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 31 through 40 of 375.00

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  State of Independence - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Finkle - April 23 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this car for two months now. I love it. It has plenty of power in any gear. The exterior styling is gorgeous. The leather seats feel like butter. The car handles great at any speed. SAAB has done a excellent job designing and building this car.

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  Performance/Design Yes, Build Quality No - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By peco - April 17 - 2:00 am

  I have put 1,000 miles/month on my 9-3 since the end of April 2003. It is a joy to drive. I love the exterior and interior design. It offers the best balance of performance, design and features for $30,000. My only reservation is the apparently spotty build quality. In my car, this has manifested itself in my car as squeaks and rattles in the front doors and the dashboard (where it meets the firewall). I have also had a few instances of cold engine stall on startup (I live outside of Chicago). However, I enjoy driving this car so much that I would be willing to take a chance on a 2004 9-3 convertible because it is built in Austria, not Sweden.

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  The Last Saab - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Pat - April 8 - 3:26 am

  WE have had nothing but trouble with this car from day one. The biggest complaint is the hesitation which the dealer has not repaired, we are in arbitration. All the problems with this car have not been repaired. My wife has to constantly take it back for repair

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  Great first car - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By dipper94 - April 1 - 5:43 am

  Its a blast to drive. I highly recommend it, however a few words of caution. Youre going to have some problems with the electric lock system, but other than that it will perform really well. Its incredibly safe and incredibly reliable. Before you get behind the wheel of this car though, make sure you understand how a turbocharger works and how to mantain one. More importantly know how to drive a car equipped with one, they drive differently than naturally aspirated cars (Cars without turbochargers or superchargers). Its a great first car for your teen. Its my first car, go it used for 5.5 grand with 50k miles on it. Its driven me reliably for the past year. It also looks great.

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  Another Saab Story - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By MissMyAcura - March 31 - 1:10 pm

  I have had my Vector for 3 weeks and the dealer has had it for almost 2 of the 3 weeks. It leaks oil and radiator fluid. The power locks broke, sunroof wouldnt close. It has been back to the dealer 3 times to fix the leak and still they cant fix it. Also the loaner 2005 9-5 with 5k miles, leaked oil also all over my driveway! Now my wife is upset and the stains all over our driveway. I tell neighbors its my Saab story! They way I see it, if you want problems buy a Saab, if you want a car that will not give you any problems, this is the wrong car for you. It is just that simple!

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  Awesome - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By JB - March 28 - 2:00 am

  This car is more enjoyable than bmws 3s series of audis A4

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  Excellent - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By PJH - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Have owned 2 other Saabs and this is the best one yet

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  Awesome Car - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By bonds12000 - March 22 - 10:00 am

  Purchased after EXTENSIVE research on safety, drivability, curb appeal and overall value...NOTHING came close for the price. Ive owned several european cars and this car is by far the best I have driven... including the 2002 Saab 9-5 wagon I own. I upgraded the wheels to the 17" with pirellis....and chose the rich looking metallic midnight blue...this car turns more heads than my red miata convertible!

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  2003 Saab SE Convertible - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By gggcag - March 20 - 3:50 am

  We recently purchased a used 2003 Saab SE convertible with 25,000 miles on it. We wanted a convertible for summer fun and this vehicle certainly fills the bill! It has outstanding performance and is a thrill to drive. We live in the mid-west and promptly took it on a trip down south to take advantage of the warm weather and driving with the top down. Very little wind noise for a convertible and averaged 31 MPG! What more could you ask for?

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  Lemon for sale - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Never buy GM - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Got my new 9-3 last May. I just picked up the car from Shrewsbury SAAB for the third time. Its been towed twice for a dead battery, replaced the battery both times. They reprogramed the computer. When picking up the car, the info system showed a another failure, another day in the shop. Dealer called, problem hopefully fixed, BUT to add insult to injury, now I have a big greasy hand print on my white headliner. Fun to drive but any bump in the road will cause to lose your spleen. Ive owned Lexus and Infinity, I took a chance on SAAB but never again. At least the Japanese dealers treat you and your car with respect!