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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  Great Value - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Dr. Indianapolis - February 19 - 9:16 am

  A wonderful value, handles like a champ in the snow. Very comfortable and fun to drive. Best seats I have ever sat in, HVAC is powerful. Only downside is the interior look (plastic), but that is superficial. Drives fast, turbo is cool, the car is very safe and a winner for value among all other makers (pay more for wood interior and nothing else). Indy Saab on 16th street is a great dealership with wonderful service.

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  Safest Car on the Road!! - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By benji05 - February 16 - 10:00 am

  Just recently I was involved in a 3 car pile up. A teenager driving about 45 slammed into the car behind me and then that car slammed into me. I got out of my car a little shook up and expected my 3 month old saab to be totaled, and to my astonishment there wasnt a scratch or dent on it!! Now the car that hit me and the other car were totally totaled and could not be driven away from the accident! This is the safest car out there. What other car do you know of that can withstand and 45 mph collision without a scratch? I would recommend this car to anyone! It has a beautiful design and flawless inteior. Very quit and great power. and every safety feature is o

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  All is well in Sweden - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By jupp-shannon - January 5 - 10:00 am

  Exterior styling looks extremely sleek from previous year. The interior is extremely comfortable and attractive. Controls are layed out nicely. The mounted steering stero controls are an added bonus. Rear cargo space is ample. Steering and handling is extremely agile and fun to drive. Smooth and quiet at freeway speeds.

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  Wonderful touring convertible - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Bristol - December 31 - 12:10 am

  Very good mileage, extremely high fun-to-drive quotient, intuitive controls, plethora of options at a very reasonable lease or used-car purchase price. Many cold-weather features make it a true 4-season vehicle. Good trunk space for a convertible. Opening/closing top is a spectator event. Auto with manual shifting helps the acceleration and overcomes the lack of low-end torque. When turbo kicks in, the high-pitched whine and burst of speed is exhilarating. Comfortable seating, much-improved visibility. Safety features are industry-leading (popup rollbars, best crash test scores). Rear-seat access is improved, although seating is tight.

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  great car - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By carol - November 29 - 10:00 am

  It has been a great car to own with little or no problems.

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  So far, so good. - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By JK - November 13 - 11:13 am

  Picked up a 9-3 from the factory in Sweden. Highly recommended for the experience and the savings. I compared the 9-3 to the Audi A4 and BMW 3 series. Ultimately chose the Saab because I knew friends who loved their Saabs and my previous car was an entry level model that got me in to a nicer car, but lacked most of the features which makes driving nice cars worthwhile. With all the options I wanted the other cars were close to 40K, e.g. real leather is an pricey extra on 3 series. The 9-3 Arc with nearly all the options came in just above 30K. So far I love it, the only thing that worries me is finding a good mechanic in a couple of years when things inevitably break.

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  Very Impressive - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Stevenml - October 28 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful car to own -- quiet silky ride, great passing power when you need it, very sporty looking too. For 10 Grand less than a BMW or Mercedes, which I also drove, the Saab is a steal!

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  Best car for the money - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Kenneth James - September 18 - 12:16 pm

  The drive is the experience for the love of driving with the handling and feel of the car is unexplainable. You just drive this car once and you will understand my delight with driving this car. So, give it a test drive and make the decision for yourself and appreciate speed and comfort of a once in a lifetime automobile.

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  Good performer - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By SAB - August 24 - 10:00 am

  It was either a beemer or a Saab and I chose the Saab 93 with every option that came with the aero...I have no regrets, I used to own a 2001 95 Aero and BMWs before that, but I wanted something smaller and more agile. The car rides great, a little stiff around town but its tight around corners, there are small build issues inside the car but they are very minor, over all I really like the car and I think I made a sound choice.

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  Quirky, but awesome! - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By DaveM. - August 14 - 8:26 am

  I looked long and hard - BMW, Mustang, A4, Mini - the Saab ultimately was my favorite. I call it my Sensitive Swede - Ive a handful of CELs, etc., (be sure to turn the car off when gassing up) but the dealer has been great, and even proactive with replacing some things. That said, what a ride - FAST, handles well, very comfortable. Beautiful design, great lines. I receive many compliments. This is a very sophisticated car, and daily I discover something new that impresses me.