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 31 through 40 of 223.00-
Super Fun, but a little rattly. - 2004 Saab 9-3
By COGuy - December 10 - 10:00 amIve put about 1700 miles on my new 9-3 in two months. Very responsive, fast, corners great. Very slight turbo lag, but 5-speed overcomes this. Back seats are a little small, especially for a baby seat (passenger seat has to be fairly far forward). During the 30-day checkup, I had them check out a "clank" noise from the front axle, but they could not duplicate the noise. Seems to happen whenever I back out of the driveway in the morning. Ive also recently discovered strange rattling/buzzing noises coming from inside the door panels when going over 20 mph.
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Happy camper in Wisconsin - 2004 Saab 9-3
By sdettmann - November 25 - 4:43 amPurchased used (off lease) late in 2008 when Saab looked like it might not survive. Great buy. Car had been very well cared for, and dealer was able to provide a complete service record. Car is solidly built and remarkably quiet with the top up. While no sports car, it is quite peppy and fun to drive. Some turbo lag, so it is important to keep the RPMs up around 3000 if you want to go fast. Comfortable interior in the front. I am 62" and have plenty of room above my head, even with the seat elevated to its highest position. You can put adults in the back seat, if they have no feet or legs (good for children in car seats though.) Have driven the car 30,000 in two years, with no problem
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Not like all the others - 2004 Saab 9-3
By jag2 - October 29 - 10:00 amI was in the market for a "near luxury" sedan to replace my 98 Audi A4. Since the new Audi A4 3.0 is close to, and can exceed $40k, I looked elsewhere. My parents had a Saab in the early 80s and I always liked its uniqueness. The 9-3 Aero definitely has Saab uniqueness. It is surprisingly quick for a 4 cylinder, and the turbo lag is quite minimal. I particularly like the styling and I am glad Saab did away with the hatchback. The interior is very comfortable and the car handles very well. The suspension is stiff, so if you want a softer ride get the Arc.
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The Best Kept European Secret - 2004 Saab 9-3
By William Moore - September 27 - 2:00 amThe 9-3 is fun to drive,safe, envirometally resopsible.The 9-3 is tastefull in design, subtle without being over-the-top.The interior is clean and functional.A great value...just a great car!
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Test drive one, and yes you will buy one - 2004 Saab 9-3
By davejobes - August 10 - 10:00 amDefinately a "state of independence"! I test drove a lot of cars (BMW, MB, VOLVO, etc...) and was not impressed with any, until I drove the SAAB. The mixture of Swedish (scania) and american (GM) input refine this to be a joy to drive. Being a mid-30s anti- conformity punk, I was even considering the Mitsubishi Evo-8. I would have bought the EVO-8 if I was 25. I probably would have purchased the Benz if I was 50. The SAAB is the happy-medium between the Evo-8 and the C-230. I have a luxury car that will still hit the off-ramps at 70mph
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My first "baby" - 2004 Saab 9-3
By JerseyMandy - August 10 - 2:00 amI got the Vector model (but thats basically the Aero...right?) last March and have loved every minute of it. Its my first car and I love it so much that once my lease is up on this one, I know that Ill be getting another Saab. Its so much fun to drive and its such a pretty car. I had a little fender bender with another car and came away with not a scratch on it! I feel sorry for the people in those boring cars that it seems like EVERYONE owns. The Saab is definitely one of the best cars on the road! Plus, just being in it makes you feel great!
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Happy as can be - 2004 Saab 9-3
By Branden - July 30 - 10:00 amThis is a great car. The autostick works like a charm. The only concern which is minor is the amount of brake pad dust that accumulates on the wheels. But hopefully that will go away as the brakes wear in. The 9-3 cost thousands less than a comparable A4, 325 or S40, and the insurance was cheaper too!
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Great Car - 2004 Saab 9-3
By Joe Ausanio - April 19 - 7:43 pmI have always been a Honda owner, i went to drive this car cause my friend said worked at the dealership..I remember Saabs as boxy looking doofy cars...I get a lot of compliments on this car.. Its lines are better than the BMW 3 series and the Mercedes Benz series.....It has performed better than i expected and the turbo engine is plenty fast enough....This car rocks
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We love the Saab Arc - 2004 Saab 9-3
By boltonr - April 10 - 2:00 amCar delivered in flawless condition. No problems at 2K miles. Performance with 210 hp engine is fantastic; torque peaks at 2500 rpm and you feel it. Awesome brakes like BMW, but better and vented all around. Ride and handling with the 16" wheels is just right, not too soft (15") or hard (17" on highway). Interior is like Swedish furniture; Arc is much nicer than the Linear. The Arc is a bargain compared to competitors; looks great in black/parchment. It has more equipment and space than others, and costs much less given the equipment we got. Dealer gave us a great price, treated us very well. Economy is better than the others at 20/30.
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A real Saab Story - 2004 Saab 9-3
By monpuss - April 3 - 2:00 amA Head turning Rag Top with real get up and go. Looks good, drives great, and with the top down, cant be beat.
