2005 Saab 9-3 Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.60/5 Average
125 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

A new in-dash DVD-based navigation system is added to the options list. The 9-3 convertible is now available in entry-level Linear trim.

Pros:
  • Handles well for a front-drive car, frugal yet powerful engines, generous passenger room, class-leading trunk space.
Cons:
  • Suspension should be stiffer on Aero models, ride can be harsh over bumps, interiors lack upscale look and feel, weak stereos.

User Reviews:

Showing 61 through 70 of 125.00
  • 9-3 Arc - 2005 Saab 9-3
    By -

    Overall great value, excellent design, needs a stiffer suspension. Also, has a little lag on the turbo.

  • Very pleased at this point - 2005 Saab 9-3
    By -

    I got a leftover 05 Arc with auto, heated seats and s-roof. So far is the car of my dreams. Plenty of power, comfort and quiet on the road. Wonderful hwy driver. On interstate trip of 213 mi. at 70 to 80+ mph I got 34+ mpg. Mixed is 25/26 and mostly town and short trips is 22/24.

  • Great Car that will last - 2005 Saab 9-3
    By -

    I have owned a Saab for 10 years. My wife always used to tease me about driving a suped-up Chevette. Since the car had a manual transmission, she never drove it. I always told her my engineering friends loved Saabs, but she did not think much of it. When we decided to shop for a new car (I still have the old Saab), we considered the Acura TL, BMW 330, Volvo S60, and SAAB 9-3 or 9-5. She loved the SAAB and we bought a 9-3 Aero with the larger Turbo engine with automatic transmission. She loves driving it and she calls it her car. It drives best at around 95mph. The comfort is great and the trunk space is best in the class. We are also very pleased with the cars safety record.

  • 9.3 convertible.....Im not getting rid of it - 2005 Saab 9-3
    By -

    I have owned a saab for over 20 years and find them to be the highest quality car. While Saab has had its many challenges over the years it has always produce a solid performer with above average reliability. Unfortunately the markets tends to go with the brands with the biggest budget to impress you with the image of its brand. Saab has done a outstanding job mixing form with function. Everyone who has enjoyed the ride in my car are always impressed with the quality and find themselves asking why they never considered on. Saabs brand deserves leadership that can carry its unique niche and continue its quality builds to attract more owners looking for something that just works well.

  • pleased - 2005 Saab 9-3
    By -

    The car handles wells. We were averaging 32 mpg with a lot of highway driving. The headlight burnt out 3 times in less than 2 years. The passenger door does not always lock. The emblem on the hood fell off, as I have seen happen with many others. We have had to have the arm rest in the center console replaced as well as many of the interior parts because the cheap plastic coating rubs off. We ended up being "stuck" with this car because it has not held its value. Overall, we have enjoyed the vehicle but would have liked to trade it in for something that fits our 2 car seats better. A rear-facing car seat requires that the front seat is moved all the way forward.

  • Fun to drive, but mostly to the mechanic - 2005 Saab 9-3
    By -

    A great car to drive! Unfortunately, much of that driving was back and forth to the dealership for constant minor repairs. The engine was generally reliable and the handling was great, but the interior was cheaply built and little things kept breaking. I am convinced that the electrical system was possessed; I had problems with the taillights, the stereo, the alarm, the dome lights, and the dash display, all within a 6-month period. All things considered, this is NOT a car I would wish to keep after the warranty expires.

  • BEST CAR EVER!!!!!!! - 2005 Saab 9-3
    By -

    This is the best car Ive ever had! My color is Flame Red Metallic. It changes from orange to red in the light. The interior is a creme color with black inserts in the comfortable sport seats. The ReAxs suspension is very tight andoffers great steering and ride. Thecars appearance is very low to the ground and sporty. Its not a car that you would say "Whoa, thats the 5th carlike that Ive seen today" about.

  • Not a sports sedan - 2005 Saab 9-3
    By -

    Dont get me wrong, I like my Saab. It is safe, reliable, comfy, quick and gets great gas mileage. However, this is not the sports sedan that Saab makes it out to be. I dont understand how all of these consumers give this car a 9 or 10 in performance. I dont know what they drove before their Saab. This car is much too soft, leans much too much in corners and turns. The steering is much too light and there is excessive torque steer. Bumps in the road upset the suspension and the car never really feels under control when driven quickly. All of the professional reviews from car magazines and even Consumer Reports agree with me on the handling. This is NOT a BMW. Born from Jets?..ha ha

  • Saab Shoots - Saab Scores!! - 2005 Saab 9-3
    By -

    I picked up my 2005 Linear (w/8200 miles) on 2/27/07, and put about 1800 miles on it in three weeks. Sweet performance, smooth shifting, and terrific comfort and mileage are all part of the package. Even with "only" 175 horsepower, it has pickup aplenty. The control layout is excellent, and I love the Night Panel, manual transmission and console-mounted ignition. Those who whine about the ignition should drive one for three weeks, and theyll get used to it. Besides, who wants a key in their knee in an accident?? All in all, I LOVE my Saab.

  • Best Car Ive Owned - 2005 Saab 9-3
    By -

    I have purchased some 40 cars in the past three decades - everything from large Buicks to SUVs to a Mercedes- Benz. Among those 40 cars were eight Saabs - one of the old ones we still own, purchased new in 1989. But... this 2005 9.3 Linear is the best one yet. Having just come back from a 2500 mile road trip, I can report fantastic performance, 33 mpg for the entire trip - at speeds up to 100 mph, and absolute comfort. The A/C is finally terrific in Saabs. And, the Saab seats eliminate fatigue like no other. This is a great, quiet, smooth machine. I am really glad I bought it.

Saab 9-3 Reviews By Year:
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