Overview & Reviews
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.
- Handles well for a front-drive car, frugal yet powerful engines, generous passenger room, class-leading trunk space.
- Suspension should be stiffer on Aero models, ride can be harsh over bumps, interiors lack upscale look and feel, weak stereos.
User Reviews:
Showing 1 through 10 of 125.00-
Great entry-level luxury - 2005 Saab 9-3
By DB - December 18 - 9:56 pmThis car has great response and power for day to day driving. On the highway it goes all the way from 35 to 90 quickly, smoothly, and fairly quietly. On the street it handles great and the ESP and ABS keep it safe. Driving this car in Salt Lake City during the winter felt secure, even in a midnight blizzard. I would rather be in this than in a pickup or SUV that might roll over. Interior is bare bones but nails all the little details. Once you get used to the major differences in control location, everything feels exactly right. Lots of room and very comfortable. The Senstronic shifter is very useful when going down a mountain.
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Not too happy with my convertible - 2005 Saab 9-3
By atlantaowner - November 19 - 9:03 amI first bought a 93 Aero, it shook terribly, turned it back in and got a 93 Arc...this one shakes! In a loaner from the dealer and it shakes at 70 mph. My car has been in the shop for over a month just because of a simple (I thought) balancing job. But it turns out that it couldnt get fixed, so they had to replace all 4 tires! Not even a year after my 2nd purchse, I am already planning to trade in after summer. Do not buy a 93 convertible unless youre prepared for it to be in the shop time after time after time. Its in the shop for updates seems like every month. If you want a high maintenance car, this ones for you!
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Great Car! - 2005 Saab 9-3
By Tim Choppin - November 2 - 3:13 amI purchased the Saab after driving the Audi A4 and the BMW 3-Series. The BMW really left me cold. I really liked the Audi driving experience, but the interior was far more cramped and the price for an equivalent trim level was shocking. The Saab has been fun and generally reliable, with the exception of the rare and mysterious message from the computer about the engine immobilizer. The car keeps running, so I ignore it. The top goes down rapidly and the seat heaters allow me to drive top-down whenever the outside temperature hits about 40. The car has plenty of pep. The rear seats are unique in this class for being truly functional for passengers. The digital media input jack is nice.
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Saabs Quirks are irksome, repairs=$$ - 2005 Saab 9-3
By EGP - September 28 - 12:06 pmThe employee discount for all promotion in 2005 made our 2005 Arc w/drivers package affordable. However, we should have stayed away. Within the warranty period, the car was into the dealer 3 or 4 times, one all of the radio and interior electronics freaked out and they had to replace the radio and command module. Luckily this was under warranty. However, 3 years, 55,000 miles, and just out of warranty, the car quits on the highway during rush hour forcing my wife to make some risky emergency moves. Car Would not start again! Turns out tat the the engine computer failed, and it cost us $900. Now 5k miles later, the stability system is giving critical errors.. could be $1000 to fix this time.
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Great car, does not hold its value! - 2005 Saab 9-3
By Snaab1 - September 19 - 7:03 amThis has been a great car. We received fantastic and professional buying experience from the dealer. Car has been getting awesome gas mileage (32 MPG highway), has been relatively reliable (3 burnt headlights in 14 months but other then that perfect) and is very comfortable and fun to drive. One thing I would like to caution is maintenance after free period becomes very expensive. My biggest complaint is this car does not hold its value at all. I have received offers of less then half the original purchase price from several different dealers, including original dealer, for trade in. The car is only 14 months old and is in showroom condition. It lost 13K in 14 months. GM discounts :(
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More Than I Expected - 2005 Saab 9-3
By barron von costume - March 7 - 11:13 pmI purchased my 2005 9-3 Arc from Enterprise Car Sales. I had read extensive reviews online about how great the car handled, accelerated etc. I was a little shy when I was behind the wheel with the salesman riding shotgun. I could tell right away that this car had a lot more power than I was willing to let out. Once I picked the car up off the lot however, I let it fly. I had perma-smile the second my foot hit the gas - this thing can fly! Once the turbo kicks in my head snapped back a little and I was in love. The features and the customization of the driving experience are also a big reason why I love this car. Overall a great car and a great value ($1500 under KBB value- thx Enterprise!!)
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Mixed Bag - 2005 Saab 9-3
By SAABer - September 15 - 7:36 amExcellent gas mileage. 34+mpg on long trip from FL to OH. Electronics seem to fail often: Check engine light for fuel cap, intermittant failure of traction control, poor explination and exceution of customizable features (door/truck lock options, etc.) Local dealer (ohio) very poor service. Great value considering GM Employee Pricing Event when purchased. Suspension too soft, handling plows a little.
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Engine Failure - 2005 Saab 9-3
By Matt - June 10 - 5:53 pmThe engine on my 2005 Saab 9-3 has failed two times within the first 4900 miles on the odometer. The first failure occurred in June of 2005 and the problem was diagnosed as a throttle body failure. The failure results in the car accelerating extremely slow without any prior notice. The second failure occurred on July 18, 2005 when I was nearly hit making a left hand turn. The same symptoms presented without any indication that there was a failure about to occur. So be careful!
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love it! - 2005 Saab 9-3
By dbl - April 30 - 7:06 amThis car was purchased during the incentive period of 2005. Had not thought much about a Saab at the time but was unimpressed by any of the GM, Ford, Chrysler cars. The incentives made the Saab affordable for us. Extremely happy with performance and design. This car has brought back the fun in driving. Have almost 4000 miles on the car and like it better each day.
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Why did I wait so long to buy it? - 2005 Saab 9-3
By C-ville Saab - December 12 - 12:36 amAfter owning 4 Saturns in the past 13 years I switched brands and bought a 2005 Saab 9-3 Arc. The sales transaction was as stress-free as any of the Saturn transactions and the final price was better than I had expected. The Saab is a beauty to look at and a hoot to drive. I thought that my 2003 L300 handled well, but not compared to the 9-3. It is quick, agile and smooth. I have a 15 mile daily commute through the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the 9-3 accelerates freely and handles the curves with no discernible body lean. I can point the car into fast sweepers early and it powers through with very little understeering. My only question is, "Why did I wait so long to buy it?"
