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 21 through 30 of 375.00

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  Somethings Almost Always Broken - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By teblhasa - June 19 - 8:36 pm

  It would be a great car, if there wasnt always something going wrong with it! Ive only had it not even 6 months and I want a new car. Some of the 9-3s are great, just make sure you have it thoroughly inspect it before you buy. But it is a lot of fun to drive (when it behaves), and it turns heads! I love how expensive they look all cleaned up, and the really nice infotainment display.

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  What a terrific car! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By kwelch01 - June 16 - 10:00 am

  If you can be open minded enough to embrace the uniqueness and character of this car you will truly be astounded at what a wonderful automobile it is. I have always been a fan of Saab yet until now was never fond enough of the product to purchase one for myself. I have never been so happy with a car. With enough time spent, the car just makes sense. Everything is in the correct place. Everything is well though out. The attention to detail, while simple is astounding. The lines are clean and uncluttered. I can honestly say that I have never driven a car that gets so much attention and inquiries.

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  Lots for the Money - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By newsaabdriver - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Leased the ARC model after looking at the Acura TSX and others. Saab is a ton of car for the money. Acura was too bland. The Saab blows the Acura and BMW away in driver information and features. Saabs 210 hp and 221 lb/ft torque make the car feel more like 250hp b/c turbo acceleration. Lag is noticable but present only under 2000rpm, above 2K rpm it is strong. Ours is a week old and Onstar registration of the car is the only issue. Buy an Arc rather than a loaded Linear (cheaper that way). Dealer experience was good and I expect more of the same in the future - all service covered is a plus (not so with Acura).

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  Love it! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Travis Cole - June 5 - 5:43 pm

  I purchased my Saab used, Ive had a couple issues but I still love the car. It has enough get up and go, and to me is just a thrill to drive! The only real problem Ive had with the car is on 2 occasions there was a computer issue, the computer wasnt telling the car to shift gears basically. The first time this happened it fixed itself after I restarted the car a few times. The second time I had to have the computer reset at the dealership ($100) and they put in all the updated software. I get tons of compliments on the car, and I get excited to drive it every time I get behind the wheel!

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  great car - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By tboccell - May 19 - 3:53 am

  So far, a great car. Had one recall with with the hand brake, but the dealership brought out a tow truck and fixed the problem for free. The turbo is great... love the turbo meter. Comfortable car for its small size. We sometimes use the car to fit the entire family of five... but beyond local commutes, stick with a large sedan or SUV, if you can afford the gas. The butterfly cup holder is pretty cool and 100x more useful then the one in my 2001 540i. The car is sporty, fun, and has never spent more then the alloted time at the dealership. Great car!

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  Best Car on the Road - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By heystupid - May 15 - 2:00 am

  Nothing comes close. Anyone who complains about this car has neither driven it nor seen it.

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  I love this Sport Sedan - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By carz240 - May 12 - 6:09 am

  After I sold my old car I wanted an improvement. Something with xenon lights, leather, automatic windows and sun roof, and it had to be relatively fast. After looking for 3 or 4 months I found a 2003 Saab 93 2.0t automatic. I went over to test drive it that night at the owners house and I instantly wanted it. I ended up buying it that night, I didnt know much about Saab and if I did I would have bough the Vector/Aero or the Arc. I wish Saab wasnt in this problem right now, after owning this car for the past 6 months I want to be a Saab guy forever. Im 20 and I am in love with my Saab, I have never had any major issues. Just little things here and there. I highly reccomend the 93

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  2003 saab 9-3 turbo convertible - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By william palmer - May 6 - 2:16 pm

  This is one of the finest autos Ive owned. Ive owned mercedes as well as other expensive autos. The fit, and finish is excellent. The performance is superb especially when you realize its coming from a 2 liter engine.

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  fun to drive, but needs some improvement - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By skyking444 - April 29 - 10:00 am

  This is a fun car to drive. It is my first convertible and my wife and I are having a lot of fun driving up the coast or even to the grocery store!

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  Holding On to Rattlebox Junk - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By KnottingMooF - April 25 - 6:20 pm

  I only wish I had the foresight to read review sites such as this before making the worst car purchase in my auto-owning history. I wont reiterate what everyone else has said about electrical, rattle, peeling dash and overall gremlin nightmare about this car. GM has replaced the engine three times under extended warranty. Because of the new engine and all the time and money Ive put into this car, Im holding on until my warranty runs out and the car dies on the side of the road. Its very interesting to see all the high reliability marks if you scroll back to 2003 when the car first hit the road. Except for one person who had high mileage early on. Everyone else scores it a 1!