Overview & Reviews
The base model gets restyled 15-inch alloy wheels, while the SE version gains performance enhancements and increased horsepower. The sporty 9-3 Viggen offers even more power, and is available as a five-door or convertible in addition to the coupe. All engines are now LEV compliant and GM's OnStar "Telematics" System becomes optional across the model lineup.
- 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 59.00-
...sad to return car to Saab - 2000 Saab 9-3
By yml - January 11 - 10:00 am13 times in shop in 25 months of ownership. Worst experience ever with a new car -- replaced transmission, water pump, power ant., a/c compressor and hoses 4 times, windows leaked, and on and on... Saab USA finally paid me to return the car. Even with all these problems, it was the most enjoyable car to drive and haul my family and stuff.
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Swedish Sleeper...a future classic - 2000 Saab 9-3
By m11171 - September 3 - 3:10 pmThey dont build cars like the Viggen anymore. This car is an animal, pure and simple. But, with 5-door configuration, I can take my family and plenty of belongings (in the huge hatch) anywhere in comfort and safety. This is a very limited production car. With the right modifications, they can be made into not just fast - but also excellent handling vehicles. As long as you stay on top of maintenance these cars are fun and reliable transportation. The acceleration on this car will shock those who dont know what this car is. This is the fastest car SAAB ever produced, and remains so to this day (Oct 2011). Still, I get 31 mpg on the highway and about 20 in the city. Love it!
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stay away from this car - 2000 Saab 9-3
By Anna - April 4 - 4:30 amI must say , it is a great car if it is drivable. Everything in this car broke, starting with trunk lock and ending with the engine. The extended warranty for oil sludge is the biggest scam. The Saab admits that there is the problem but at the same time they the requirement for the warranty is all oil change receipts from the beginning. I am the second owner of this car. I am missing only 2 oil receipts from the first owner ( 20,000 & 30,000 miles). The Saab Corp. refused to replace my engine because I am missing these 2 oil receipts. The worst service ever. After thousands of $$ I spent on this car , it is a junk now worth $0. I am preparing for a law suit now. Stay away from Saab
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Wonderful Car - 2000 Saab 9-3
By Ted - January 7 - 8:16 pmWhen I went to the dealership, I had no intention of buying a convertible, but the salesman pointed out that I could have one for about the same price, and I ended up buying one. Apparently I have good luck, because I bought the car with 103,500 miles and have had no problems at all. The car is an automatic (I would have preferred a manual), but it is still quite peppy. I install a Saab cat-back exhaust and an open air intake -- this combo has made for an AWESOME turbo sound, as well as increased response. I have been surprised by the countless convenience features of this car - all little things, but proof in the well thought out Swedish design.
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I love it - but be gentle... - 2000 Saab 9-3
By Antoine - January 6 - 11:10 amWe looked for this car for over 6 mos., and were excited when we got it! Wow - what great looks! Rides firm (but not harsh), responsive steering and brakes, and acceleration is phenomenal. With the Viggens torque and horses, you WILL leave cars behind rather easily. However, the car IS rather temperamental and requires TLC. If you drive on other than the SMOOTHEST of roads, youll probably bend the rims, requiring immediate attention so as not to ruin your alignment. Additionally, we just passed 100k, and our water pump, brakes and a/c compressor all went out within 2k miles of each other, amounting to almost $3k in repairs. Be aware - but you can definitely enjoy yourself!
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TIRES AND RIMS BAD NEWS- GREAT ENGINE - 2000 Saab 9-3
By TOM BRADY - November 9 - 2:00 amIm about to turn in my 2000 9-3 convertible after a 3 year lease. Over the course of 32,000 miles, I have been through 7 tires and two rims. Im driving on a rim now that appears to be bent as I have a slow leak in the tire, but at this point, screw up, its to the gas station every saturday for air until I turn it in. Blow outs at the slightest pot hole. I hate to say it but, its the Saab of old. I wont be getting another despite the BEST turbo engine Ive ever driven. Its a shame, if it wasnt for the friggin wheels and tires ( $250 per tire to replace), they would have a repeat customer
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Check Engine Light etc... - 2000 Saab 9-3
By Aspen10s - July 30 - 10:00 amThis car has been nothing but problems! Constant check engine light going on and no answers...needed a new alternator at 30k miles and the interior parts are cheaply made (and are constantly breaking). Very disappointing! Im going back to my Pathfinder!
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Fun to drive no fun on your wallet - 2000 Saab 9-3
By Kabir - July 26 - 7:36 amOwning my Viggen was like being addicted to a drug. You know its bad but you cant get rid of it. It was the most fun to drive car I ever owned. Ive had an older Porsche and many BMWs but the Saab blew them away when it came to fun. I had to replace the engine at 120,000km ($8000repair bill) then a piston went 5 months later. My dad had a 9-5 at the same time and had nothing but trouble also. Stay away from these cars GM ruined them. If you want a Saab look for a pre 1991 model thats when they were reliable. On a positive my Viggen got AMAZING fuel economy for a turbo car. I once got 1012 km on one tank of gas on a road trip.
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MINE BLEW UP!!! - 2000 Saab 9-3
By alber1 - April 17 - 10:00 amThis car has been fun to drive and performs well, but I will never do business with Saab again. I live at high altitude, and my cars engine seized under normal use to what Saab said was "bad gas". They refused to honor the warranty and wanted $8000 to replace the engine in a car I am leasing. Eventually, they fixed it for $1200 but it should have been covered. My case was not an isolated one and the company knew this. Very sickening experience. Buy a car that isnt a GM product.
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Welcome to the State of Independence - 2000 Saab 9-3
By bikeriderk - March 24 - 2:00 amThree letters sum up this car - FUN! A sports car feel in an everyday driver with lots of room. Viggen leather seats are about as comfy as it gets. The real beauty of this car is the engine. Just be ready the first time you put it to the floor, you WILL be surprised at the torque. This car is not for the timid as the torque-steer will keep you in check. As fast as anything you will run into from 30-80mph. Get one and enjoy!
