2002 Saab 9-3 Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.53/5 Average
95 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

The base 9-3 three- and five-door models have been replaced by a value-priced SE five-door. High-performance Viggen models get a new interior color and a carbon-fiber instrument panel.

Pros:
  • Comfy interior, versatile hatchback model, powerful turbocharged engines.
Cons:
  • Controls not always intuitive, torque steer in Viggen models.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 95.00
  • Love My Saab 9-3 SE Hatch - 2002 Saab 9-3
    By -

    I always like the Saabs unique look and when I saw what they were leasing for I had to check one out. I am glad I did because they had $3500 in rebates until the end of July. Had trouble getting a 5 speed because no other dealer wanted to make a trade. The car fits me like a glove. It is quicker than everything else I have ever driven. The suspension is stiff but still compliant. Very little torque steer unless you get on it when pulling away from a stop when making a left or right turn. I bought a midnight blue 5 speed Saab 9-3 SE 4 door hatch with the premium package and heated seats. Tons of room in the hatch area for storage. Excellent fit and finish.

  • **CAR IS A SOUR LEMON** - 2002 Saab 9-3
    By -

    I purchased my 02 Saab 9-3 used and right out the car lot, it was problem after problem. It started with having to get the front right wheel bearing fixed, then the right headlight went out twice, shortly after I had to get the heating coil fixed (cold air blowing), then the air stopped working. Car stopped 3 months later on the expressway (found out I needed another fuel pump) got it fixed, 3 months later, I had to replace the Starter, left wheel bearing, control arm & ball joints on drivers side, CV Shaft, Spring Coil Sensor for Check Engine light, Brake Pads & Rotors, but the biggest problem is a Starting Issue. The car will randomly NOT start for about 15 minutes. No one knows why:(

  • From dream to nightmare - 2002 Saab 9-3
    By -

    This was my dream car until I bought one (used). Its fun to drive, but not at all the luxury car I expected it to be. Over $1500 spent in repairs in 1 year on a 6 year old car with under 60K miles: alternator, exhaust pipe, headliner clips, headlights (always dim, have to replace every 3 months), digital display fading, dash cracked, cupholder broke off, irritating squealing noise from AC fan, humming sound from glove box, roof channels rainwater into my lap, emblems are faded. Payments are too high to be this disappointed. An extended warranty is a must with this car.

  • Love this car - 2002 Saab 9-3
    By -

    The sport tires do transmit the feel of the road more than some other near luxury cars, but its nothing I could complain about. The seats are extremely comfortable. The interior and exterior are very well assembled. Huge trunk can hold just about anything. Great stereo! Press the "S" button on the gear selector and watch this car fly!

  • Saab is good for you - 2002 Saab 9-3
    By -

    I bought a Saab 93. It has many standart options and also safety features such as ABS, side airbags... It is a fast car, no turbo lag as others claim. I like its style, it is different from the other mass market cars. Hope the new model will be as quirky as the current one.

  • 1st Saab, not the last - 2002 Saab 9-3
    By -

    For anyone considering a Nissan V6 Altima/Maxima, even a V6 Accord or Camry; this car is definately worth a test drive. Saab always offers factory incentives that effectively reduce the MSRP LOWER than these LESSER cars. The 9-3 with 5-speed is selling around $24- 25K USD. The price of a fairly loaded V6 Altima is $28K and your stuck with an Altima. The Saab 9-5, contrary to what most believe, start around $28-29K with the incentives. Both are worth the time of a quick test drive.

  • Design Perfection - Handles like new - 2002 Saab 9-3
    By -

    Just purchased a mint condition used 2002 9-3SE. This is an amazing car. While it is small and handles nimbly it has generous room for 4 plus the huge hatch area. Mileage so far has been mid-30s mpg. Amazing that they could build a fast and efficient car 8 years ago. At 205 hp this car has as almost the same power as my 2001 Boxster.

  • Love It ! - 2002 Saab 9-3
    By -

    Prior to buying, I had researched the "sport-luxury" class thoroughly. What won me over was Saabs personality and the test drive. The car is very responsive, handles extremely well; the turbo lag can be mitigated by proper modulation of gas and clutch. The torque steer isnt that bad, but this is a car that requires driver attention. The workmanship is great, and the control surfaces are well designed and placed - a few inches away from the shifter or steering wheel. Seats are comfortable and supportive. Drove the car to Colorado this summer. The car was incredibly agile and fast on the winding, steep mountain roads, and well mannered on the interstates.

  • Expected more... - 2002 Saab 9-3
    By -

    i was sorely surprised at the poor quality of my 02 Saab 93, which i leased new. i expected much more of a $30,000 "luxury car". Ive had this car back to the dealer an average of once every couple months for constant nagging quality problems. Door handle snapped off, sunroof frame cracked when opening, spoiler popped off, etc. etc, etc. Not to mention the annoying rattles, creaks, & vibrations. My daughters 99 Cavalier rides more quietly. Really disappointed... Ill never own another one.

  • Solid, but Fun Car... - 2002 Saab 9-3
    By -

    We looked at Nissans (Altima and Maxima), Toyotas (Camry and Corolla SE), Fords, Mini, and Volvos. We liked the Saab the best because they gave us a great lease deal and we did not have to mess around with all of those Option packages. The 9-3 Turbo has everything you will need right out of the gate. Its fast, nice-looking (midnight blue), functional (OnStar), luxurious (Leather, Power Everything, Sunroof), and reliable. I drive on the highway all day and this car is a joy at high speeds. At night, the dashboard lights are easy on the eyes.

Saab 9-3 Reviews By Year:
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