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 21 through 30 of 125.00

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  Lots of Bang for the Buck - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By JTS75 - February 10 - 10:16 pm

  Had my 05 9-3 for a year, and no problems other than a faulty radio which was warrantied without hassle. Its FWD, so its just not quite a Bimmer 330 or a A4 Quattro, but then again your not going to get a deal on either of those vehicles like you will on the 9-3 if you look hard enough. Indeed, with that factor considered, I think the Saab is probably the best overall value in the entry-level lux- sport sedan class. Manual version is a blast to drive and the turbo makes it peppy enough to be fun. Handling is tight and braking is exceptional. Build quality is OK, theres a few cheesy design features that will bum you out a bit. Oh and the stereo is horrific. Other than that, great car!

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  9-3 Arc - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By beamer12 - January 11 - 10:40 pm

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

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  9.3 convertible.....Im not getting rid of it - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By jbeloff - June 15 - 8:50 am

  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.

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  pleased - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By young family of 4 - June 7 - 4:20 am

  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.

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  Not a sports sedan - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By teacher - March 21 - 5:13 am

  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

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  have had some issues... but overall a good car with good MPG and fun to drive. if could go back in time would probably of gotten something else however. - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By nccaitlin - September 29 - 11:57 am

  I have had this car for a year now. I bought with 52k miles and have put 20k on it since. I have had a few issues with it so far - drivers side mirror piece fell off and had to be glued back on - back window wasnt working --> $200 -other back window stopped working - have had to change bulbs in headlights 2x already -error messages -> traction control/stability/immobilizer failure (after jumping battery it did not want to start and went haywire for a while before starting) - A/C blower locked up and had to be released and oiled up - Car wash knocked off antenna cover However this car is pretty fun to drive and no major mechanical issues. Great MPG over 40 often. Lost 2k in value already.

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  So Far, So Good - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Richard - July 1 - 6:13 pm

  Love the ride, the eurocar-snobs like to put this cars ride down because it is front wheel drive, but do they all live in California where it doesnt snow? Front wheel drive is so much better in snow and wet conditions, I wont buy a rear wheel drive car because of this simple fact. I like the handling, and I am most surprised at how much power this turbo 4 cyldr car has, makes for a fun driving experience.

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  A swedish sedan - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Bart - March 20 - 4:06 am

  While not a quirky as Saabs past, this car still maintains distinctive Saab Features: Nightpanel, Key in the middle, hidden cupholders. This large sedan gets better MPG than my Focus, and has performance when needed. The seats are comfortable, standard with leather.

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  Im suprised they dont sell more - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By newsaabowner - January 13 - 10:06 pm

  Im new to the SAAB world. I am a car nut. I considered this car based on price. If I could have afforded it, I would have gotten the 325i. I didnt want an accord or a camry. In terms of price, this is a similar car to an accord with leather when you calculate the lease. But the saab gives you soo much more. You cant beat the safety items on this car..large tire, large brakes, stability control, traction control, #1 in safety both side and frontal. This car is small on the outside, huge on the inside. I got the manual 5 speed. Its a nice stick...not as nice as the bmw, but nice. I am tremendously happy with this lease and Id do it over and over again. Very zippy on the highway!

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  Great sport luxury value - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Ken G - November 17 - 3:00 am

  Coming off lease of a MB C230K coupe/hatch, I wanted 4 doors, a real trunk, front or AWD (for winter), and lower price while retaining as much of the sportiness and luxury car experience as possible. In my first few days with the 9-3 Linear, it reminds me a lot of the C240 4Matic that the MB dealer often gave me as a service loaner. My impression of that car always was "not as fun as the C230 but a bit more practical and very livable." Now I have the same benefits for $10k less than a new C240 and $4k less than I paid for the C230 almost 4 years ago. Pricing is more comparable to Accord or Camry but with more safety equipment, free maintenance, premium dealer experience and smaller exterior.