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 71 through 80 of 375.00

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  Fun and Safe Car - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By driver-pilot - August 12 - 5:56 am

  I got a Saab 9-3 Arc used and this car is definitely something different. You have to notice the sloped hood and clean exterior styling, a testament to Saabs new-age design. The interior is pretty roomy, but the paint can scratch off and some parts feel like cheap plastic was used. The CD changer works well as does the radio. This car drives excellently, and using the sport shifter allows you to get some pretty solid acceleration times, with the turbochargers help though! Highway performance is EXCELLENT, and the car handles exceptionally especially when the ESP control is on. We even took it up to the mountains and it handles excellently even with front wheel drive.

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  Saabs puts together a fine vehicle - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By detroitdriver - August 10 - 10:00 am

  I recently purchased a 9-3 Arc and I am ,so far, very satisfied with my decision. The interior is in no way cheap as some may think or say. This is no Grand Am. The leather seats are comfortable. The dials are easy to read and the cabin overall has a nice layout. The shifting is smooth and positive. The exterior styling matches that of any European model in my opinion. Some may complain about turbo lag but I have not noticed a significant problem with this. Unrealistic expectations may be to blame. The infotainment system can be a bit distracting.

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  A Freak? - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Willaby - August 7 - 10:13 pm

  36k Miles and none of the problems others have had (fingers crossed). Fun to drive with unexpectedly good mpg. Good performance, but some turbo lag. Most effective brakes Ive had, but they make noise. Still gets attention after 3 years. Just got new tires which improved the ride. A couple of dash squeaks here and there, but nothing major. Leather is holding up well, unlike other GM leather.

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  Guess Ive been lucky - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By kjsouth725 - August 4 - 2:30 pm

  Ive owned this car for 5 years and its the most comfortable car Ive ever driven. And everyone loves how it looks. The biggest negative is the cost of repair. I havent had many (knock on wood) but those that Ive had are expensive. Then again, its less expensive to than an Audi or BMW. Second big complain is that the wheels are held on my bolts, not lugs. All five need to be at proper torque for the wheel to balance. Also, the wheel hub and bolt are softer metal, so Ive already had to re-tap one wheel twice due to electric wrench happy mechanics.

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  I Miss My Saab! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By I Miss My Saab... - August 1 - 9:36 pm

  I am still kicking myself ever since the day I sold the best car Ive ever owned! I bought my Saab because I didnt want to conform to they typical A4, 3 series or IS300. I only had minor problems with it that were all fixed under warranty: Door handles, peeling dash, key FOB, door lock. Nothing major, great dealership treatment from Saab of Santa Ana. I sold it because the family needed and SUV to pull our boat. The SUV (Infiniti QX4) currently has a for sale sign on it and Im in the market for another 9-3 (hopefully the convertible this time!)

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  Fun, Fast & Comfortable Swedish Style! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By jimb - July 20 - 8:03 am

  My 2003 Saab 9-3 Convertible is a very reliable, comfortable, well-built automobile. Power from the turbo-charged 2.0 liter 4 is outstanding, as is the gas mileage - 20 mpg city, 28 highway. The seats are superb - Ive driven 10 hours non-stop in complete comfort. The 9-3 handles well and provides a smooth, quiet ride. The power top operates without a hitch, and driving with the top down is a great experience. I love the styling of the Saab inside & out, and the trunk is quite large for a convertible. The rear seat is most suitable for 2 children or smaller adults, as the convertible top does take up some space. Overall I rate the Saab a 9+ out of 10.

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  Flat out outstanding vehicle - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By NeilN - July 17 - 10:00 am

  Not one complaint about this car. It has exceeded my expectations in every way, and my expectations were high.

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  FUN CAR - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Peteran - June 28 - 10:00 am

  I have been driving it for a week now and let me tell you, that the SAAB commercial about a "direct link between the right foot and a smile" IS TRUE. my wife keeps telling me that every time I accelerate " I never saw you smile so much" followed by "agony and screaming". options: Moonroof and Heated seats, I also had the dealer install a rear spoiler and the sport muffler. It really brought the car out even more, too bad I cant post a picture.

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  Think Twice - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By EuroCarDriver - June 13 - 9:23 am

  Bought this vehicle with 95k and it was a one owner vehicle that was dealer serviced, so thought it would be a good buy. Have had a Saab in the past (92 900 turbo) which was a great vehicle. This 03 model, not so much. Day 3, engine light came on. Something to do with emissions. The grill has even fallen out driving down the road. Twice! Theres been other issues too. Right now the water pump is out. I got tired of the car and its been sitting for a year now. GM ruined what was once a great vehicle. Hopefully Saab will go back to its former glory now that GM is out of the picture.

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  Honest Review - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By leviphx - June 9 - 11:34 am

  I bought this car used with 63k miles on it and havent regretted it a day since. Knowing the history of these cars however, I made sure I had an independent mechanic familiar with the brand take a look at it before I made an offer (easily worth the $150 dollars). I dont want to put anyone down, but I believe that at least half of the poor reviews this car gets are due to A) Poor maintenance by/no knowledge of previous ownership, or B) Poor maintenance by current owner. Love this car and it will love you back, simple as that. And dont buy a performance (or any other) car without a thorough inspection. Tho people I suppose have been burned by a bad car regardless of their caution I guess