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 11 through 20 of 89.00

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  Great on Highway, Hard on your Wallet - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By ifthecar - August 1 - 3:53 pm

  I purchased the my 9-3 Convertible with 18K miles and now has 107K. When running, it is great on the highway, and so much fun with the top down. The great things are the stereo, very comfortable seats (could easily drive cross country). The bad things: I had it break down 3 times (would not start), and each time it would cost around $1000 to fix. The build quality is not good, and my top had to be replaced even though it is suppose to last a lifetime. Buy this car for a great ride, but expect to pay for maintenance.

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  Style with a price - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Scott Simpson - May 25 - 7:43 pm

  It is obvious that this is a GM vehicle. I looked at audi and BMW but settled with the saab that was thousands less. But factoring in the two times I found myself on the interstate waiting on AAA and the price of the repair bills Audi or BMW would have been such a better deal. Saab also has a problem with its AIRBAGS because I was hit head on by a truck going about 30 mph and the airbags did not even deploy! Problems with softtop leaking... fuel pump, power top not working the list goes on. Buy something else or be sure you have AAA.

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  Love my Saab - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By mazz5 - January 18 - 12:12 am

  I bought my 1999 9-3 for 6k with 45k miles on it. Since then I have put 55k on it with minimal repairs. Probably the most economical car I could have asked for, however there are a number of things wrong with my ride right now, its literally falling apart slowly and not worth investing money in repairs. Aside from random problems, some of which are due to an accident, I still love this car and the engine would probably be good for another 100k. Would love to buy another one but all the small problems are keeping me away from Saab for awhile.

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  saab 93 review - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By armen - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, not very reliable. Impossible to find a good garage (including certified delerships).After 5 dealerships and 6 independant garages in 2 years, I have given up on this car. Three pieces of advice. Buy it new , get a lease, give it back.

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  Wish I never sold it ): - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By alessing - May 11 - 12:47 am

  Great car, good on gas, good for young teens, traded in for Hummer H2. Wish I never did!

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  Not worth buying, even used - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By tdskip - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Saab has ready gone down hill, you can tell they weve been stretched too thin in trying to keep up with their peers. My 9-3 has the structural integrity of cooked linguine is is fragile. If you ask Saab theyll admit that this model needs lots of maintenance and isnt very robust (tend to bends the front hubs). Roomy and the hatchback is flexible, but not as much as youd think since the rear seats wont fold flat unless the front seats are all the way forward.

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  Sven the Incredible - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By wspcarguy - February 14 - 6:16 am

  I bought my 1999 Saab 9-3 in Sept 99 and have never regretted it. Sven the Saab has never left me high and dry (unless the fuel pump or battery died). Super comfy for all riders and far better MPG than listed on the sticker. Easily averaged over 30 mpg on the hwy.

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  Amazing - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By itshrd2bcute - December 29 - 11:16 am

  I bought my Saab in June at a reasonable price. About a month after I got it my map sensor went. But otherwise its a great! Car

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  Hot Hatchback - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Aaron Moore - November 10 - 6:01 pm

  I have the 4 door standard transmission version. It is a very powerful car for the price I paid and climate control works great. There are a few interior problems though. The pixels on the head unit have virtually faded away so you cant make out the time and radio stations. Not a big deal though. One other problem is that the driver side door lock made a terrible noise when it locks and sometimes wont even lock when it is cold out. The alarm system works great after learning first hand. Overall no major engine or other mechanical problems.

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  Where have the hatchbacks gone? - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By mc - August 30 - 4:33 pm

  I bought this car to travel to bicycle races. I wanted something fast (turbo), with good economy (my car gets close about 30mpg highway), comfortable, and with ample interior space for two bikes. This car fit the bill. I was surprised by how reliable it has been. I bought it used in 2001, with 30K miles, the car now has 110K, and the only things Ive had to fix are the ignition and serpentine belt. Everything else has been pretty routine (like batteries). An excellent car -- and for some reason, BMW drivers try to drag race my wife when shes driving it .. and theyre surprised when the turbo gets going and she drops them. :)