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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Wifes Saab - 2005 Saab 9-3
By Biff - November 23 - 9:53 pmGood fun car to drive. Looks good and handles great. Gas mileage is out of this world! Safety headrest can be uncomfortable, but overall we love this car!
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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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AWESOME CAR - 2005 Saab 9-3
By JXD - November 4 - 3:56 amGREAT EUROPEAN RIDE. MORE SPORTY RIDE THAN LUXURY. FUN DUE TO TURBO PICK UP.
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OK - 2005 Saab 9-3
By Scott - November 2 - 12:43 pmAlot of turbo lag unless you are going 60+. For the price does not come close to the audi or bmw. Spend the extra 5- 7k and stick with an audi or bmw. Terrible winter vehicle. Salespitch noted "this car is made in sweden". Must have made it in the summer.
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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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Very satisfying drive. - 2005 Saab 9-3
By MJ - September 6 - 11:06 amThe 9-3 convertible is a total package that comes together for a very satisfying ride. If you look at any one detail of the car it may or may not be best in class, but when combined it just makes you smile. It gives a solid, tight, controlled ride, a little busy on bad pavement. Youre very connected to the road. Acceleration from a dead stop is nothing special, but when youre on the road the passing power is impressive! Very comfortable seats. The automatic top opens/closes in 20 secs, even if youre driving (slowly). The stereo isnt strong, but its notes & sounds are very precise (dont confuse bass boost with good music). Theres a reason this is Saabs most popular car.
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highlands - 2005 Saab 9-3
By JAIMEB - August 3 - 8:06 pmI bought this car in central Mexico in the city of San Luis we are 6000ft or more over sea level like all the region, in these highlands the turbo shines, my first option was a BMW325 but for ten grand less and a better financial offer I get this one. The testdrive - _ cant believe the huge diference in response between both cars the turbo is fast and has a killer gas milleage. The BMW is more refined but not for the $10k gap in a similarly equipped car. The Saab for me has a very unique personality and performs like an a wolf in a sheep clothes. The quality - I only have a minor problem with a coolant drop that was corrected under warranty, good buy.
