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 71 through 80 of 223.00

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  Super Saabs - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Ory888 - May 9 - 2:00 am

  I love my new Saab 9-3 Linear sedan. It has great pick up and looks elegant. Prior to this car, I had a Saab 900 for many years. They just keep getting better. Saabs are a fantastic alternative to Mercedes Benz and BMW without the higher price tag. It is incredibly fun to drive and super comfortable.

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  First Time Saab Owner - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By BTG - February 18 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Saab....which Ive only had for 3 weeks, but have put over 3000 miles on it already. It performs better than any other sedan that Ive driven and is as much fun to drive as my exotic sports car. Im amazed at the fun factor. The standard tires are inadequate for the winter climate....so Ive already had to change out tires. And even with winter-appropriate tires, the car doesnt handle as well as I expected in snowy conditions. (afterall, Vail and Aspen both use Saabs for their police vehicles.)

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  NICE..... - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By choop - February 1 - 10:00 am

  Since I am a quiet freak, I always avoided convertables but finally broke down and picked one up - and sure glad I chose the 9-3 Areo... Always liked the styling and was very impressed with the quick response, nimble handling, solid (but comfortable) ride, and nice sound system. The manual shift mode really enhances the performance and would challange anyone off the line. I love its unique styling as it offers a breath of fresh air. Another great point is that we can get two full sets of golf clubs with other necessary stuff in the trunk WITH the top down - good luck trying that in one of the competing models...

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  I love to drive this car!!!!! - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By bbelmont-peters - February 1 - 10:00 am

  I had a short list of the Saab 9-3, Jaguar x-type 3.0, Acura TSX, and Audi A4 3.0. I found the Saab had better performance, better handling, nore confortable interrior, and a better value for the dollar. This car is so high tech ...Ill need a college level class to fully utilize all of its technology. I am enjoying it more and more with every mile.

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  Nothing else is even close - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By senko555 - January 30 - 1:33 am

  I am a used car dealer and like cars a lot but cannot compare anything else with my Saab. Bought used one with 60k and now at 120k cost of my repairs are $0. When driving cars like accords or Camry from auctions I just cannot understand way people like them so much. Will never own any other brand for sure. I am sorry to hear that other people have some problems. Just change oil every 8k and transmission oil at 90k with coils and be happy that own one of best cars around. There is no timing belt to worry about either (timing chain) good for life time of vehicle. Still original battery after 7 years and 120k. Last year one Saab was retired because of over 1,000,000 miles. I hope this will be helpful.

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  9-3 Arc 5-speed manual - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By csample - December 26 - 10:00 am

  The manual transmission with the high boost turbo gives you plenty of power at usuable rpm ranges with very little turbo lag. Ive driven several of the Japanese and German competitors (A4, BMW, TSX, etc.). While the handling characteristics dont quite match the german sports sedans, they are still very good and result in a fun car to drive. This car will never be as common as those vehicles either. The interior is quite plush, with all of the expected amenities in this price range. Overall, I love the car.

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  I live in Buffalo and my saab is great! - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Susan G - December 26 - 10:00 am

  With gas prices going up I appreciate the choice I made going with a saab convertible even more. The car is solid, fast and performs great, with snow tires, in the snow. The car is reliable and the gray exterior with tan interior is a killer combination. The sports package is a must. Never got more looks or compliments on any car before.

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  This car rocks - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Susan Johnson - December 21 - 10:00 am

  We test drove everything and without a doubt the Saab Arc was the most fun to drive.

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  11 Months and still loving my 9-3 Linear - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By BrianCA - November 17 - 1:10 am

  Ive had my Linear with the Cold Weather and Touring Packages for 11 months. I love it. The ride is great, it handles like its on rails, and the car turns heads. The auto climate control works very well, and the heated seats are great. I love the auto stick shift. A real thrill to drive. The major problem with this car is the sound system. The base system is simply terrible. I upgraded to the premium system (13 speakers, 350 watts), and it is simply awesome. Saab shouldnt waste time on that terrible base system. Ive had no problems so far, and love this car as much today as the moment I drove it off the lot.

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  Daves Saab - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By D&LG - November 7 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I have owned Saabs for 20 years from the old 900s to the 9000 CDs. Our family now has 3 Saabs and the 2004 9-3 Saab Convertible is the outright best we have ever purchased. This car handles like a dream the interior is even better than the 2003 model for comfort. The only thing I wish Saab would do would be to get rid of the funky cup holder in the dash. With all the features in this car that should not be there. I cant wait to see what comes out next in the new Saab line up. We are waiting for the new 9-7 SUV to come over to trade our SUV. Thank you Saab for an out right fantastic driving experience. Definately fun to drive.