5 Star Reviews for 2002 Saab 9-3

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The base 9-3 three- and five-door models have been replaced by a value-priced SE five-door.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 1 through 10 of 95.00
  • Viggen underappreciated for price - 2002 Saab 9-3
    By -

    At list, the Viggen isnt a very good deal, but at the price we paid, its awesome. We bought our Viggen for a bit more than the price of a loaded Maxima or Passat, or a pretty base A4. For that we got a car with huge interior, gorgeous styling, awesome acceleration, rewarding and engaging handling, really well thought out details, and that lovely Saab leather smell. For 10k less than an S4 Avant less we got similar performance, much more room, and a unique car. Yes, it is an older design, and there are some quirks, but you can take advantage of that and make a screaming deal. Remember when youre comparing cars to compare at the price youll actually end up paying.

  • Pasion, Fun and Delivery - 2002 Saab 9-3
    By -

    One simple statement : Its the BEST. No comparison to other EU cars.

  • all around awesome - 2002 Saab 9-3
    By -

    Bought w/200 miles on it. Fun to drive, amazing acceleration, 30 mpg on highway, to me it looks sharp and has very nice classy lines, one of the most unique cars, costs less than cars that people think are better/faster. The only sub-par facet of this car was the suspension. i paid 300$ or so for braces etc. and installed myself, so now the suspension is great, and for cheap money!!! oh yeah, it carries a lot of stuff and people, and i have only seen 5-6 other viggens and i am on the road a lot. it has been problem -free and i am always excited to driver her.

  • 9-3 turbo hatch, irresistible - 2002 Saab 9-3
    By -

    I had one of these for 4 years. Bought it at 45k miles when it was 4 years old. It had all the reliability issues everyone talks about, including the sump oil problem. It was totaled last month when someone hit it while it was parked. I looked at other cars, and ended up buying the exact same car again (except stick instead of auto), now at 80k miles. Theyre as spacious as a small wagon, very quick and great handling, heated leather seats, premium sound, climate control, sunroof, power everything, 30+ mpg, and the style of a classic suit from a vintage store. All for under $6,000. Irresistible.

  • The key just flies into the ignition - 2002 Saab 9-3
    By -

    For years I have been searching for an automobile that was as much fun to drive as my first BMW2002 in 1967. I tested the new 325 and the Audi and the 9-3. Two years and over 50,000 miles later I am still excited driving my 9-3!

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • 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.

Saab 9-3 Reviews By Year:
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