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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  2001 9-3 2.0 turbo 4 dr base model - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By JT - August 12 - 3:16 pm

  Mine has 72500 km/45000 miles. Recently needed almost CDN$900 in front suspension work. Recent problems led to software upgrade for throttle body, dealer warns if problem recurs, vehicle will need new throttle body (cost over CDN$1000 at dealer pricing). Ignition Discharge Module replaced on recall. Various valves and hoses replaced. An oxygen sensor failed around 40000 km. Drivers door handle mechanism failed twice. Interior squeaks. Some pixels no longer light on information display. One headlight wiper motor failed. Blower motor for heater replaced. Received letter from Saab advising 8 year warranty coverage for engine failure due to oil sludge provided certain conditions are met.

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  Uniquely Saab- Seattle - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By josh - October 20 - 7:13 am

  We have enjoyed this car for 4 years. We have never had a problem and dont expect one.We drive it in all weather coditions- No Problem. No better investment then owning a ragtop in Seattle. We are considering replacing it with a new 9.3 conv.. Dealership experience has been exceptional. I scratch my head wondering why Saabs depreciate as they do. They are a great buy for the money.If you are a educated and responsible owner and service your car appropriately, as we have, then Saab is your car.

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  They were right - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By crabby kaiser - August 1 - 7:40 am

  I cant say I wasnt warned. Other Saab owners had suggested that the car would be quirky and that Saab dealers are generally horrible and expensive. They were right !!! The check/engine electronic portion of the car is horrible. The engine is great and the handling is terrific. The biggest knock against this vehicle is trying to get it fixed/serviced. This alone will keep me from buying another Saab period. Fun to drive, great gas milage wont make up for the persistant problems with the direct ignition cassette (now part of a recall) and the terrible service from numerous dealers.

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  Happy 2nd Saab driver - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By QWK SWD from Md - May 11 - 3:36 am

  "Smooth" is how my 26 yr. old son describes the drive. Excellent metallic paint, even after 5 yrs. Interior stylish yet reserved, high quality but a bit snug for 4 on board. 31mpg on the highway. Distinctive; you dont get lost among the Japanese nameplates on the road. Well built, very reliable. It doesnt break. An 06 9-5 next?

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  Saab 9-3 Viggen - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By maturbo951 - November 28 - 11:20 pm

  This car is a rocket. Perfect for those who dont want the norm. This is the ultimate sleeper.

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  Not bought yet? Run! Bought? SELL!!!! - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By SaabNeverAgain! - October 19 - 9:26 am

  Okay, positives first: This is by far the most fun car I have ever driven - except to the shop. And I know what I am talking about - I have had to do that a lot and that aint cheap! Bought it 3 years ago, had been leased for 3 years. Should have gotten the hint with all the things I had done on it while under the warranty still. I have had to pay $600-$1200 repairs on it several times a year for the past 3 years and I finally gave up and dumped this piece of workmanjunk at a pretty big loss! If you havent bought one, but consider it, seriously reconsider. If you have one and are seeing problems mount, just get rid of it ASAP - too expensive to fix everything, all the time!

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  Fun to drive - more power than expected - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By sonicsunspot - June 20 - 10:00 am

  I was not looking for a Saab when I fell in love with this car. I was looking to get into a Mercedes C240 or a BMW 325, but the salesman mentioned the Saab was worth a test drive. I said "what the hell" and the next thing I know I was putting money down on the Saab to hold it. This car is really a joy to drive and I was really surprised with the power from a 4 cylinder. Plus I saved $10K. Saab is a very under-rated car.

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  Great driving, exceptional power - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By awasti - December 23 - 10:40 am

  Great for driving. Turbo is very powerful, although kicks in around 35MPH. Car has all the necessary luxuries pre- packages from heated seats to dual power seat adjustment to climate control to on-star gps tracking.

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  Great Car - Poor Build Quality - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By Mark T - June 13 - 10:00 am

  The car came off the assembly line with a squeek over the right rear door. Glassman Saab has been great, working to fix the problem several times. They tell me there is a missing weld on the over the door handle. They fix it but it always comes back. Other than that, I love the car. But to drive a car with a squeek for 3 years is really irritating. Dispite this I will give the new 9-3 a look.

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  Problematic but a kick to drive - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By Saab Story - June 5 - 6:23 pm

  This is my 3rd Saab, which I recently purchased with 79,000 km on it. I love the drive of Saabs but had a 900 lemon in the past and figured it was just bad luck. I wanted to buy a 2001 because I love the cavernous trunk area, which has been replaced by sedan models. Shortly after buying the car I noticed thick grey smoke belching out of the exhaust when I started it. I took it to the dealer and was advised that my turbo was on the way out...price of repair $1,600. I also soon noticed that: my stereo lights dont come on at night, drivers side fog light assembly is broken, antenna works when it wants to and my sunroof frame is prematurely rusting and bubbling. Explains why resale is low