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 81 through 90 of 375.00

• 

  Computer Problems - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Kate M - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Ive never loved a car like I do my new 93 Arc sport sedan. Its a great looking and fun to drive car. Unfortunately, weve had several major electronic problems in its first 3 months. The power in the left door went out, then the power seat, then the radio malfunctioned, then the onstar, then the airbag....now the computer decided to shut off the engine in the middle of traffic and it refused to restart. Im really frustrated with the computer in this car. At first I thought it was just the SAAB quirkiness...now I know its a lot more serious than that. Im afraid to drive it not knowing what the computer is going to do next.

• 

  New to Me - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By tiki saab - December 19 - 8:03 am

  I am a week and a half into owning this car. I bought it in spite of it being a rental for its first year, 10,000 miles per Carfax. I am happy with the purchase, 117k on the car. Mostly in good to above average condition. I had it checked out by an independent shop and it received a clean bill of health. Had an oil change, will run synthetic of course. I am planning on a tune and complete fluid replacement @ the next oil change interval. A lot of juice when I hit the gas, I am well above the posted limit before realizing it.

• 

  188000 - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By dbrooks22 - September 8 - 2:46 pm

  Electrical quirks aside, this car is pretty amazing. I dont think there is a better value for the money. The WORST mpg i have gotten over the past 6 months is 32.5. Best was 36.7. Great handling, leather looks new. Engine is a peach. In 5yrs when im done with this one, I fully intend to get the 2008 9-3.

• 

  buying 9-3 linear in one month - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By tobethebest - May 17 - 2:00 am

  I just got home from test driving the 2003 Saab 9-3 linear. I was very impressed with the drive and comfort. I was receiving plenty of looks from good looking girls on and around my University campus. This car made me feel good when driving. I felt more confidence within myself. Its amazing how driving a car can make you feel, and the Saab 9-3 made me feel great. I am currently an Audi owner. For the price the Saab is a much better deal. Looking forward to hearing others comments!

• 

  Gambled on a Swedish hottie... - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By bca1995 - February 4 - 10:00 am

  Disappointing dealer experience, but satisfied with the car. Enjoy the quirky styling; very different. Like the turbo and 4 dr utility. Awesome brakes, supermodel looks. Disappointed in the quaility of plastics, both inside and out (outside door handles already fading, cheap plastic trim inside). Wish it had more power off the line, but it has surprising mid-range acceleration when merging on the interstate. Rock solid at 100 mph. I describe it to my friends as my "upscale economy car", which is exactly what I was looking for.

• 

  Fun to drive.... at the beginning - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By David Brennan - January 3 - 4:50 pm

  The electrical system is a joke. Windows are constantly breaking, trip computer goes crazy, electronic locking steering wheel malfunctions and I cant start the car. All problems continue even after services. The worst about this car is the brakes... sounds like a school bus, but according to saab its "normal brake noise". Not very saab like... or is it? That aside... very fun to drive. Would never buy unless under factory warranty and as soon as mine ends Im ditching it.

• 

  Lemon! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By no more Saabs - December 23 - 10:00 am

  This is a great looking car, fun to drive, and a good value for what you get. Turbo lag is minimal. Unfortunately I have had numerous computer glitches and one breakdown (with less than 2000 miles on the car) which required the entire engine to be replaced, the car was in the shop for more than a month. Fortunately, Saab customer service is superb and they are repurchasing the car. I am sad to see it go but I am looking forward to having a more reliable non-Saab vehicle. I would be very nervous about holding on to this vehicle once the 4 year warranty runs out.

• 

  Contrarian choice that works - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By pablo_lie - December 4 - 10:00 am

  This car works very well in real world terms. Mixes quirkiness with practicality for a very unique formula. Nice real world performance, very good economy, hugely comfortable seats, and space for 4 adults are big plusses.

• 

  Loveable but complicated!! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By merashad - October 18 - 2:30 am

  I love the car for its design and drivibility. The car responds well if maintained. The complicated portion of the car is its electrial and quirky engine light. One day the car is fine and the next, the electrial system can just quit without warning. No, mishaves to complete shut off. If you are looking to purchase this car youll need to have on hand about $1500 due to abrupt problems.

• 

  SAAB 9-3 - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Burt - September 29 - 2:36 pm

  This car gets great gas milage on both in town and on the highway. I get an average of 27.5 miles per gallon in 40/60 highway driving. For a 2.0 Turbo it out performs the Toyota Camary, Honda Accord for both performance and acceleration. This is a very fun car to own. I have not regreted purchasing this car at all.