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

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  Excellent Sport Sedan - - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By mmeytin - June 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in December more or less by accident. I was looking for a small, fun to drive sedan, and test drove Audi A4 (not bad, but felt crammed and small inside, plus ergonomics of the dash left something to be desired), BMW325 (nice ride, but overpriced with even simple things optional plus bad MPG) and Lexus IS300 (not at all impressed). Stopped by at Saab dealership basically on a whim, and after test driving a new 9-3 I was very impressed. GMs incentives helped with the purchase - the car was eligible for 0-0-0 deal. The car is fun to drive, but at the same time very stable on the road.

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  a road less traveled - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By scotty b - June 21 - 2:00 am

  WHAT A GREAT CAR ! Quick, agile, fun. IF you want a sporty feel the 17 inch wheel sport package is a must. I just like the fact that its the only one in the parking lot amongst 20 Bmws and 10 A4s. A lot of standard features for the price. ALso, what an amazing improvement with the turbo chager itself. Very little lag.

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  What a terrific car! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By kwelch01 - June 16 - 10:00 am

  If you can be open minded enough to embrace the uniqueness and character of this car you will truly be astounded at what a wonderful automobile it is. I have always been a fan of Saab yet until now was never fond enough of the product to purchase one for myself. I have never been so happy with a car. With enough time spent, the car just makes sense. Everything is in the correct place. Everything is well though out. The attention to detail, while simple is astounding. The lines are clean and uncluttered. I can honestly say that I have never driven a car that gets so much attention and inquiries.

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  Lots for the Money - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By newsaabdriver - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Leased the ARC model after looking at the Acura TSX and others. Saab is a ton of car for the money. Acura was too bland. The Saab blows the Acura and BMW away in driver information and features. Saabs 210 hp and 221 lb/ft torque make the car feel more like 250hp b/c turbo acceleration. Lag is noticable but present only under 2000rpm, above 2K rpm it is strong. Ours is a week old and Onstar registration of the car is the only issue. Buy an Arc rather than a loaded Linear (cheaper that way). Dealer experience was good and I expect more of the same in the future - all service covered is a plus (not so with Acura).

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  great car - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By tboccell - May 19 - 3:53 am

  So far, a great car. Had one recall with with the hand brake, but the dealership brought out a tow truck and fixed the problem for free. The turbo is great... love the turbo meter. Comfortable car for its small size. We sometimes use the car to fit the entire family of five... but beyond local commutes, stick with a large sedan or SUV, if you can afford the gas. The butterfly cup holder is pretty cool and 100x more useful then the one in my 2001 540i. The car is sporty, fun, and has never spent more then the alloted time at the dealership. Great car!

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  Best Car on the Road - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By heystupid - May 15 - 2:00 am

  Nothing comes close. Anyone who complains about this car has neither driven it nor seen it.

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  2003 saab 9-3 turbo convertible - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By william palmer - May 6 - 2:16 pm

  This is one of the finest autos Ive owned. Ive owned mercedes as well as other expensive autos. The fit, and finish is excellent. The performance is superb especially when you realize its coming from a 2 liter engine.

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  Performance/Design Yes, Build Quality No - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By peco - April 17 - 2:00 am

  I have put 1,000 miles/month on my 9-3 since the end of April 2003. It is a joy to drive. I love the exterior and interior design. It offers the best balance of performance, design and features for $30,000. My only reservation is the apparently spotty build quality. In my car, this has manifested itself in my car as squeaks and rattles in the front doors and the dashboard (where it meets the firewall). I have also had a few instances of cold engine stall on startup (I live outside of Chicago). However, I enjoy driving this car so much that I would be willing to take a chance on a 2004 9-3 convertible because it is built in Austria, not Sweden.

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  Great first car - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By dipper94 - April 1 - 5:43 am

  Its a blast to drive. I highly recommend it, however a few words of caution. Youre going to have some problems with the electric lock system, but other than that it will perform really well. Its incredibly safe and incredibly reliable. Before you get behind the wheel of this car though, make sure you understand how a turbocharger works and how to mantain one. More importantly know how to drive a car equipped with one, they drive differently than naturally aspirated cars (Cars without turbochargers or superchargers). Its a great first car for your teen. Its my first car, go it used for 5.5 grand with 50k miles on it. Its driven me reliably for the past year. It also looks great.

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  Awesome - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By JB - March 28 - 2:00 am

  This car is more enjoyable than bmws 3s series of audis A4