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 51 through 60 of 375.00-
This car breaks a lot - 2003 Saab 9-3
By Eliza - December 26 - 7:16 amI purchased my SAAB because the test drive was great and the car had great features and design. The turbo engine is a lot of fun, and the interior and exterior are beautiful. After 3 months, while driving in Manhattan, we had our first engine problem. The car was towed to the dealer at no charge and we were given a replacement. After that, the car has been in the shop at least once every 3- 4 months for various problems. Computer problems are the most common, but the most surprising was the complete tearing appart of the clutch, something not even the dealer had seen in 20 year old cars. This is very odd as the car stays in a garage and we drive very slowly around NY streets.
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Nice Car to Drive; Hard Car to upkeep - 2003 Saab 9-3
By Glad to Move On - December 23 - 4:10 pmEnjoyed driving the car, but lots of problems. Bad fuel pump, gas tank level gauge replacement, front suspension problems, very expensive emissions system repairs, both power windows went bad, cable connector to starter motor completely corroded away - I could go on. Tire wear was horrible, no matter what kind of tire I tried or advice I received. I barely got 20K miles out of a set of tires despite 3k rotation. Oh well - glad to move on to my next vehicle - not going to see me in another Saab any time soon - sorry GM. Maybe I just got a bad vehicle.
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No Competition in SAFETY - 2003 Saab 9-3
By MichaelG - August 31 - 2:00 amWhen spending this kind of money I like a car that I do not see everywhere which made me choose a SAAB. Have the 9-3 Vector on order in time for the summer, but have drove the arc edition with the same engine 210 turbo which was very impresive. Love the design interior and exterior, the gadgets like the tire pressure monitor. The new 9-3 might not be the best out there in the category with BMW and Audi but it is very close especially with that reaxes system. In the end what made me choose it was the safety, still a young guy so my life is a little more important than the performance of a crap, see everywhere, overated BMW or Audi.
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Saab 9-3 Auto - 2003 Saab 9-3
By Robertsc - August 21 - 10:00 amJUst leased a saab 9-3. The computer system is a bit confusing, and the ventilation system is not quite as good as the one on my 98 outback. Overall I enjoy driving it, auto is smooth, sound system is great. Small rattle in passenger side door. overall a pretty good car.
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Tough to beat at the price - 2003 Saab 9-3
By redk - June 27 - 2:00 amI bought the 2003 9-3 for almost $5000 below MSRP because the dealer was in a hurry to get rid off the 2003 models to make room for the 2004s. Four weeks into the ownership, I love this car - It is fun to drive, gets excellent gas mileage, and looks cool. The brakes are phenomenal and features galore. If you are considering a car in the 25 - 30K range, this car should be at the top of your shopping list.
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Nice Car - 2003 Saab 9-3
By JO1 - May 14 - 2:00 amIve really enjoyed the new 9-3. Very comfortable, lots of features, and a great looking car.
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Excellent SAAB! - 2003 Saab 9-3
By Billyboy1956 - March 8 - 2:00 amIve had my 9-3 Linear with the launch package (inc 16" wheels with Pirelli P6s) for about a week and I like it more with every drive. I had a 2000 9-3 convertible and this is such a fundamentally different car: outstanding handling (sans the awful torque steer of the old car), excellent turbo boosted acceleration, nice redesign on the interior, top- notch fit and finish, loaded with technology, and handsome looks. With the incredible financial incentives offered by SAAB, one has to consider this car. Despite what some of the old guard thinks, this car is true to the SAAB tradition of building incredibly safe, well-built cars that are fun to drive.
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Saab the convertable - 2003 Saab 9-3
By matt mitchell - January 13 - 10:00 amTHIS CAR HAS ANYTHING THAT ONE WOULD EXPECT IN A FUN TO DRIVE CONVERTIBLE. THE SPORT FEATURE IS USED MOST OF THE TIME TO ALLOW FOR THE PERFORMANCE THAT THE CAR IS WORTHY OF. THE HORSE POWER COULD BE A LITTLE BETTER BUT ALL IN ALL WE WOULD BUY AGAIN.
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Wish the electronics worked - 2003 Saab 9-3
By Ganddi - October 20 - 10:00 amI bought the Linear in Feb 03. I have every option on the car including the "rare" launch package. My initial response to the car was very positive. However, since Feburary we had the car in for electronics problems 5 seperate times(mainly onstar).Our dealership, although responsive, seemed to be inept the first 4 times I graced there floors. Fianlly, after dealing with the GM and the service manager the problem appears to be resolved.fantastic.Cruising at 80 mph feels effortless, and unnoticed with how well the car rides. However, I am basing that only on the few times I have driven the car since it seems to be in the shop more than Im driving it.
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Likes to visit its birth place often - 2003 Saab 9-3
By Not for long - June 1 - 2:00 amThe first five months were great with only the On-star malifunctioning. I have recently experienced a dead battery, two oil leaks, static in the radio, sticking window, and transmssion issues. I am paying for a car that is at the dealership more than leaking in my driveway. Before you rate this car a "10" for reliability, drive it for 10000 miles. I hope you feel the same way. The best comment I can say is that it looks good in the dealerships lot when waiting for the next problem to be fixed.
