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 121 through 130 of 223.00

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  Safety First - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By ThreeSaabs - March 20 - 2:36 pm

  Bought new in 2004 for my teen-aged daughter. Car has been great; economical, fun, very few problems. Dealer service has been superb. Car was in an accident this week; car totaled, but my daughter walked away uninjured. Passenger compartment was completely intact. Crumple zone at engine compartment absorbed all impact. All airbags deployed. I am incredibly impressed and thank the Lord she was driving a Saab.

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  So far, so great - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By mechanical engineer4 - February 17 - 2:13 pm

  55,000 miles and I love it. Great fuel mileage (around 40). I drive the speed limit and my trip computer shows well over 40 mpg at 55 mph.

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  Best Car Ever Driven! - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Panther1 - February 14 - 9:56 pm

  This will be my second car I have had. It is a blast to drive and has every luxury aspect that a BMW or Jaguar would without the ridiculous price tag. Sometimes! The turbo blows you away when you take off. I used to drive a Toyota Solara and it doesnt even compare at all to this Swedish luxury car! It has every bell and whistle a person needs in a car. Gas mileage is awesome but could sometimes need a little more leg room for the back seaters and would like a bigger trunk. It is hard to fit my golf clubs in the trunk and when you drive a luxury car you expect it to fit golf clubs with ease

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  Fun to drive - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Bob - January 4 - 11:00 am

  I LOVE my Saab. Perfect gas mileage, good acceleration (stick shift), great looks. It was everything I wanted in a car.

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  Thank God for Cruise Control - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By bouchgf - December 25 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is a speeding ticket waiting to happen! The car just wants to go fast. I find that I am cruising along at 85 mph before I know it. The cruise control is the only way to keep the car (and me) from getting carried away. Acceleration and braking are flawless. Steering is precise and the SID is truly a gem. I was spoiled by it after only a week. When driving my BMW I find myself missing the convenience of the "heads-up" SID.

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  A Sweet Auto - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By rnz - October 24 - 10:00 am

  This is a car for people who want some individuality rather than being just another BMW/Audi/Acura driver.

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  totally underrated car - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By SAAB guy - October 8 - 3:23 am

  The Saab Aero convertible is a well designed, efficient, fun to drive machine. How many cars deliver 30 mpg at 80 mph? Great back-roads machine as well. The car exhibits minimal understeer. The Pirelli PZero Rossos are responsive and provide a good ride despite their performance nature. This is my first Saab after owning them since 1979 with an automatic transmission. This is not just any automatic but an Aisin 5 speed unit that can be paddle shifted from the steering wheel. It is very smooth and responsive. Contrary to the drivel that is written by all the BMW lovers in the auto press the chassis has no flex, no rattles on any kind of road surface.

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  Fun, fun, fun - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Ferris - October 1 - 10:00 am

  I tried the Audi A4 butthe 1.8T didnt compare favorably. The 9-3 has more horsepower and you can opt for a manual. I have been truly happy with the car. It gets comments every day! Parking attendants, people on the street and other drivers at lights -- people love to comment on its great looks. I have only noticed two drawbacks. First, the stereo is lacking and does not belong in a car of this level or price range. Second, the self- expanding trunk, which originally seemed like a benefit, is a drawback. Even if you pack the truck with the top down, once you put it up, the trunk contents shift and it wont go down again. All in all -- a GREAT car.

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  at last - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By jack fletcher - September 11 - 10:00 am

  cant find fault with anything about the car. after driving and owning a freelander, this is the one car that has not let me down. wonderful gas mileage and so comfortable. if you know how to drive a turbo, you got it madeeve

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  9-3AeroCV WHOOOHOOOO - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By CRD - August 30 - 2:00 am

  This car takes convertibles to a new level of handling, solid body integrity and performance all in one beautiful and comfortable package. The features such as the one-button remote top down function, excellent ergonomics in the interior design, comfort of the seats and joy of the drive (try the paddle shift) is unsurpassed. I recommend this vehicle without reservation.