up and go at any legal speed limit and then some.
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Great design... - 2003 Saab 9-3
By Tom - April 3 - 8:36 pmIve enjoyed this car - it is the best to drive on the freeway Ive owned (or leased). Great seats, great ride at speed, and great performance. Its fun to drive. The downside has proven to be continuing service problems: Sunroof doesnt work, windows wont work, A/C fan quits, headlight quits, for starters. Even had to tow because the parking brake lever stuck in place. The dealer has been great, and always has a loaner ready for the inevitable visits.
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Owned Better - 2003 Saab 9-3
By Owned Better - January 10 - 11:30 pmThe build quality is quite poor. Rattles and noises first in the doors, then the B pillar, and now the dash. They keep accumulating and the dealer just cant get them fixed. Mechanically, the brakes are noisy and the engine has required tweaking to prevent stalling. The center dash mounted computer also has its own agenda. It doesnt keep time or settings correctly.
