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 11 through 20 of 375.00

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  Oh my!!! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Gobsmacked - October 3 - 3:46 pm

  Fine apart from: £5000.00 New Auto Gearbox £0090.00 New Front Coil Springs £0130.00 Diesel Fuel Pump £0200.00 Alternator £0500.00 Tyers, 3 developed punctures (1 two days after we bought the car) £0100.00+ on Bulbs (all changed, Brake Lights changed monthly) £1000.00 For Service. The final straw came, when the car would not accelerate past 50 mph, later traced to the Particulate Filter. This would have cost us another £2000. At this point it was goodbye to SAAB... at least they cleaned the car each time it went in to be fixed, yes... you guessed it... the cleanest car in history!

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  Buy something else - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Jim - October 3 - 8:23 am

  I was looking so forward to having a new car and not having to bring it to the shop every other month. The engine light kept coming on they told me I wasnt putting the gas cap on correctly. Being a nurse I can start IVs and change caps on invasive lines, but cant put on a gas cap,OK? The power steering pump leaked was replaced. Finally had new front brakes replaced it would just squeal. The dash rattles, the shocks thud and pop. When its cold the stereo freezes up. The tires suck in the snow, I constantly feel like the back end slipping out. It doesnt go thru snow. You would think this car would be great in cold & snow far from it. Even got a GM discount under dealer invoice.

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  100% Mistake - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Displeased - September 21 - 2:00 am

  This car seems to have spent as much time being fixed as being driven. It is now in the shop for oil leaking from a vacuum pump and a broken bolt that was supposed to hold the sway bar in place. Just replaced the blower motor for the heater two days earlier. In the time weve owned it, we must have gone to the dealership at least 20 times. All I can say is if you ever buy a Saab voluntarily, you have just made the worst mistake in your car buying life.

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  Fun - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Gdsgn - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Fun car. Very happy. Zero turbo lag.

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  Excellent Value for European Import - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By JW Driver - September 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Saab and the new 9-3 is a vast improvement over the older 900 and 9-3 hatchback series. This car is fun to drive and inexpensive given the design, power and attractiveness of the vehicle. Youll feel priviledged to own and drive the new 9-3.

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  OK so far on 2003 rag top - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Stafford VA - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Not as good on gas mileage as I had hoped. Does much better on extended trip. Can use mid-level gas with no problem--regular might be OK too, but I havent tried it. Recommend the leather arm rest--gave it to me at purchase. Paid $32,400 in October, 2003. Car does shake over any type of rough road--but has good pick up and excellent braking. The hand brake is the strongest I have ever experienced. The car will not move when it is engaged. Top works well--no leaks.

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  Dont buy one Because.... - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By ATX Teacher - July 23 - 10:00 am

  There are many problems with the 9-3 that are unfixable, especially if you live in a hot climate like Texas. The Fuel injextions system has many problems that the manufacturer is choosing to ignore, causing many of these cars to be irrepairable, but these problems are not showing up in statistics b/c the manufacturer is repurchasing the cars from the owners without having "Lemon Law" suits filed. The car looks great and is fun to drive, but dont be fooled. Many problems need to be fixed with this car.

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  Excellent Sport Sedan - - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By mmeytin - June 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in December more or less by accident. I was looking for a small, fun to drive sedan, and test drove Audi A4 (not bad, but felt crammed and small inside, plus ergonomics of the dash left something to be desired), BMW325 (nice ride, but overpriced with even simple things optional plus bad MPG) and Lexus IS300 (not at all impressed). Stopped by at Saab dealership basically on a whim, and after test driving a new 9-3 I was very impressed. GMs incentives helped with the purchase - the car was eligible for 0-0-0 deal. The car is fun to drive, but at the same time very stable on the road.

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  This is a Saab? - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Nutmegger - June 21 - 2:00 am

  The good news: goodbye torque steer, goodbye mushy handling, goodbye alarming amount of flex over bad roads. The bad news: its no longer a Saab. Wheres the quirkiness? Hatch? Supple ride? Now its just another generic Eurosedan with a stiff ride...

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  a road less traveled - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By scotty b - June 21 - 2:00 am

  WHAT A GREAT CAR ! Quick, agile, fun. IF you want a sporty feel the 17 inch wheel sport package is a must. I just like the fact that its the only one in the parking lot amongst 20 Bmws and 10 A4s. A lot of standard features for the price. ALso, what an amazing improvement with the turbo chager itself. Very little lag.