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 31 through 40 of 89.00

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  Love my Saab! - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Russw - September 29 - 10:00 am

  I could not be happier with this car! It fits all of my needs including golf clubs! The performance is outstanding... more than I need... and has great road handling ability! There is a little bit of tourque steer... but after about a week of driving... its not even noticable.

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  A fun grocery-getter - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By MC - September 14 - 6:26 pm

  I bought this car because I wanted somthing to replace my old Volvo wagon, but I wanted somthing that could pass a cadillac in the mountains. This car fit the bill. 32 MPG at 80 MPH, hauling tons of camping gear for two people. A reliable car. Only left me stranded once when the serpentine belt came off at mile 102000. Too bad Saab did away with the hatchback design - this style of car is the most utilitarian (huge storage, great handling, fast, nice looking, and good fwy gas mileage). Because of the turbo and vehicle weight, the city mileage is poor, though.

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  If you can only have one car......... - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By John A, - July 5 - 10:00 am

  Car that finished 2001 UK Auto Club owners survey of two-year old cars in top reliability spot. Hauls e.g. a big wheelbarrow with the trunk closed. Pioneered many safety features and finishes on crash tests. Theyll think you paid more for it than you did. Tops out at about 143mph+ and fun-to-drive. More Saab owners are online than any other car and more own dogs than any other car. More people who test drive Saabs own them than all others. Owner loyalty shows Saab second to Porsche among Euro- car owners and 6th overall.

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  Saab 9-3 Great Car - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Drew - June 30 - 3:20 am

  Bought this car to use to commute 100 miles a day to keep miles off my Audi. Have had two Saabs in the past and this one never fails to amaze me!!! I have over 147k on the odometer and it still starts, idles and runs like a workhorse. Original Turbo still pulls like new!!! Very durable interior/exterior, amazed at how well this car has worn. Only expensive maintenance to date has been clutch replacement at $800 US.

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  Hit or miss with Saabs - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Garry - May 15 - 12:33 am

  This is my second Saab and Im really enjoying it so far. I only spent $1000 on a used 1999 9-3 with 86.5K miles, so the money I invest wont be lost when I resell it. For the money and year Im happy. The engine and body are still in great condition, which may be more of a reflection of the previous owners. Unfortunately Im going to put about $1,500 into tires, struts, and brakes, but that is just maintenance. From what Ive read and researched, it honestly takes a certain person and their individual Saab to enjoy their ride. Either love em or hate em. My experience thus far is love em.

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  Repairs on high mileage 99 9-3 - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By nhundt - December 9 - 2:36 am

  Regretfully gave up my 99 9-3 today. After 136K miles it was costing a fortune in repairs & replacements: fuel pump ($700), electronic ignition computer ($700), air vent selector switch broke nearly 1/2 doz. times. Now the engine gaskets are leaking coolant into the crankcase, front struts need replacing, and soon it will need a new clutch. Some items (e.g. clutch) are expected but other repairs were an expensive annoyance compared to 84 Celica which this car replaced. With my 9-3s book value next to nothing, chose to avoid throwing more $ at this car; I purchased an 08 Civic EX-L instead. Conclusion: Saabs will see hi miles only if you spend big bucks to keep em going.

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  Not for everyone. But for me heck yeah! - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By fl81turbozx - October 27 - 6:06 pm

  1st, let me say, I’m a car guy tried and true. My first love is a z, but this Saab is a blast! I bought the car as a commuter, good gas mileage, convertible, had no idea I was getting a well refined sports machine. I see mixed reviews, and I think saabs get a bad rap from people who dont understand what they are buying. If you don’t know how to take care of a turbo car, don’t buy one. If you want to compromise on maintenance (or if the previous owner did), dont buy one. If you are not enthusiastic about cars in general, buy something else. This car is an enthusiasts car. Its a blast to drive, good gas mileage is a bonus. Im am pleasantly surprised by the 28+mpg.

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  Takes Your Family in Style! - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By slbenz - July 11 - 10:00 am

  Even though I have only owned the car 5 weeks, I have been quite satisfied with its performance, comfort and gas mileage so far. I can easily buckle in two car seats in the rear and still have leg room for my four and two year old boys with no complaints from them.

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  Great all-around car - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By homegirl - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Ive been driving my 9-3 for a year and a half, and must say its a great car. Fun to drive, reliable and has some really neat features.

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  Loved my 99 Saab - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Marie - October 25 - 7:26 pm

  I bought my 99 Saab with 30,000 miles on it, had it for almost 8 years and brought it to the junkyard with 160,000 miles. It was in need of a few mechanical repairs which, although expensive I would have gladly made since I am sure the car had much life left. Unfortunately, the frame had rot on it. I learned a valuable lesson to wash salt off my car in the winter. The car was fun to drive and I will miss it. The repairs are expensive-I almost died when I paid for my first break job. However, the expensive maintenance is balanced by not having to make major repairs. At 150,000 miles I made my first repair-a fuel pump, that cost $900. I always had it maintained by a Saab specialist.