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 11 through 20 of 223.00

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  One of the better cars for the money - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By bnkharris - November 4 - 10:00 am

  I traded a 2000 Volvo S40 for this Saab. My first choice was the all new S40, but noticed a little more turbo lag than Id have liked, and they are not yet available with manual shift. For the price difference with options the 9-3 is a no brainer coupled with the deals and incentives offered. Its got to be one of the best values out there for this price segment. Nice looking, fun to drive car with lots of safety features.

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  So far so good! - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By AlamoSpear - September 28 - 10:00 am

  Purchased my 9-3 used with 4,800 miles on it (9,000 now). I assume that it was traded in because of the rather harsh ride (my previous car was a MBZ 300E), especially given the poor condition of the roads around here. But it is a blast to drive - quick handling and acceptable acceleration with only 170HP. Love the exterior design. The enterior is minimalistic - very European. Trunk is quite large given the overall size of the car.

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  Im totally a snaab now. - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Sean - July 6 - 12:06 am

  I bought this car used with 43,000 miles on it. I did a lot of research into Saabs, Volvos, and VWs before I decided to purchase this car, and believe I made a very good decision. I have had absolutely no problems with the car other than normal wear and tear issues (new front brakes/pads, new tires) and it has totally exceeded my expectations. It handles great in all types of weather and has only gotten stuck in the snow once. I have never felt safer in a car, and even though its kind of a little guy, I feel like I have a substantial car around me when I drive. I would recommend Saab to anyone as long as you get a good dealership to take it to for service.

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  Pleased with purchase - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By William - April 18 - 11:56 pm

  I bought this car used off a lease with high miles - 75,000. I have had no problems with reliability so far - crossing my fingers this doesnt change. I only drive about 5,000 miles a year, though. Handling and braking seem pretty good. Im happy with the acceleration though sometimes turbo lag is quite evident. The car is also pretty comfortable and has more room than my friends with 3 series and a4s.

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  saab love - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By bozotheclown - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. Its great and the dealership in Skowhegan Maine was awesome to deal with....

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  Depriciation, Depreciation, Depreciation - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Snaaber - June 10 - 10:00 am

  Its a very nice car, however, be ready to be hit with a ton of depreciation once you try and get out of it. Ive had a number of Saabs over the years. Your new car will be worth about 33% of MSRP for trade-in value after four years. Even if you get a significant discount of $5,000 or so, the car will still depreciate by $17,000 in four years! When you think about Saab, just say depreciation...plus you can think of Saab as GMs replacement for Oldsmobile. Im sure that will help too.

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  Swedish bombshell - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By finklejag - May 9 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my 9³ for seven months now. It been really good to me. I have had some rattles that were fixed when I brought the car in the dealer. The engine is the strongest part of the 9³. SAAB has hit a homerun with the 2.0T. The engine has a large powerband. If you are driving in the city or on the freeway. The power is always there. My last five cars were VW/Audis. I traded in my 2003 A4 for the 9³. I had to get use to the Swedish layout of the car. I think every button and knob is in the right place. I get way more compliments with the 9³, then I ever got with the A4. I love how there is not a 9³ on every corner like the BMW and Audi.

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  "Have a bad hair day" - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By dog doc steve - January 6 - 2:00 am

  A really understated and fun car to drive. I put the top down and leave NYC in this car and leave all the city hassles behind (assuming no traffic).

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  Great Rag Top - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Lazzlo Potts - November 19 - 2:00 am

  This is my third Saab (um GM) in a row. I am one of those SAAB enthusiasts that has not had a lemon yet. A great improvement over the last 98 900SE convertible I leased. This car will grow on you as you drive it more.

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  A happy Saab owner - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By kukusa - October 10 - 9:58 pm

  I feel very sad to see Saab went under. Its probably not surprising because today every car maker is going mainstream and the only way to survive is to get bigger, which Saab failed to achieve. But Saab definitely didnt fail to make a solid and sporty 9-3 convertible. They dont drive as well as a 3-series, but not off by much and the car itself is much, much more special. Not the mention the excellent value. Buy yourself a gently used 9-3 rag top today and find a trusted Saab shop, it will bring you years of happy top down motoring and attract lots of envy eyes.