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 41 through 50 of 375.00-
Used 2003 9-3 Convertible - 2003 Saab 9-3
By disasterdawg - December 22 - 11:41 amBought this car with 89,xxx miles on it, AUTOMATIC I knew it needed a few cosmetic items and tires, but was a value for $4400. Solid car that is fun to drive. The AC blows so cold I had to turn it down on a 90+ degree day. Items are simple to fix like the DIC and fluid for the covnertible top. Lots of parts on eBay and videos on YouTube to help. Is quick and responsive. The Sweeds know nothing of cup holders though. The car will throw trouble codes every day. Buy a scanner when you buy a Saab. Nothing to worry about, most are harmless warnings and can be fixed without huge money. The DIC (coil pack) is the common failure for most codes, new is $500
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Its a nice car. - 2003 Saab 9-3
By New 93 Owner - September 25 - 2:00 amIt’s a nice little car. SAAB offers real nice deals. Many reviewers who talk bad about this car have not researched much. GM may have financially helped SAAB, but it is not the GM that designs and builds the car. It’s SAAB. Lexus are much better cars? Lexus are excellent boring cars that do not have personality. ES300? Isn’t it Camry? Do they know how much ES300 is sold for in Japan? It’s mid-sized family and nowhere near luxury. I agree this SAAB is not luxury, but at least it is quick and fun. The ReAxs system works pretty good on corners. Well, test-drive it. It is not that bad.
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Never Again - 2003 Saab 9-3
By Steve - September 9 - 6:13 amBought this car brand new in 03. Decided on this instead of the BMW 330 Convertible because of price and the BMWs are everywhere. What a mistake! While fun to drive, it has been a maintenance nightmare compared to any other car Ive ever driven. Fuel pump failure (huh?) at 56K, CLUTCH at 70K, A/C compressor at 48K, wheel bearing at 80K, Ignitor Coil at 80K. Compare to my 86 325: original clutch at 150K; my 83 Tercel: original clutch at 150K. I work with a guy that has an 02 9-5 - same problems. No wonder the resale value of Saabs stinks. Stay away from Saab!
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Fun to Drive - 2003 Saab 9-3
By Julian93 - August 13 - 2:00 amBest handling car Ive ever driven. Beats its German competitors hands down,
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Great car! - 2003 Saab 9-3
By formeraudiguy - August 9 - 7:56 amI bought this Saab-Certified car about four months ago and am very happy so far. The fuel economy is great, 33 mpg hwy and runs on regular fuel. There is a little more road noise than I care for and the stereo could be better, but these are minor issues. Not quite a 3-series or A4, but priced thousands $ less. Overall, this is a fun to drive car and is very economical. I would buy another one.
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Fun lively ride - 2003 Saab 9-3
By Speedy - July 6 - 9:36 pmI have no complaints about car, turbo acceleration is flawless, overtaking is amazing and I have only 2.0t!!! Just overall sexy!! My only problem is airbag light, but I will get that fixed.
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Never Again - 2003 Saab 9-3
By Sucker1978 - April 21 - 2:00 amHUGE MISTAKE! Infotainment system has malfunctioned every three to four weeks requiring another visit to the dealership and a vacation day from work since they arent open evenings or weekends. The parking break release broke, leaving my car stuck and needing a tow. The multifunction computer (distance to empty feature) seldom works. Horn stopped working just 6 months after purchase. I traded in a Passat GLX for this car...I can only plead insanity? Dealership has repaired all malfunctions free of charge and provided me with a loaner (in which I noticed the same problem for which my car was being serviced).
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Keep the top down - 2003 Saab 9-3
By mwgallant - April 12 - 10:56 amI pored over internet resources to search for a four seat convertible that would handle my family of four and New England winters. I upgraded from a Chrysler Sebring and havent looked back. I traveld 100 miles by train just to pick up a rare Merlot color with only 8800 miles on it. Way better than the Chrysler even with 2 less cylinders! Put the 9-3 into Sport mode and get ready for some Gs. Real smooth ride with very little rattles. I have used the traction control to get out of many slippery situations. Combine it with Winter mode and you rarely get stuck. Purchased a 6 disc changer for the trunk on eBay at half the cost and had it dealer installed. Love to drive it topless!!
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ESP works Great too. - 2003 Saab 9-3
By I Lovemine2 - April 1 - 2:00 amI live in Torontoand was worried when the lease ran out on my SUV in the middle of the worst winter in decades. After a white out at 60 mph I was a believer. The Alero in front of me went spinning out of control. My car broke loose as well but as soon as I turned the wheel to correct it the electronic braking started. Before I knew what was happening the car was straight. The others were in a scattered mess all over the road and I just drove around them. The engineers at Saab got it right, I think I would have been on another car or in the ditch on the roof if I was in the SUV. Made my day. :-)
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Fun Driving Experience - 2003 Saab 9-3
By Scott - March 19 - 6:00 amI purchased my Saab used about 6 months ago. Style is to each his own, but I love the appearance and the feel of owning this car. It has way too many safety and other features to list, but most are very useful. The real winner for me is the joy I get when I drive. The car makes me feel very stable and comfortable. I feel in control. It has what I like to call smooth power. It handles well, and it is just a pleasure to drive. The six speed manual is way fun as well. I had one problem with the drivers window, fixed under waranty. I also have an oil leak which will be looked at tomorrow.
