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 111 through 120 of 375.00-
The Best Car - 2003 Saab 9-3
By Sheena - July 16 - 10:00 amMy Silver Vector has 3800 miles on it and I love driving it. I get a lot of complaints from many of my friends. Everyone seems to love the body kit on the car. There is not much turbo lag but the car does take a second to get going after you hit the gas pedal. The sport seats are perfect for sharp turns.
-
Be careful... - 2003 Saab 9-3
By JCool - July 16 - 10:00 amAfter 1800 miles a new transmission unit was installed because the last one caused a loud grinding noise when shifting into second gear. At around 4300 miles, the same EXACT problem with tranmission happened again. The second time my car was worked on, the problem was actually worse. The problem only occurs when the engine is cold. In addition, "engine malfunction" light has come on twice. Power seats didnt work properly. The radio has messed up. A headlight has gone out. All this with less than 5000 miles.
-
No disappointment here! - 2003 Saab 9-3
By Red Saab 9-3 - July 11 - 10:13 pmGreat balance of above average performance,comfort,design,and fuel economy. 28-30 combined mpg with mainly hwy driving. Other than turbo lag with hard acceleration from a stop or out of a turn, nothing about my 9-3 disappoints. Substantial power,and with power heated seats,rain-sensing wipers,parking assist,dual ACC,OnStar,and wheel-mounted audio controls,the 9-3 pampers. With new Michelin Pilots, I experience a stable, quiet and responsive ride at all speeds. Brakes are exceptional, although a little touchy until you adjust to them. As far as design, it turns a few heads and you dont see yourself coming and going. When heading out with family or friends, I always say "Ill drive!".
-
Last Saab Ill buy - 2003 Saab 9-3
By Avi8jazz - July 8 - 10:00 amPros: 6 Speed manual gives us 37 mpg on hwy at 75 mph. Trunk is a LOT bigger than it looks from the outside. Fun to drive. Cons: Replacing left headlight takes practice (dealer charges $90). Windows regulator is defective(bad design) $450/window. SAI Check valve $180 needs a biannual check. If it fails, condensation floods the SAI Pump $600 (current issue). Check Eng. light only goes out when the bulb burns out. No AUX input for iPod connectivity (had to buy a third party $75).
-
2003 Saab Linear - 2003 Saab 9-3
By oddeath - June 8 - 10:00 am175 HP turbo Saab Linear is a decently powered, excellent handling vehicle with a lot of room, even for a relatively big person (61" 205lbs). Good ergonomics and back seat room.
-
Watch Out - 2003 Saab 9-3
By vmn - May 27 - 5:43 pmThe car is unbelievably fun to drive. Unfortunately it has been at the dealership numerous number of times in the first year. 10 times for at least 2 days at a time. Parking brake, infotainment, and 2 transmissions are only the begining. Transmission still not fixed. worse 6-speed i have ever driven. Grinds going into 2nd and 3rd gear. I cant keep taking the car to the dealer everytime i have a problem. Saab still working to fix my transmission problem. It start at 3000 miles. I wonder why the new 2005 saab 93 has a 5-speed in it?
-
Great looks, fun to drive - 2003 Saab 9-3
By plasticmoz - May 22 - 2:00 amProbably the best looking sports sedan out there for my money. Very classy interior design and comfortable ride. Few minor build quality issues which is expected with a first year model. The high-pressure turbo engine (2.0L) is very nippy and accelerates very well especially through the high gears. I added the sports body kit to my Arc and would recommend it (or just get the Vector) as it really completes the look of the car, together with the low profile tires (available with the sports pkg. on the Arc/Linear). Recommended for those shopping for a SS around 30K and who are looking for something different.
-
Solid vehicle - 2003 Saab 9-3
By mia709 - May 2 - 2:00 amThis is a very well made car, it is very much a Saab in all the ways that I can see. I have owned a 900 for the pst 5 years and there are many marked improvements over the old cars. True that it may have a few more GMesque tendancies, but thats because I believe Saab has a few more resources and idea pools to pick and choose from. I am enjoying this car more than any other other car Ive driven thus far; if word gets out about how nifty of a vehicle Saab has engineered, its possible that Saab may not be able to keep up with demand for the first time in a long time.
-
Joyful car - 2003 Saab 9-3
By Eurozone - April 27 - 10:00 amHad it for about a month now, I still enjoy every trip in this car. It looks really good from the front and side, and alright from the back. The interior is very cozy with good quality materials. The seats are superbly comfortable, the controls and gauges are quite good. The stereo is good but the bass is a bit weak (no subwoofer). Great handling gives amazing feeling of control, the car feels very light and nimble. Great breaks, nice shifter and pretty good power from the engine. Turbo a bit lazy at low end, but gives very good response afterwards.
-
SAAB 9-3 linear w/launch package - 2003 Saab 9-3
By Mambo - April 27 - 10:00 amThis is my first SAAB, and I was thinking about the BMW 325i as the other alternative. After driving the SAAB, I liked it a lot more than the BMW, and it was $7k less, and it gets much better gas mileage. I am truly enjoying the car and I have got a lot of complements, especially from BMW owners. I cant say enough good things about the car.
