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 21 through 30 of 89.00

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  Flying ace... - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By 9 3 owner - June 19 - 10:00 am

  I have a lot of mixed emotion about this car. It can be a pleasure to drive. Acceleration, comfort and feel are all good. It is expensive to maintain and has had its share of minor problems. No major flaws however. The change over to a hydrolic clutch is a vast improvement over the previous model but it still feels like the clutch plate may be small for the weight of the vehicle. i.e. It commonly lugs starting the car on an incline and wants you to feather the clutch out.

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  Like the Saab but must have snow tires - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By snow tires - May 14 - 2:00 am

  I cant believe no one has mentioned how poorly this car handles when there is snow on the roads. I put on some Bridgestone tires, allseason and it still handles bad. Im told you must have snow tires, $1000 dollars. I have never had a car that needs snow tires. Not safe to drive without them.

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  Unique but at a cost - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By JMcN - April 30 - 5:50 pm

  I had read the reviews - kind of all over the place. I decided to have at it and buy a 9-3 as a daily driver. I bought a high mileage 99 base model for a steal. Since ownership, beyond routine maintenance Ive had to do quite a bit of unexpected repairs. The heat stopped working, the fuel pump went, stalling issue due to a clogged fuel check valve. Overall not a very satisfying ownership experience. We just leased a Mazda and will be moving on from this experience. If you like to tinker with cars and have the time and a warm place to fix things when they break in the dead of winter then go right ahead. Otherwise I would caution any family member of mine considering this vehicle.

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  Im Liking This Car - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By J-Lo - November 12 - 10:00 am

  This is my first SAAB and Ive had zero complaints. I purchased a late year 93SE 4DR with the HOT engine and it is just plain cool. Performance is great and after 45K it seems to get better each day.

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  First Time Saab Owner - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Mike S. - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Pros: Great torque to the engine. Good off the line speed. Fuel efficient 30 MPG highway. Differentiated design. Not very many on the road. Fun to drive. Comfortable/firm cloth seats. Better suspension than the 2002 9-3 SE model (too firm and bouncy). Cons: Maintenance work 3 times in 2.5 years. Cheap interior materials. Horrible front seat adjustment handles. Wide shifting between gears (hurts off the line performance).

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  Split Decision - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Gunny23 - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Driving 35K+ per year puts me in the used car category, and I just couldnt say no to the price and great warranty of my 99 9-3. Cupholder in front stinks, but the seats are awesome and highway ride is second to none. I really want to love this car, but a few glitches make it a split decision. Everyone has had the AC knob problem, it seems, and when I had that fixed, the backlights on the SID went out. It doesnt stand up to a 328, but for 10 grand less, I can live with it. If I have no problems for the next year, Ill call it a great car!

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  love my SAAB - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Brian S - March 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought my vehicle used at 30,000 miles, it is now at 65000, and all I have to say is that it is a total joy to drive. It handles like a dream (though my friends get queezy because of the high seating position) and the reliability is great. I have had a ew small problems, but the dealer here in Orlando is totally awesome. I would recommend this car to my friends, and have. The 4cyl Turbo never feels like it is straining to pull the weight of the car, and Ive actually had a friend ask if it was faster than my prvious car (a supercharged 5.0 mustang convertible).

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  I really do like my 9-3 - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Eric - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I use the Saab as my 2nd car and just for commuting to an from work... and for that purpose it really works well. The gas mileage is good (low 20s) and the car is easy/fun to drive and weave through traffic in. I could have purchased a Civic or another comparable vehicle for what I paid for the Saab in 01 but there is no comparison and that was a very easy decision. You get a lot of value for the dollar (if buying used) and that is probably the most appealing thing about this car.

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  Not Worth it! - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By llangone - November 4 - 3:36 pm

  I loved this car when I bought it. For the first 9 months it was great and a lot of fun to drive, then everything went down hill from there. The airbag malfunctioned and required replacement, pullies seized, the top has stopped working. The car looks great, but is not worth the headaches! My husband has sworn off Saabs for our family.

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  Saab Story - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By mtnbound - August 10 - 4:33 pm

  I purchased this car used, in 2002 & I drive Orange County Ca for Sales. Vehicle performs as a Saab should, however I am disappointed by maintenance. Replaced all 4 power windows within the first year, due to a plastic connector breaking, that has no replacement part available At $500/window, not good. SID display replaced in "04. Switched to synthetic oil in "04, seems to start better, run quieter, did not help mileage (24-26) on average. Also had to replace radiator in vehicle in december of 2005. Replaced struts and disc brake rotors, but that is expected with a car of this age. Braking and handling excellent. Love the climate control, but had to replace compressor.