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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  HUGE Mistake - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By brian - April 10 - 8:53 pm

  Traded my infinity g20 (loved that car) to saab of tampa (only because the miles were getting high). I picked a 2003 9-3 linear with 38,000 miles on it. The price seemed too good to be true. The car looked great... And thats about it!!! To many problems to list, about 2,200 dollars and a year later traded it in for a 2009 xterra. DONE WITH SAAB!!!!!!

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  Major Disappointment - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Twiggy - January 8 - 10:00 am

  1.5 years into my lease and I cant wait for it to end. Its apparent that now that GM owns 100% has lowered SAAB quality down to GM levels -- quality far far below the 2000 SAAB 9-5 I had before. Squeeks, rattles, the clock wont keep time, and the worlds WORST stereo system -- other than AM talk radio I leave it turned off its so bad. This was the third -- but will be the last - SAAB in this household. I want a quality car, not a GM car. Next stop, Toyota / Lexus or Honda / Acura. Save yourself much grief and avoid this badge-engineered Malibu.

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  Worst Car Ever Owned - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By cdukes1984 - October 18 - 10:10 am

  Please dont buy one of these cars!! It looks great and performs like a Saab should but something is always broken. Transmission and radiator went out @ 43k and now the check engine light is on @ 46k ($900 repair). I worry about if I will make it to work everyday.

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  Me too - never again! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Bob OKeefe - September 24 - 1:26 am

  I helped my son purchase a used Saab in January 2007 and with each year the repair costs just keep coming. In September of 2007 the check engine light came on with a total cost of $545 to fix. In February 2008 a new radiator cost $721. In December 2008 it cost $903 for a new window regulator and new blower motor. In April 2009 a tow charge of $105 and an estimated repair cost of $900 to fix after the car simply stopped running on the highway. With the latest fix the total repairs bills are over $3000 in 2 years and 2 months. What a piece of junk!

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  Try sob not Saab - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By still saaabing - June 26 - 1:46 pm

  Bought our Saab used with about 40K on it. Had electrical issues, wiring actually melting, and multiple speed sensor problems. The car has 2 speed sensors and within a year we had to have one replaced 3 times. This car was fun to drive, but other than that it was awful. I will never buy a Saab made during the GM time again. Youd be better off buying a pre-GM one with 200K miles than a newer one. Seriously dont buy one!

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  Saab 9-3 subpar on reliability - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Lauri Welch - May 28 - 12:20 pm

  Since owning my Saab 9-3 it has been to the shop at least 15 time for maintenance. From 2 front end tire rod issues, struts, motors for power window failing, radio issues, stability control failures, immobilizer failures to broken flimsy cupholders.

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  These cars are LEMONS!! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Funstuff - January 11 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my 2003 Arc 24 hours and hate it.So far the Air Bag malfunction light has come on,the parking assist system has failed, the back up lights dont work, the hi beams dont work and the 6 disc cd unit failed. They have reprogrammed the computer, replaced the entire front headlamp unit, replaced the CD player and claimed they corrected the air bag situation. (Remember, all this in the past 24 hrs). On my way home after 2 1/2 hrs at the dealer, the air bag malfunctioned again!! Never Again!!

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  DONT BUY a 2003 9-3! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Saab Owner - December 7 - 10:00 am

  In 14 months, I brought my car in for major repairs 18 times! Ended up having to sue Saab before they honored the lemon law levels. I love Saab, but I will never own one again after this experience!

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  Bad Decision - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Mike29 - November 24 - 9:00 pm

  After I purchased my 9-3 I have had nothing but problems with it. I have had to replace the tires twice in 2 years. I only drive it 7500-8000 mi a year. I have had a check engine light come on several times which three Saab dealers cant come to a conclusion on. I have had my power steering shut off while driving with my young sons in the back seat. Other than the MPG and turbo this car is not a good decision to purchase. I WILL NOT be looking at purchasing another Saab anytime soon!

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  My last SAAB - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By jmklwck - September 21 - 10:33 am

  Purchased new - experience has been less than stellar with immediate recalls of front wheel axles. As the weather got colder the first winter (2 months after the purchase) the car would not immediately start. After repeated trips to the dealership the problem was resolved with an adjustement to the engine software. Multiple recalls on the vehicle - seat belts, gas cap, etc. I have had a constant check engine light issue which I was told was a secondary vacuum pump for the turbo ($600+) that I have chosen not to repair since it service tech stated it only affected mileage which I have seen no change.