Overview & Reviews

The base convertible has been dropped for this year while all other models get two new colors. The OnStar telematics system and traction control are now standard.

• Comfy interior, versatile hatchback model, torquey turbo motor, quirky personality.

• Controls not always intuitive, offbeat image, severe torque steer in SE and Viggen models.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 66.00

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  Buyer Beware - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By lotek - April 7 - 3:40 pm

  If youre thinking about buying a 9-3 Hatchback: dont think twice, just walk away. If you work on your vehicles yourself youll end up tearing your hair out because everything in the engine compartment is so poorly planned, parts are hard to find and expensive. Good luck finding a mechanic that will touch it. I bought this car 2 years ago and have had nothing but problems for the last year and a half (and its been well taken care of). There are so many people saying theyre happy I felt it necessary to share my absolutely terrible experience with this car. I find it no surprise Saab isnt around anymore.

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  Could be better - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By vchirico - February 4 - 7:30 am

  going strong after 191000 miles, fun to drive and amazing capacity.The turbocharged engine makes things fun and it is amazing in the snow. Now for the down sides it feels like I am playing wack a mole with all the problems maybe its just the fact it is an old car at this point. I would consider it decently reliable but, the parts feel like there unnecessary expensive compared to cars of the same size. Good car could be better though. if given the decision I would pass considering the company is out of business and there isnt much of a scrap Saab base to scavenge parts.

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  Saab never again! Maybe a BMW - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By SergioC - September 24 - 7:56 am

  First the positive on this car. This is a fun car to drive except to the shop or dealing with GM. The turbo charged went bad at 65,000 miles. GM customer service is the worse I ever dealt with it. Now it will cost me over 1,700 dollars on repairs since GM do not want to knowledge of the problem with the turbo charger that it should not gone bad. I am finally give up on this piece of junk and never will buy another GM or SAAB. If you think to buy a SAAB, please reconsider that its a GM product now not a SAAB.

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  Worst car ever - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By stacy - August 29 - 12:23 pm

  I purchased a used Saab that had 35,000 miles when I bought it. In a 2 yr. period it has had approx. $7,000 in engine work done on it and the problem is still not fixed. It doesnt matter how many bells and whistles a car has if it wont run. I am not sure what kind of aircraft this car was born from but I would not want to fly in it. My advice is run, run far away!

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  Saab Story - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By RIX - May 20 - 10:00 am

  In 2 years, the car had to be towed twice. First time was because of a corroded cable and the second time because the ignition cassette kept shorting out the fuses.

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  Rattle trap - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By snaab93se1 - March 31 - 10:00 am

  This car rattled more and more as time went on and the dealer could care less about fixing them. Also had front supension problems, the information display LED got moisture behind it and had to be replaced and the check engine light came on during a u-turn. Stay away from this one..its a headache waiting to happen

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  Fire Hazard - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By CityClown - September 29 - 10:00 am

  I love the unique look of the Saab. The dealer sales experience was wonderful. Thats the good part. The reality is the dealer service is horrible, they treat you like a child. The car is not reliable, as it has left me stranded 3 times in a year. The last issue in July as a potential fire hazard. Over 1/4 tank of gas poured out of the gas tank (broken fuel line bracket to the tank). One spark and my family could have been dead. Bet you have never had a Fire Dept. Engine come out to certify your cars safety, well I have. Dealer was very nonchalant about the issue. Saab Legal is also not accepting any responsibility to re- purchase this lemon.

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  Mixed Feelings - Saab Enthusiast - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By TrollHattanINsf - August 10 - 10:40 am

  While I am a SAAB enthusiast, I have been less than enthusiastic with this car. When purchased, the vehicle was in good condition and looked over in Denver. However, within months I was repairing. Some cosmetic - totally my prerogative, and others necessary. Heres the necessaries: 1. Fog lamps cracked on the highway - design flaw of glass with no protection. These are $200/ea 2. Water Pump + hosing 3. Serpentine belts 4. Multiple headlamp halogens & multiple brake pad sets (I drive 5600/yr) 5. Engine Mts., Trans. Mounts 6. Front Wheel Bearings (under 70K) 7. Window motors + mechanism 8. Hydraulics for the top 9. SID re-manufactured 10. Mass Airflow meter It feels like a $$ pit.

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  dont ever buy one! - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By saabing - May 2 - 10:00 am

  i have had my 01 9-3 for 6 moth. it has now 97000 miles, I have replaced the air compressor, all belts and hoses, Transmission, muffler, and more. I have spent more than 5 thousand dollars on top of the purchase price of this lemmon. Dont be saabing like me and never buy one used. Oh and the locks and the seats dont work anymore, electrical problems