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 81 through 90 of 223.00-
Yes, GM ruined Saab - 2004 Saab 9-3
By The Mules - March 29 - 2:36 amLook at all of the poor reviews previously submitted and you basically have my review. I purchased my 3rd Saab, a 2004 9-3 Linear and what a disappointment. I knew GM had more input in this 9-3 than the previous models, but I still bought one. Thats how loyal I was to Saab. Boy, was that a mistake. Ive lost count of the number of times shes been in the shop; brakes, radio, transmission, rattles, doors unlocking by themselves, SID going blank, key replaced, etc., etc... I wish I could tell everyone who is considering a GM...er, Saab to NOT DO IT! Stay away. Dont let the image of the old Saab cloud your decision. PS: Saab no longer makes fighter planes - havent for some time now.
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Must Buy - 2004 Saab 9-3
By Must Have - February 9 - 10:13 pmI bought this Saab last year and I am very pleased with it: Great Value, 30 MPG, turbo performance, great standard options including leather heated seats, traction control and much more...
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Great Car - 2004 Saab 9-3
By Bryan - January 3 - 4:43 pmI bought my Saab 9-3 Linear after driving a Honda Accord for 6 years. I have always loved Saabs. The car is fun to drive and handles beautifully on the road. It is a bit bumpy due to the lower profile and the sport tires. The interior is great, cabin is very aero dynamic with a great sound ssytem and full curtain air bags. Standard with anti lock brakes and stabila-trac handling. This is a great sporty car that appeals to those who want a quality car at a reasonable price that says luxury and sporty.
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What a scam - 2004 Saab 9-3
By mike03870 - December 3 - 10:00 ami have owned a dozen cars ranging from hondas to BMWs and this is the worst piece, least reliable piece of dung I have had the displeasure of owning. The dealer, Gray Blake SAAB in Exeter, NH has been beyond terrific. Very helpful, straightforward and polite. The car is a different story. Within the first 30k miles, the car completely ran out of oil TWICE. I drove this heap for up to 20k miles with NO OIL before the indicator came on. The most frustatrating part of the ordeal has been SAABs absolute refusal at a corporate level to acknowledge this or rectify it. Just Crazy. Stay clear.
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More unique than a BMW - 2004 Saab 9-3
By Cully - December 3 - 10:00 amLook like a BMW, handles almost as well but you wont seen another at the stop light.
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9500 Exciting Miles - 2004 Saab 9-3
By Jwbania - December 3 - 10:00 amVery nice car! Quite a looker both inside and out. Turns heads and gets comments. Great Factory wheels on the Aero! Turbo is fantastic for passing and handling is probably as good as it gets for a front wheel drive factory car. Hand to take it in once for a faulty air valve, but was a minor problem.
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Disappointment - 2004 Saab 9-3
By Philadelphia girl - November 16 - 12:03 amI have been very disappointed with my SAAB. It has had one serious problem after another - malfunctioning electrical systems, computerized keys wouldnt start the car and had to be replaced two separate times etc. The CD player comes on when I enter the car, trunk pops open for no good reason, and the brake lights stay on. The engine light is frequently illuminated on the dash - apparently for no good reason. The electric seat lever allowing access to the backseat broke off and had to be replaced. The car handles well (except in snow), accelerates quickly it is great fun to have a convertible. However, for the price of this car I would have expected greater reliability after one year
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What a Lemon - 2004 Saab 9-3
By Ali - November 14 - 1:06 pmI could not be more unhappy with a car. I had a 2003 which was fine. I traded it for a new 2004. You name it, and it has gone wrong. I spend more time at the dealership than at work. The dealership has been awful, Saab corporate has been awful, and the car itself - even worse. I cannot believe companies can get away with selling such a piece of trash. The transmission does not perform properly, parts keeping breaking inside the car, the windshield wiper motor has blown, the oil pressure sensor has been replaced (and other major mechanical issues). I will never, ever buy another Saab, and probably will never by another GM vehicle because of my experience with this car.
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Good Value - 2004 Saab 9-3
By KCE - November 10 - 2:50 pmBought my 9-3 Aero 4 years ago with 9k miles on the speedo. Now have 81k and Im very surprised at how much I like this car. Its been very dependable, drives great and gets amazing gas mileage. I average 28 miles to the gallon and easily get 33 on the highway. I think these cars make a good value on the used market. Buy a used one with an extended warranty and you wont be disappointed.
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No Swedish Meatball Here - 2004 Saab 9-3
By jasdyer - October 27 - 10:00 amOur Saab 9-3t has far exceeded our expectations. We were looking upscale and wanted some practical returns for an impractical investment. The vehicle safety rating was an attraction and the styling has no apologies to make against the more widely purchased European sedans. The standard-output turbo is plenty,delivering impressive power at the merest punch of the accelerator. The cars handling systems are equal to the control task presented by the surge in power yet not so tight that you feel like you bought a go-kart with leather seats. If you want to say youve arrived but still have a few destinations in mind, you just might be ready for a Saab.
