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 31 through 40 of 375.00-
Great Value! - 2003 Saab 9-3
By danmc - December 15 - 10:00 amI drove the BMW 325, MB C230 Sedan, Acura TSX and Audi A4 before deciding on the 9-3 Linear. I drove the Arc with a sport suspension as well but teh car did not seem as integrated as the Linear. Got the touring and drivers packages for a great price when GM was doing cash rebates in August. I really wanted a European car so the TSX was out and the rest just cost too much equipped as well as the Saab. Car drives great. Plenty of power for the freeway merges and gets great gas mileage.
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Its truly great! - 2003 Saab 9-3
By AME - October 17 - 10:00 amIts been a year Ive had the car and I love it now as much as day 1-- very fun to drive! Im 64", 240 pounds and have chronic low and mid-back pain and one of the few seats in the world that gives me great relief is this Saabs driver seat-- it is incredibly comfortable. the room inside is great including trunk, but it is still very easy to park in the city. I love the ergonomics, love the steering wheel controls, I believe handles BETTER than 3 series Beamer and sports Lexus (it is very nimble/responsive), great breaking, love the chilled front passenger storage, and very solid acceleration.
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Saab 9-3, fun to drive - 2003 Saab 9-3
By Island - September 27 - 10:00 amThe Saab 9-3 is a fun car to drive. I drive 150 miles a day to work. With the majority of miles on the highway. This car allows you to feel the road, yet will not beat you up. It has excellent acceleration and very good gas mileage. We like this car so much, I am planning to buy another for my wife.
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Nice low profile sports sedan - 2003 Saab 9-3
By bruce - September 9 - 6:10 amAfter over 3 years and nearly 60,000 miles, I have no complaints about the car other than the poor resale value vs its competition. It handles nicely with the sport pkg, feels safe on the road, looks great in red, and always gets compliments. It has had a few minor electrical glitches but all were fixed under warranty, and one was fixed out of warranty due to a recall. Sure, theyre not Hondas, but they do stand behind them. This is just about the safest affordable vehicle on the road when you factor in handling, braking, crash tests, curb weight, airbags, etc. Road noise is a little higher than some luxury brands, but its not bad. A great used car bargain due to low resale value.
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sweet - 2003 Saab 9-3
By bob saab - August 26 - 2:00 am2 weeks old love it
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Great convertible! - 2003 Saab 9-3
By scot - August 25 - 10:16 amWow! I received a fantastic deal after this gem sat at my local dealership for six months with no takers. Car turns heads and continues to receive compliments. Driving topless is the best stress-buster in the world. If Id heeded the reviews in Consumer Reports, I would never have purchased this vehicle, so Im glad I lived on the edge. I love the unique design and the fact that so few others own this vehicle. Still love it after owning for a year.
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My 9-3 - 2003 Saab 9-3
By gozer - August 15 - 10:00 amEveryone that sees my car immediately asks what it is and wants to check it out. Great, fun to drive car. Lots of utility with fold down rear seats and trunk and passenger space that betters almost all competitors. I have optional 16", 10-spoke wheels that look great but are hard to keep clean. Surprising performance out of 175 hp motor, feels and performs more like 200 hp. And Ive been averaging 26 mpg. Manual shift mode on auto tranny is fun. Solid built quality.
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9-3 Vector - 2003 Saab 9-3
By New2Saab - August 15 - 10:00 amIve had it for a week. Did my homework, and so far am happy w/ my choice. The cars got great styling, power and features. JDs latest survey seemed to call out the quality of the electronics. Admittedly and as expected, the car was delivered w/ a few bugs that I need to take in to have fixed. The radio on/off sticks and the "nxt" button on the steering wheel doesnt work well. Overall, I feel the new design is strong and is positioned to be a legitimate player in the sport/premium mid-size segment.
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9-3SS - 2003 Saab 9-3
By Rocco69 - August 15 - 10:00 amGreat handling, nice styling, loaded with new technology and gadgets. Lots of options for the money.
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Saabs puts together a fine vehicle - 2003 Saab 9-3
By detroitdriver - August 10 - 10:00 amI recently purchased a 9-3 Arc and I am ,so far, very satisfied with my decision. The interior is in no way cheap as some may think or say. This is no Grand Am. The leather seats are comfortable. The dials are easy to read and the cabin overall has a nice layout. The shifting is smooth and positive. The exterior styling matches that of any European model in my opinion. Some may complain about turbo lag but I have not noticed a significant problem with this. Unrealistic expectations may be to blame. The infotainment system can be a bit distracting.
