Overview & Reviews

The base 9-3 three- and five-door models have been replaced by a value-priced SE five-door.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.

• Comfy interior, versatile hatchback model, powerful turbocharged engines.

• Controls not always intuitive, torque steer in Viggen models.

User Reviews:

Showing 61 through 70 of 95.00

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  This car rocks! - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By johnG - June 9 - 9:53 pm

  Overall, a fine car. Some strange internal operation decisions lower the overall score.

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  Never Again Will I Buy a Saab! - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By vonkruize - June 6 - 2:56 am

  My car has only 54,000 miles and the engine is shot. It fell victim to the "Saab oil sludge problem" that so many other 9-3s and 9-5s from this era have succumbed to (Google "Saab oil sludge" and read all about it). Long story short, Saab admitted the oil sludge accumulation is due to an engine defect, NOT consumer negligence, and they "extended coverage" on 99-03 9-3s and 9-5s. What they dont tell you is that youre not eligible for coverage unless you can produce oil change receipts for the entire life of the car. So for those, like myself, who bought their car used, youre essentially fresh out of luck. Its either pony up $6000 for a new engine or scrap it for parts.

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  The most fun you will have driving. - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By Luckyluciano - May 4 - 2:00 am

  The 205 hp on this baby makes it a fun drive. I also like the fact that it does not look like every other boxy sedan that you see on the road (you know which sedans Im talking about.

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  Falling apart after the warranty - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By jjsaab - April 28 - 3:46 am

  This car is fun to drive and has reasonable fuel economy when it is not in being repaired. I am on my 3rd water pump, have replaced several computer modules, gaskets failing in very expensive areas, have electrical problems, etc. etc. I have been told by the Saab dealer that these things happen even if you keep up with the Saab maintenance schedule. I am not sure if my problems are the result of poor build quality, poor Saab mechanics at the dealership, or both. Beware of the reliablity of 2002 Saabs 9-3.

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  A work of art! - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By wholechild - February 4 - 8:33 pm

  After looking at an Acura 3.2 tl type s and a Passat 1.8T, I purchased a 9-3 SE with premium package, heated seats, metalic midnight blue paint, auto. Great seats, very fast, huge cargo space, quiet at speed on the highway, beautiful and simple interior, kickin stereo. This car grows on me every day! The dealer experience was great.

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  poor build quality - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By Jason82 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, but a horrible car. Mine has 22,000 miles on it...been towed 3 times, AC broke, ignition problems, creaks and rattles constantly, rotors needed to be replaced twice. Fortunately its leased and I am getting rid of it in a year. Thank god! Stay away from SAAB. Over priced and sub standard.

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  The best used car you can get for your money. - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By zidjan - December 25 - 12:16 am

  I started with saab 10 years ago, bought the 1999 model but has tons of issue. Sold it cheap and I ended up with the 2002 model se at 80K miles. Nowthe car has 120K and had no problems at all. Its all been fun with this car...205 hp and gets 30mpg hwy miles driving 65-70 mph. So my conclusion to new buyer out there, research the history of the car, if the car has always used synthetic oil and been taken care of well, chances are youll have a good reliable car...but if anything points out that this car has not been care well then buyers beware. NEVER Buy this car if you are going to treat it like a Honda or Toyota. Youll reap what you sow.

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  Frequent Car Buyer - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By Frequent buyer - December 16 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car for my wife replacing a 4 years old BMW 328i. We feel we have lost 10% in peformance and gained 35% in styling and pleasure. The Viggen convertable is a fun car that can well please both my wife and myself. Also drove a 9-3 converatble (not Viggen). There is a world of difference. I would not have traded my BMW for a regular 9-3.

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  Well miss you when youre gone! - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By Lee - November 30 - 1:26 am

  The most important selling point for the 9-3 is its personality (i.e, quirkiness). The handling is very good on my new 9-3 SE with excellent steering and lots of power from the turbo 2.0 liter engine(although the secret is to click on the "sport" button which gives added power.) The 9-3 excels in terms of comfort as the Saab seats are outstanding and the controls are easy to see, reach and understand.

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  Saab 2002 vintage - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By Steven Patriarca - November 15 - 11:00 am

  The car is dependable and solid. The body style on the 2002 93 SE is vintage. This car with 30200 miles on it and Saab Certified is like driving a new car. I also had replaced all four tires in 6/2006 with factory Pirellis since I had basically just bought the car out of my lease agreement and would be driving it a while. Prior to purchase from my lease the dealership also did all the 30k service at about 21k miles. The 2002 93 SE has every available option one could ask for including the cold weather package and traction control. The traction control is necessary due to the high performance tires.