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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  Best car I ever Owned - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Guyod - March 2 - 2:00 am

  The car has a solid feel to it. This car loves to be driven fast. Its hard to say no. I only had the car for 6 months but I only brought it to the garage once because the brakes were squealing. Turns out nothing was wrong with the brakes but they did replace the SID display because lines were missing(Covered in warranty). I would smile every time i came up to my car in the parking lot or looked at it out my window. I regret wrecking it. Planning on getting a new one when i save the money.

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  great car!!! - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By flcmike - February 2 - 2:00 am

  best car Ive ever had!!

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  Fun!! - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Steve Pfeiffer - January 28 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for about four months and every morning that I get up I cant wait to drive it.

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  Nice ride! - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By cuncannanm - January 9 - 10:00 am

  As I am new to Saab ownership, I couldnt be happier. My little silver baby has plenty of GO - I do a lot of highway driving and can get from 70 mph to over 100 in a blink. The solid constuction feel is impressive. At cruising speed the car wraps itself around the driver, making long trips a joy.

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  Saablover - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Lukas - July 2 - 5:33 am

  Superb dream car! Ive always loved these autos and I was not wrong buying this one. Swedish perfection! No problems at all! I bought it w/ 50,000 miles and now I ended w/ 122,000 - maintenace free w/ oil change. Unfortunately I was rearended by a drunk driver and my passion (Saab) was totaled. The car was totaled but nothing happened to me. I would recomend this car to anybody - simply perfect vehicle, reliable, beautiful, no words...

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  Ill Really Miss this Car - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By RBG - April 25 - 5:50 am

  Purchased new and drove it for 10 years and 187,000 miles. I expect it had another 100,000 miles in it. It ended service prematurely after it was rear ended. The vehicle did its job and all occupants walked away with no or very minor injuries. Thanks engineers and assemblers! Ill really miss this car. It did so many things well-a good blend of design, performance, build quality, economy and utility. And it was FUN to drive everyday. Others correctly point out proper routine maintenance is required. Its not necessarily expensive. Like all vehicles Saabs have quirks and some common part failures. To me they were either endearing or minor annoyances. Im looking for another one.

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  Better Than my Volvo - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By FormerVolvoGuy - December 20 - 2:00 am

  Bought this to be a cheap "around town" car and it has turned into a farovate! Fun to drive and very well built...I hope GM doesnt destroy Saab the way Ford has trashed Volvo. After 9 Volvos, Im a new Saab fan!

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  1999 9-3 - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Heckler - December 14 - 10:00 am

  This car has operated flawlessly so far, except for one issue repaired under warranty (the temperature knob broke).

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  Great car!! - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Grreat - November 22 - 7:20 pm

  This is the best car i have ever owned! It is fun to drive and reliable, there have been no problems

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  1999 9-3 WOW - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By rsbrissett - October 2 - 7:10 am

  I bought off the original owner who was 65 and kept every document. This car is nothing short of incredible! Acceleration is muscle car and fuel economy is frugal. Tensioner pulley seized (which caused serpentine belt to break) and caused the car to overheat for over 20 miles. After replacing the belt and the pulley the car is 100%! I cannot Kill my Saab! It has not let me down and neither will I!