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-
Be careful... - 2003 Saab 9-3
By JCool - July 16 - 10:00 amAfter 1800 miles a new transmission unit was installed because the last one caused a loud grinding noise when shifting into second gear. At around 4300 miles, the same EXACT problem with tranmission happened again. The second time my car was worked on, the problem was actually worse. The problem only occurs when the engine is cold. In addition, "engine malfunction" light has come on twice. Power seats didnt work properly. The radio has messed up. A headlight has gone out. All this with less than 5000 miles.
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What a Shame! - 2003 Saab 9-3
By citizen1130 - July 1 - 7:06 amI own a 2003 Saab 93 Arc and I must admit, the drive and performance are awesome. That being said, I wouldnt get another one even if they paid me to do it. I bought this car with at little less than 31000 miles and its been HELL ever since. Among the problems, to name just a few; power steering failure (while I was driving!), blower motor failure, wiper motor failure, hand brake stuck in the upright position and SIM module failure (which cost about $1000 to replace). Ive owned many cars in my life from beat-up Chevys to Bimmers and Ive never, ever had so many critical safety issues with any of them. Especially at so low mileage. Its the most UNRELIABLE vehicle on the road.
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2003 Saab 93 - 2003 Saab 9-3
By sideorder - June 1 - 7:00 amThe engine has performed very well. All electronics and interior design has failed often. Engine Check light due to Gas Cap design triggers often. Traction control fails on and off again. Drivers window came off track. Side mirror adjustments needed replacement. Water Leak issues from Pollen filter design, door leaks due to poor rubber seal and interior door seal. It goes on but this should be enough. Car noise is non stop. Something always rattling.
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Ur Money ... U Decide, I want a Refund! - 2003 Saab 9-3
By StillSAABing - May 2 - 10:00 amMy 2003 9.3 2.0t is a great looking, fun car to drive with excellent dealer service BUT, this car has more annoying rattles, noises, and little gotchas than any other car I have owned. I expect more from a $30K car. (I have owned Infiniti, Nissan, Chrysler, pre-GM SAAB, and others). The base stereo system sounds terrible. I added an aftermarket amp and 6x9 speakers which make the system sound much better but now I am being told it causes problems with SAABs Infotainment system. The dealership has been excellent, since I have been there a couple of days every month since I bought this car.
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Difficult & Costly to Own - 2003 Saab 9-3
By Jarrod - July 31 - 5:06 pmI had this vehicle in the shop 15 times in 3 years. Poor interior choices; the rubber coating peels off all the control panels and door handles, I only get 20 mpg because the turbo kicks in at every stop light etc. Brakes had to be replaced at 21k. Both headlight assemblies had to be replaced at 20K miles because they malfunctioned. The gas gauge is inaccurate. GM used too many inexpensive parts to improve margins on the Saabs and the negative effects of this poor decision making trickled down to the consumer and dealer network - who in turn just services the car and bills the expenses for labor and warranty repair back to GM - does this make any sense? Use quality parts and make a good car.
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Disappointment - 2003 Saab 9-3
By DiAnn - July 28 - 10:00 amIm a VW convertible owner,until purchasing the 9-3.What a disappointment.I have definitely discovered that the Germans are better engineers than the Swedes.The ride is rough; the air-conditioning is poor and the interior convenience is non- existent.The interior is cramped; options are inconvenient. The cup holder is horrible unless you like hot coffee spilled on your radio controls.The window controls located in the console are right where they can be bumped several times during any ride, a window suddenly going down as you drive.The pick-up of the turbo 4 cyl. is very good and the braking is superior.Other than that,my purchase has been an expensive mi
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Saab 9-3 - 2003 Saab 9-3
By Saab 9-3 - February 28 - 10:10 amDont buy a Saab-- It is a GM Car, remember that! I have had nothing but problems. Car drives great but more electrical nuisance problems than any other car I have ever owned. No one at Saab stands behind their cars. That includes the dealership and the 1800 Customer service number. Saab is very tempting to buy but dont do it!!! Consider the BMW 3 series or Acura TL instead.
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swedish built?? - 2003 Saab 9-3
By chuckgolf - January 13 - 10:00 amdid not meet my expectations... turbo has a lag, not as much power as i thought...built way too low to the ground... sporty look without the sporty performance... winter driving is fair...but look out for that snow.... cracked bumper a few times driving through it..
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2003 Saab 9-3 Arc - 2003 Saab 9-3
By OpusTwo - August 4 - 5:03 amI always wanted a Saab, so I bought the 2003 9-3. BAD MISTAKE!! It has been in the shop 36 times in 3 years!! It always has something wrong with it. Saab will do nothing for me. They have the worst customer service I have ever dealt with. The say my car does not qualify for a buyback? If 36 times in the shop does not qualify, WHAT DOES? Never again. Dont buy one!!
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Do not buy this car - 2003 Saab 9-3
By Esmir K. - July 14 - 8:30 amI bought this car about 10 months ago and i have had terrible experience with this car, all kinds of repairs from ignition switch, oxygen sensor, new tires, steering rack, headlights died on me that cost me about 210 per 1. I would not suggest nobody to buy this car.
