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 61 through 70 of 375.00

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  So Sad - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By liz in az - April 9 - 10:00 am

  My first luxury car loved it but it was in the shop every couple of weeks for the first four months. Undiagnosed stalling, clutch lost pressure, wouldnt restart. Dealership tinkered and replaced the turbo. After almost a year it still has stalling/restarting problem. A beautiful piece of art but I need a dependable ride. Fun to drive but I can get C-class Mercedes for the same - Im out of here when lease is up.

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  The opposite of Zeke - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By brucec32 - February 16 - 2:00 am

  Critics calling this car bland need to drive the car first. The new car has barely any turbo lag, unlike the old 9- 3, No torque steer, unlike the horrible torque steer in the previous car. Add in comfortable seats, fresh styling, more interior room for passengers, no body roll , great brakes, better interiors, and improved safety. And it costs thousands less than before. Unless your lifestyle involves carrying 36" TVs on a regular basis, the sedan is useful enough for most. the old 9-3 came in near the bottom in most sport sedan comparisons for a reason. The new 9-3 is a big improvement.

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  Certified Saab - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By vtsnow - February 11 - 3:53 pm

  I have 88k on my certified 9-3. Performance and comfort has been good to very good. Gas mileage averages 33 on the highway!! Snow traction and safety on Vermont roads have been excellent. I am glad it is certified though. Problems every 3 months including various leaks, yellow warning lights and electrical. I would recomend but get the 100k warranty!!

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  Been lucky - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By ron - January 24 - 1:00 pm

  Been in for non-scheduled visits twice in two years. both incidents were releated to non-serious computer malfunctions. The dealer has done more than one could expect. For the size of the engine, power and mileage are better than expected. Car is smooth but noisy. Interior ergonomics very easy to get used to. Almost bought a new A3 but realized what I have.

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  Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By jpn207 - January 1 - 10:20 pm

  This car had two personalities. It was easily one of the best handling road cars in any situation or condition that I have ever driven. On the highway the car was a dream, getting over 31 mpg and so smooth that the only thing that prevented me from getting tickets was the speed alarm that I set for 90 MPH. HOWEVER, the service record was abysmal. The car was in the shop 44 times in 24 months. Most problems were computer related (mechanically the car is very sound). Eventually the people at the dealership found a broken wire in the wiring harness underneath the battery that was causing the car to break down. If you buy one of the 03s you should get friendly with your service techs!

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  Too much GM -- really a SAAturn 9-3 - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Wiggy - September 24 - 10:00 am

  The SAAB 9-5 is a great car, while the more I live with the 9-3 the more disenchanted I become. The stereo is horrible, it sounds like it is from a Cavalier rental car, and for this reason alone I would NOT recommend this car!!!! This cheapness / poor quality is found throughout the interior, which has the cheap look and feel typical of GM products. Instead of feeling like Im driving a quality Euro car (as I did with the 9-5) I feel like the 9-3 is a glorified Saturn, or should I say SAAturn!

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  My poor SAAB - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By tay - September 6 - 2:00 am

  My saab is the funnest car I have ever had. But there is a problem, it has been in the shop one out of every eight days ive had it.

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  Great handling - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Avery - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Ive put a total of about 700 miles on this model. So far I can say the handling is excellent. The turbo is fun and zesty, really pulls an even amount of power from the small engine and makes it feel like a V6.

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  A fun to drive convertible - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By sandstones - July 4 - 2:30 am

  Trying to decide whether to buy out my lease, and thought Id see what others had to say. Overall for me car has been a blast to drive, and have only had a few minor maintenance issues. Think it will age better than new GM based Saabs, but only time will tell.

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  What a love hate relationship! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Joe - June 1 - 8:43 am

  This is the best of cars, this is the worst of cars. Sound familiar 03 Saab 9-3 owners? Whats good is good- and thats handling, braking, cornering, traction, and great responsiveness from the outstandingly smooth (for a 4 cyl) engine. Great aerodynamic exterior too-a holdover from the Saab-Scania days. The interior is techy rich though the myriad of chicklet sized buttons is obnoxious. Now, whats bad is bad- and thats just plain lack of fit and finish and totally ridiculous reliability. I have the same problems I have read before- plastic rattling dashboard, OnStar meltdowns, thunking shocks (BADDD!!), run on transmission. Just get it right guys. This car has incredible potential.