2003 Saab 9-3 Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.34/5 Average
375 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

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.

Pros:
  • Sharp handling, frugal yet powerful engines, generous passenger room, class-leading trunk space, excellent audio systems.
Cons:
  • 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 131 through 140 of 375.00
  • RUN!!!!! - 2003 Saab 9-3
    By -

    DO NOT buy!, bought mine with 27,000 miles, when the car hit 40,000 it was down hill!, rattling under the hood, cup holder broke, radio dislpay broke, panel behind the drivers seat broke, compressor broke, forget about check engine light, ALWAYS on despite paying hundreds of dollars to replace stupic sensor, last 8 months i;ve shelled out $3000, and as we speak, was towed from work to dealer for not starting, not battery either! ive had it!, when it comes back im driving it onto HONDAS lot and prepared to take a hit. PIECE of crap, DONT DO IT!!!!! unless your rich and have $ to literally to throw away!

  • Saab 9-3 in Atlanta - 2003 Saab 9-3
    By -

    This car has met or exceded all expectations. I definitely would recommend the manual shift over the auto. Great Milage !

  • 9-3 Linear: Fun and Practical - 2003 Saab 9-3
    By -

    My first Saab; Im very pleased so far. The 175hp turbo and automatic are very flexible. Gas mileage (27+ mpg) has been better than I had hoped for with the Auto. Handling is xlnt; not M3 great, but better than the Acura TL we had. Some of the SID functions are awkward, but most controls are good. The 150wt stereo needs help, 6-CD changer is good. I have gotten a number of "thumbs up" from people looking at the car for the first time. Its sharp in silver. The exterior fit and finish are as good as any. The interior materials look good, but not quite A4-good. The heated seats are very comfortable. I also consideded an Audi A4 and Mazda 6s.

  • First time Saab owner - 2003 Saab 9-3
    By -

    Test-drove and eventually leased this car because of GM financing and its standard safety features. The car is a blast to drive. It is a great value if you stay at the base level. It is relatively light weight. So, it really handles very well and the acceleration is quite adequate. The interior is very well done with leather seats. The five speed auto trans is very smooth and responsive. The car looks beautiful to me! After 900 miles, a warning appeared about auto transmission. It was a false alarm probably caused by a bad sensor signal. The second and current problem is related to the malfunctioning of OnStar.

  • Nice Car - 2003 Saab 9-3
    By -

    This is a great car for the money. Much better car then either the Audi or BMW.

  • Used 2003 9-3 Convertible - 2003 Saab 9-3
    By -

    Bought this car with 89,xxx miles on it, AUTOMATIC I knew it needed a few cosmetic items and tires, but was a value for $4400. Solid car that is fun to drive. The AC blows so cold I had to turn it down on a 90+ degree day. Items are simple to fix like the DIC and fluid for the covnertible top. Lots of parts on eBay and videos on YouTube to help. Is quick and responsive. The Sweeds know nothing of cup holders though. The car will throw trouble codes every day. Buy a scanner when you buy a Saab. Nothing to worry about, most are harmless warnings and can be fixed without huge money. The DIC (coil pack) is the common failure for most codes, new is $500

  • Fantastic Car - 2003 Saab 9-3
    By -

    Great car and very fun to drive. Several of the reviewers complain of annoying door rattles, this happened with my Saab as well. There are two screws in the doors which come loose after repetitive opening and shutting-- it took the dealer 20 seconds to fix. I was considering the 9-3 and the CTS when I went looking to buy. The 9-3 truly drives like a luxury car, which is more than I can say for the Caddilac CTS. Paying a little extra for the upgraded radio with the six disc changer and infotainment center is a must.

  • Love the new 9-3 - 2003 Saab 9-3
    By -

    This is the first car I have owned that I feel I just might actually love. Fun to drive, gets around curves with little effort, good turbo punch with very little lag, lots of room up front, great driver interior layout - and so on and so on.

  • Its a nice car. - 2003 Saab 9-3
    By -

    It’s a nice little car. SAAB offers real nice deals. Many reviewers who talk bad about this car have not researched much. GM may have financially helped SAAB, but it is not the GM that designs and builds the car. It’s SAAB. Lexus are much better cars? Lexus are excellent boring cars that do not have personality. ES300? Isn’t it Camry? Do they know how much ES300 is sold for in Japan? It’s mid-sized family and nowhere near luxury. I agree this SAAB is not luxury, but at least it is quick and fun. The ReAxs system works pretty good on corners. Well, test-drive it. It is not that bad.

  • Marvellous Saab - 2003 Saab 9-3
    By -

    Saab has delivered a serious competitor to BMWs and Audis at an EXTREMELY competitive price - the 93 sports sedan is fast, safe, and packed with standard features that would cost $000s in similar European cars. Handling, agility and stylish looks are major pull factors. I test drove every car in its class and then some and for the money, there is no question that this is the leader of the pack.

Saab 9-3 Reviews By Year:
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