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-
Another Saab Story - 2003 Saab 9-3
By MissMyAcura - March 31 - 1:10 pmI 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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Lemon for sale - 2003 Saab 9-3
By Never buy GM - March 11 - 10:00 amGot 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!
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nervous saab - 2003 Saab 9-3
By ohiosaab - March 10 - 12:20 pmHave owned 3 years now. Still under warranty. Fun to drive. Great mpg. Clock keeps own time. DTE always wrong. Onstar intermittent. Replaced seatbelts (recall), replaced door handles (color changed year 1). Car drives great, but mechanically quality is iffy.
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Great Car - 2003 Saab 9-3
By saabenthuse - February 20 - 11:00 pmI had always wanted this car (ever since it hit lots and streets in 2002). I got it as my first car, and Im glad that I wasnt scared off by the bad reviews. There are no doubt problems with the car, but in the end I couldnt deny myself my dream car. Ive seen pictures of the next generation 9-3, and Im not disappointed that I got this one. I recommend either snatching up a current gen. 9-3 while the dealerships are putting them on close-out sale or just opting for the new 9-5 (2006+) which offers a lot of luxury for the money.
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Great Car - High MPG and Performance - 2003 Saab 9-3
By RAQues - January 30 - 11:40 pmThis car has great lines, handling and performance. With the turbo charged four cylinder engine you get both great gas mileage and performance. If you want to accelerate off the line there is a half second delay before the turbo kicks in and snaps you into the back seat. Open the sun roof and take it though the corners and you have to be impressed.
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Best car for the Money, If you can fix it yourself - 2003 Saab 9-3
By mrdotkom - December 19 - 1:14 amIf youre not a mechanic you bought the wrong car. If, like myself, you enjoy working on your car and dont mind changing ignition coils on the side of the highway in a hail storm you can get a great value on this car. I bought this car after the previous owner failed to diagnose the blown ignition cassette. After ~$150 bucks I got a great deal on it. The CEL lights most people are reporting are as a result of non-OE specific spark plugs. Most people spend too much money at the shop and not enough time learning about proper maintenance and service. This car has never been in the shop since Ive owned it and for the next 50k miles I expect it to be somwhere between my garage and the highway
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Saab 9-3 Vector - 2003 Saab 9-3
By cheerboy23 - December 3 - 2:00 amThis car is really fun to drive, very unique, and styled awesome. I love the car, but it is very unreliable. It has been in to service 8 times in the 8 months that i have owned the car. It has left me stranded multiple times and I do not trust its reliability. The interior has aged far too quickly in the short time that I have owned it. I regret the purchase of the Saab and I wish that I could get rid of it. Other that those things, the car is great.
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Great car - 2003 Saab 9-3
By moeman - September 28 - 12:26 pmI think this a great car--my second SAAB. The up side is that its a great blend of performance, handeling, ammenities, safety and fuel economy. Id recommend it to any friend. The down side is that you better not think about adults in the back seat except for a very short trip.
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Too cool - first Saab - 2003 Saab 9-3
By Marc Lobell - August 15 - 10:00 amFormer Honda / Taurus person. Have new Linear with stick, wont go back to others. We compared with Acura TL, Passat GLS, Honda Accord EXV6 and chose this as most roomy and fun to drive.
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Dealerships Best Friend - 2003 Saab 9-3
By High Maint. - August 12 - 12:56 pmI bought my Saab 9-3 Vector brand new 17 months ago. It is a fully loaded, 6 speed (210 hp), which currently has approximately 22K miles on it. Performance wise the car has met/exceeded all expectation, but I continue to have numerous problems with several different features on the car(I have been to the dealership approx. 15-20x). The tires (Pirelli Rosso Asimmetrico) that come standard on this model generally need to be replaced after 10-12 months. I have had the lug nuts replaced twice now because of rust and Saab knowingly continues to replace them with the same defective lug nuts. Before buying this car, I would highly recommend inquiring about these issues in particular. Best of luck!
