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 151 through 160 of 375.00

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  What a Shame! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By citizen1130 - July 1 - 7:06 am

  I own a 2003 Saab 93 Arc and I must admit, the drive and performance are awesome. That being said, I wouldnt get another one even if they paid me to do it. I bought this car with at little less than 31000 miles and its been HELL ever since. Among the problems, to name just a few; power steering failure (while I was driving!), blower motor failure, wiper motor failure, hand brake stuck in the upright position and SIM module failure (which cost about $1000 to replace). Ive owned many cars in my life from beat-up Chevys to Bimmers and Ive never, ever had so many critical safety issues with any of them. Especially at so low mileage. Its the most UNRELIABLE vehicle on the road.

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  first sight fell in love, still loving strong - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By whasaab - June 23 - 4:09 pm

  At first, I was very hesitant about buying this car because I read many unsatisfying reviews on Saab. However, bought 2003 9-3 vector in Feb 2013 under 6k, looked new inside and out, one owner and no accident. Checked with Saab if the car had any mechanical service done. All the recalls had been taken care of and no other mechanical issues. After 8 months putting over 10k still feels like a new car. But make sure you use premium gas and full synthetic oil. Not using premium grade gas will give you check engine light. But dont panic, it will go away if you put premium. My $6k saab looks better and runs better than brand new camrys or accords .. love this car.

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  My Saab Review - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Dougie - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love this car. No problems with it since new except for the pin in the convertible top snapped but was replaced under warranty. I would recommend this car ro anybody looking for a great convertible.

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  Too Much Fun - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By knc - June 9 - 2:00 am

  My Laser Red SAAB 9-3 Vector is an outstanding Sports Sedan, a joy to drive through twisting mountain roads or cruising on the interstate. The car is poised, well balanced, sure footed and nimble, while still delivering a smooth and quiet ride with a sport suspension and 17" wheels. The engine is always happy to rev, but a huge torque band makes high rpms a choice instead of a necessity. The interior is cool, swedish understatement: a designer original for SAAB owners only. Luxury? Yes, but a sleek, modernist luxury, with all the comfort features you could want. The exterior is eye catching, a real head turner with perfect proportions.

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  2003 Saab 93 - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By sideorder - June 1 - 7:00 am

  The engine has performed very well. All electronics and interior design has failed often. Engine Check light due to Gas Cap design triggers often. Traction control fails on and off again. Drivers window came off track. Side mirror adjustments needed replacement. Water Leak issues from Pollen filter design, door leaks due to poor rubber seal and interior door seal. It goes on but this should be enough. Car noise is non stop. Something always rattling.

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  Value to the extreme - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By ValueSports - May 14 - 10:00 am

  First of all, I paid manufacturers invoice on a new Linear with drivers package, 16" wheels, heated seats, and sunroof. I highly recommend the infotainment version of the stereo, otherwise the dash looks too bare (and somewhat cheap) with the standard Linear radio. With the rebate at the time, the car was under $25,000 and no one in there right mind can compare anything at that price point to this 9- 3. Not BMW, not Volvo (Ive owned both recently), not Audi, and not Mercedes. To put it mildly, this car is the best value available if you know how to negotiate with a dealer. If you are looking for something better, be prepared to spend well over $30k.

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  Best Saab Yet - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By captempjack - May 14 - 10:00 am

  This car is a winner. I dont know too much about GM and platforms and GrandAms, but this car is no boring, ordinary car. It is incredibly peppy and very comfortable. It also looks great in the dark colors. I drove it on a 300 mile trip and made record time, never going under 85-90 the whole way. It was a bit noisier than other cars I have had, but quieter than other Saabs. For the money, its the best in its class, I know I did the research. Get the bigger wheels, the radio is OK.

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  Great VALUE - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By drfabulous - May 7 - 5:36 pm

  Still love this car, even after 130k miles. Looks and drives like it did back in 2005, easy on gas (average high 20s), and has NEVER had a major issue. Like others have said, its a car that is unique and requires a little more work to repair, but if youre handy and willing to do research, its simple. Case in point- fixed my power steering leak for $10 in under an hour with nothing but common hand tools when a shop wanted $600, and Im by no means a mechanic. Bottom line- its fun to drive, good gas mileage, nice enough to drive to meet with clients, and people always look at it going "Ive never been in a SAAB".

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  Ur Money ... U Decide, I want a Refund! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By StillSAABing - May 2 - 10:00 am

  My 2003 9.3 2.0t is a great looking, fun car to drive with excellent dealer service BUT, this car has more annoying rattles, noises, and little gotchas than any other car I have owned. I expect more from a $30K car. (I have owned Infiniti, Nissan, Chrysler, pre-GM SAAB, and others). The base stereo system sounds terrible. I added an aftermarket amp and 6x9 speakers which make the system sound much better but now I am being told it causes problems with SAABs Infotainment system. The dealership has been excellent, since I have been there a couple of days every month since I bought this car.

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  Never Again - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Sucker1978 - April 21 - 2:00 am

  HUGE MISTAKE! Infotainment system has malfunctioned every three to four weeks requiring another visit to the dealership and a vacation day from work since they arent open evenings or weekends. The parking break release broke, leaving my car stuck and needing a tow. The multifunction computer (distance to empty feature) seldom works. Horn stopped working just 6 months after purchase. I traded in a Passat GLX for this car...I can only plead insanity? Dealership has repaired all malfunctions free of charge and provided me with a loaner (in which I noticed the same problem for which my car was being serviced).