Overview & Reviews
For 2004, the 9-3 convertible has been given the same full makeover the sedan received last year. The convertible is available in Arc and Aero models and equipped only with the 210-horsepower engine. The highline Vector sedan has been renamed the Aero, and the midlevel Arc sedan now comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission, rather than a six-speed. Bi-xenon headlights are a stand-alone extra on all 9-3s, while rear parking assist is now available as a non-package option on the sedan. The Sport Wheel Package for the Linear and Arc now includes a tire-pressure monitor.
- Balanced ride and handling characteristics, frugal yet powerful engines, generous passenger room, class-leading trunk space.
- Some turbo lag at lower speeds, interior lacks upscale look, not as vaultlike as some of its European competitors, front-wheel drive a disadvantage against rear-wheel-drive competitors for performance fans.
User Reviews:
Showing 1 through 10 of 223.00-
First Month - 2004 Saab 9-3
By ESB - June 30 - 10:00 amLove the car. Traded from a 2001 LS430 to this for something smaller, sportier, and more fun and we love it so far. Dealer experience was incredibly good. Great deal on a great fun car. My first SAAB and likely not my last based on my so far limited experience! Classy alternative to a Japanese car.
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Do research before you buy one! - 2004 Saab 9-3
By Taylor Gray - May 30 - 8:53 amLoved the car. Had every option that cars do now except nav system. Even had 6-speed manual! Had MANY problems. It was always driven on the highway and taken care of so it was about the quality of the materials. I had to replace lower left ball joint, both struts (and mounts), springs, the entire car computer, rain sensor, radio, seatbelt, & ignition. Dont get me wrong the car was a great car but I am a college student and it was difficult to pay for repairs. I suggest not buying one unless you plan to have repair bills & you KNOW you CAN pay them. Saabs going out of business & the company is only required to make parts 10 years after the car was made. Plan on not finding any parts by 13.
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Brakes!!!!!!!! - 2004 Saab 9-3
By Jurynotout - May 24 - 10:00 amI definitely enjoy driving this car, until I have to slow down or stop it. The brakes have been horrible from day one. They have "roared" and/or "squeaked" since I purchased the car. It is has been in the shop three times already. Also, the radio sometimes just goes out after starting my car. Only a high pitch sound remains. Overall: If they get the brakes working properly then I will like it. Currently, not so impressed with this car! Thinking I should have went with the BMW or Lexus.
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2004 Saab 9-3 Linear - 2004 Saab 9-3
By sk1395 - February 8 - 4:43 pmAll in all i think this is a good car. The interior is a little cheap with the finish flaking off. Also ive had to have the speakers in the front replaced twice now. My lock system failed during one very cold Wisconsin winter. All I can say is buy the Saab extended warranty! I didnt have to pay for anything to get fixed!
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Bad Suspension noise - 2004 Saab 9-3
By Cobalt714 - September 4 - 10:00 amThe suspension noise on my SAAB has made me CRAZY. SAAB has no fix for it yet. Its a Klunking noise upon suspension compression and de-compression. I was onced asked if there was something wrong with my transmission because of the noise!
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Great Car at Any Price - 2004 Saab 9-3
By Demetri - August 29 - 10:36 amI feel sorry for those Saab owners whove had a bad experience with their 9-3. Ive owned the car almost two years and have been completely happy with it. The Linears motor puts out 175hp, but with a low curb weight (for this segment) and the great-shifting 5sp, I can get off the line quick enough for most situations. Great gas mileage (27 mpg mixed), plenty of back seat room for our 3 kids, massive trunk, and Saabs unbeatable safety rating. The important stuff is all standard - traction control, dynamic stability control, brake assist, 8 air bags, etc etc. My wife likes it so much, were getting her the 9-3 Sport- Combi and ditching our minivan.
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Steps in the right direction - 2004 Saab 9-3
By jchilds3 - April 28 - 2:00 amI love the body restyling. I actually have the Vector model. Its really fun to drive. I wish that Saab had taken a few more steps in redesigning the interior. I would like more brushed aluminum trim on the dash and the pedals to make the car even sportier.
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love it despite the problems - 2004 Saab 9-3
By saaba - April 17 - 10:00 amlet me start with problems.sid showed gear box malfunction which was cleared by software update.the car stalled once !! while driving which again was solved by a software update.gear slip from 3 to 4 ,another software update .looks like this car needs more software updates than windows !!!!.few months ago car wouldnt start ,showed immobilizer failure (?),wouldnt jumpstart either ,dealer said dead battery !!!.go figure.on the positive side i love to drive this car ,fun and sporty .safe and stable at high speeds.although iam a little bit worried as my warranty period is running out.
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Beauty is only skin deep - 2004 Saab 9-3
By Seattle SAAB Owner - March 16 - 2:00 amIf you get a Linear trim line, I highly recommend the stick, as the automatic simply lags. I like the styling and there are a few neat features BUT, the build qulity is suspect at best. Lots of plastic on the inside translates into a cheap feel and rattles everywhre. Limited space around the pedals and the placing of the trunk release are serious design flaws. Overall, if I had the chance to buy this car again, I wouldnt. Its easy to see why GM is discounting these cars so much;it is the only way they can unload them. Even with the deep discount I got, I still dont feel that it was a goo deal. Dealer support has been poor.
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Great car but - 2004 Saab 9-3
By dan r - January 16 - 2:00 amJust purchased my saab (linear) Ext is very nice but the int really looks cheap if you dont upgrade the sound systems which really stinks. My kids small hand radio sounds better. You will need to keep the window shut in order to hear it. It does rides nice....
