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 1 through 10 of 375.00-
Buy something else - 2003 Saab 9-3
By Jim - October 3 - 8:23 amI 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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Dont buy one Because.... - 2003 Saab 9-3
By ATX Teacher - July 23 - 10:00 amThere 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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just average - 2003 Saab 9-3
By TONTO - February 2 - 10:00 amthe 9-3 is OK but I expected better handling and more responsive pickup. i just hope it doesnt wind up in the shop too many times.
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Car needs improvement - 2003 Saab 9-3
By saabisbad13 - December 25 - 4:26 pmElectronics are not well integrated. Cannot open truck without using remote or by opening car from inside trunk release. Many rattles and other minor issues still exist after more then two years trying to find/fix them. Engine burns oil, Saab unwilling to fix problem. Two oil consumption tests indicated car burned 2 qts in 4000 miles, and 3/4 of a qt in first 1250 miles of next test and then additional 1/8 qt in next 1900 miles). Saab says it is normal to burn 1 qt per 2000 miles, this is outrageous. This is a GM company wide statement to boot. There are better cars for the same money. This is how GM proves why they are going out of business.
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Disappointed First Time Saab Owner - 2003 Saab 9-3
By maddux111 - November 9 - 10:00 amFun to drive and looks good. Poor product quality. Turbo had to be replaced and the car repainted due to peeling paint. Car had less than 1500 miles on it when both occured. Customer Service Center very poor. Poor radio sound and cup holders have a tendency to spill cups. Service at the Dealership great. This car has not represented the quality that Saab markets itself as having. Great Dealership, poor product quality and poor customer service. Not worth the money. Buy a BMW!
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sad but true - 2003 Saab 9-3
By sadbuttrue - November 3 - 10:00 amI am so unbelievably disappointed in my new 93. I have always loved the look of Saabs and knew I would own one one day. To my surprise, I have had nothing but headaches from this car. I have had it in service approx 6 times now for various problems & its still not resolved. Never again.
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The last time Ill ever buy a Saab - 2003 Saab 9-3
By Tom - November 1 - 4:30 amThe car spends more time in the dealership than in the driveway. Had the CD changer replaced 3 or 4 times (I actually lost count), "Infotainment" center works only half the time, multiple sensors replaced on car, major stereo and electronic issues (too much to go into here), and other problems that are escaping me at this time. The car squeaks and rattles like a 10 year old economy car. You would think for $30k it would have been built better. Good MPG? I wish I knew the secret of these other people, I am averaging 21-24 mpg with my daily commute and having to put premium gas in, thats not good. My biggest regret is that I purchased this car. Very big MISTAKE!
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Think Twice - 2003 Saab 9-3
By EuroCarDriver - June 13 - 9:23 amBought 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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Not overly impressed - 2003 Saab 9-3
By MikeC - April 3 - 10:00 amI must admit, part of this is my own fault. I test drove a Vector model since it was the only manual transmission model the dealer had. I then bought an Arc to save some $$$. Well the difference in handling is very noticable. My Arc is too softly sprung to offer top-notch handling. Plus the seats are much less supportive than in the Vector. A major improvement over previous Saabs but still no BMW or Audi.
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93 is an over-priced Passat!! - 2003 Saab 9-3
By YSaab? - October 25 - 2:00 amIve been shopping for an entry-level lux cars for about two weeks, and just test drove 93 recently. This skinky car shouldnt even be mentioned with the likes of Lexus IS300, BMW 3s, and Audi A4. Simply put, this car lacks power and its interior looks dirt cheap (like GM Cavaliers). To aggrevate my already disappointed experience, its sleazy salesman told me that you CAN NOT get an automatic transmission option without getting Launch package first, and quoted a price of $31K!!?#. I bet those people who gave 93 a 10 pts, didnt even test drove BMW or Lexus, or must be insane! Get Lexus like I did.
