Overview & Reviews

Saab changed the car's name to the 9-3, giving it a mild exterior freshening to boot. Around midyear, a high-output version of its 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder (making an amazing 200 horsepower) becomes the standard engine in the uplevel SE five-door and SE Convertible models equipped with a manual transmission. All SEs also get new five-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels. All five-speed manual 9-3s get revised gearbox ratios and a numerically higher (4.05-to-1) final drive ratio for better off-the-line feel. A revised 9-3 interior headliner provides more padding for increased protection in the event of a crash. And five-door SE variants add an integrated driver-seat armrest and a centrally located cupholder that swings out from the instrument panel.

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

• Controls not always intuitive, offbeat image, spotty build quality.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 89.00

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  It looks great - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Saabstory - November 22 - 2:00 am

  I want to like my 9-3. The greatest shortcoming in the car is its very very substandard structural integrity. To put it kindly, the car is "floppy" like a recently dead fish. When you are driving on smooth pavement in a straight line, the car feels great. Hit a bump, or take a twisty lane and you notice that the car doesnt feel like one piece. Go over rail road tracks and the car feels very loosely held together. Rattles abound, and electrical problems have plagued mine. That said, the engine is a 10 and the car is very thoughtful. Little things like how it remembers to use the rear wiper when you put it in reverse in the rain make a good impression.

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  Bought off E-bay - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By OB - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Nice styling, car is very fast in stock trim and handles well. Radio/CD player are descent. Ihad problems with paint peeling in the rear wheel wells,exhaust went, and so did the head gasket. I hope these arent common with all of them.

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  Archangels drink tea with Milton Berle - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By egospoon - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Great, except that there REALLY needs to be an AWD version.

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  Jury is still out - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By prnitz - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I have had his Saab about a month. My last car was a 1999 Toyota Solara coupe. Believe it or not, the Saab after a few years of depreciation was much more affordable than the Solara convertible. Compared to my Solara SE V6 the Saab is smaller, handles bumpy roads worse, has a funky interior lay out, and will not hold its value as well as a Toyota, BMW or Mercedes. On the plus side, it gets great gas mileage (35 on the highway, 30 around town), has great acceleration from the 4 cyl turbo, and has distinctive looks. I am going to like this car if it does not break. If it does, and I find it hard and expensive to fix, I am back to a Toyota.

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  Motorcycle alternative - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Mid life crisis car - June 1 - 2:36 am

  I bought my 99 Saab convertible as a second car. I brought it to a SAAB only local service shop that has taken care of all the basics. Now, I get to drive. I love this car. It has great pick up, is very comfortable, and is lots of fun. Im not sure about other guys, but this is a great alternative to a motorcycle for me. (I tend to not pay attention when I drive!). Yes, the 9-3 has quirks and leaks, etc. But I am so tired of seeing stupid expensive 323s on the road... and this car is perfect for me.

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  Great car - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By NThomson - May 19 - 11:06 am

  Bought second hand from a relative who bought it new. - Great acceleration and handling - moderate torque steer. - Parts are not cheap - Good fuel economy if you keep it out of turbo range. - High depreciation which makes it economical to buy second hand. - Ergonomics: (wife) not enough cup holders and hard to reach the ones that are there. - No armrests

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  Unique, Handsome...but competitive? - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By damonTodd - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Came from a 1991 Saab 900 that I loved. 9-3 hatch is no where as versatile compared to classic 900 or other hatchbacks in market. There is a large ridge that creates a bottleneck in the loading area. I cannot fit half of the things in my 9-3 I fit in my 900. Mid range power is amazing. Great highway car -- mediocre city/town car. Turbo lag is ridiculous. Im experienced with manual trannies and I still have trouble getting quick launches. Throw the car into a curve and it feels overpowered for the suspension. If you dont pay dealer prices it can be a good,quirky buy. But give saab and others a good test drive.

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  Saab 4 U - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Saab 4 U - January 5 - 10:00 am

  Wonderfull in winter weather. Great response for a 4 cyc. Great fuel milage.

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  Great used car value! - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By ryno - December 3 - 2:00 am

  My 9-3SE HO 5sp is a great drivers car with impressive acceleration, ample cargo space, and loads of standard options. It is amazing how much this car depreciates in value in the first few years, but this makes it a great used car value.

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  Questionable build quality - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Ken S. - September 7 - 10:00 am

  I bought a 1999 Saab 93SE two months ago. So far, the A/C has been charged three times and no one can figure out why it is blowing the freon out of the pressure reease valve. The engine started leaking coolant and oil from the head gasket. I get a sulfur smell from the tailpipe at times. The power antenna no longer goes down all the way. The dash turn signal indicators sometimes dont work. Or sometimes they stay on when the turn signal is off. The passenger side headlight wiper is coming loose. The car has way too many interior rattles and creaks for a car in this class. And it is out of warranty with 54K on it. I want my Acura back.