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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  Lori - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Lori2 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Great car, reliable, and fun!

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  Love It! - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Scott - August 24 - 2:30 am

  I had an accident in my Saab. Since then I have sworn that I will never drive anything less! A guy did 35 MPH into my back end - never hit the brakes! I have two young children, who were not with me at the time, but had they been, they would have been ok!

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  1999 Saab 9.3 - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Garth de Leon - July 3 - 10:00 am

  Purchased used @ 34,627 miles. Service and reliability has been superior to all other previously ownesd Saabs ... To date considered excellent overall!

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  BEST ALL AROUND CONVERTIBLE - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By JOHNG.. - June 25 - 10:00 am

  I LOOKED AT EVERY CONVERTIBLE ON THE MARKET. THIS WAS FAR AND AWAY THE MOST WELL-ROUNDED CAR OUT THERE. PERFORMANCE BACK SEAT ROOM, TRUNK ROOM, LOOKS, PRICE.... IT HAS IT ALL...

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  99 Saab 4-Dr Turbo Hatchback - the best! - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By D Haverkamp - November 4 - 6:36 pm

  This is my fourth Saab, and it has been the best so far. The construction is solid, with very low road noise. The seating is comfortable both front and back. The handling is tight and reliable. Visibility is excellent. The original sound system still sounds as good today as when I bought the car new. Mileage has also been good--- about 32 mph on the highway, around 24 in-town.

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  9-3 Saab 6 years later I still love it! - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Heather Walker - June 4 - 12:26 pm

  I bought my Saab used, it was a certified Saab with 30k miles. I have driven it all over the east coast, from Wisconsin to FL. I also drive it everyday to work. Fun and reliable, what more can you ask for from a car?

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  Style and Value - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By jrobinson24 - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Being a SAAB fanatic (owned 88 conv., 95 900SE), I was looking for a reasonably-priced used sedan. 9-3s offer great value and lots of style, comfort, and power. 4-door hatchback offers tons of cargo room (please bring it back SAAB!). Automatic requires a heavier accelerator foot to get it moving, but when turbo kicks in it has great power! Lots of nice interior features to make you think you spent a lot more on the car. Reliability has been good, and SAAB service is great - if needed. I highly recommend this car, although performance freaks may want to grab the HO version that came out later in 99 with 200 vs. 185 hp.

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  My 1999 Saab SE 4 DR GREAT CAR......... - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Helae - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Great car really reliable, fun to drive, really fast looks classy design, and original Saab interior confront, middle location ignition, and window gizmos are great . Really original and rare, I am a Saab enthuses for now on !

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  By Far The Best Car I Have Ever Owned! - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Melinda25 - November 9 - 8:43 am

  I purchased my 1999 Saab used and with high mileage(113,000 miles)in 2007 when my Audi broke down. Since buying my Saab I have only had to replace the idler pulley and belt($320.00 which included towing, was my mechanic not Saab "expert" mechanic and nearing the end of 3rd year of ownership) and do regular maintenance on it. About 1 month ago a stolen car him my mothers parked Volvo at 40+ mph causing the Volvo to hit my Saab that was parked about 1 foot in front of it. My mothers Volvo was totaled, it folded in the front and back, however my Saab drove away from the accident with only $43.00 in damage! I would recommend this car to anyone! My mother is actually looking for one now.

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  Swedish Solution - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By ernst - September 29 - 10:00 am

  this is the car for the 21st century blahs!..its exciting to drive because it hugs the road and wants to be driven! Its exciting to look at as it has its own unique styling unlike all the rest!..people take notice of it immediately ..they know quality when they see it!..with the top down you can be a kid again!..its all there and its made in Europe by persons who still care for design and quality and workmanship!..what more could you ask for?.....