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 1 through 10 of 89.00

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  Approaching to 80,000 miles - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Reiley - September 29 - 8:06 pm

  Mechanically to date, I dumped close to $1,800 to replace the coil pack(s) that went out. And thats it. No other mechanical problems. And with Saab labor at $110/hour, thank God. Have maintained the car in accordance with the manual and it runs great and still smells new. Steering is a bit stiff in the morning on cold days, but once it warms up, is fine. Car is depreciating in value a little quicker than I thought. Every Saab mechanic swears about the cars long-term reliability, so Im hoping to get at least 200,000 miles on my 99 9-3SE although I hope GM doesnt mess with the company to the point that Saab doesnt maintain its independent identity.

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  Looks are not everything - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Hobbs - April 5 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Saab 2 years ago becuase it had good reviews but ever since it hit 50K miles everything and anything has started to go wrong with it. Performance wise the car is great but as far as interior creature comforts there really are none. Major complaint is with the engine components mainly ignition, Ive had to replace the chip that controls the ignition twice in 2 years and Saab wont do anything about it. In fanla car looks great but its cheap under the hood and inside.

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  Run From Saab - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Rotz - January 18 - 12:46 pm

  Here is my SaabStory... I bought his car because my sister had a 1985 900 for 10 years which was bullet proof. Against everyones suggestion, I bought this 9-3 because; 1. It is not BMW 2. Great styling 3. Good performance 4. Good value. Right, Right, Wrong, Wrong. So I am batting 50%. This car has been a nightmare. I bought it with 30K on it. Since then, it has cost me $200 per month in maintenance. Saab and their dealers have been responsive, but only with the phrase "No". Whats gone wrong? Air bag sensors, Electronic Discharge Unit (car doesnt run w/o it), head gasket and turbo and transmission is slipping. There have been a few others. This car looked to be in perfect condition.

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  Stay away!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By psaul - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Purchase 99 conv w/50K miles. spent $4500 replacing coil pack, conv top pistons, water pump and trip computer. Requested "good will" assistance from Saab and denied because 12 months our of warrentee. Internet forums indicate quality problems with Top and Trip computer and coil pack. Please stay away.

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  Almost A Great Car - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By srotzin - March 9 - 8:46 am

  I bought this car in Nov of 2002. Off lease, it was in perfect condition. However, for the past two years the car has been slowly drifting into maintenance hell. Airbag sensor going out, electrical discharge for distributor going out, little plastic stuff breaking and for the finale... at 60,000 mi a head gasket and turbo. Yep, a $3,800 repair at 60,000 mi. While out of warranty, I thought a call to SAAB USA was needed. No cars head gasket and turbo should go out at 60,000 mi... they have been dragging their feet and wanting every detail as to oil changes and the like. There is no doubt, they are balking. As the transmission begins to slip, I am going to sell it for scrap and buy a real car

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  Disappointing Experience - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Seb1 - December 7 - 10:00 am

  While this car is unique and generally fun to drive. SAAB did not get it all right by any stretch. Very annoying turbo lag makes normal city driving tedious. Interior finish is poor. Cup holders dont work. Nobs and controls tend to come off. Visibility is not good. Suspension is very soft for a car that pretends to be high performance. Would not recommend this car. But dont take my word for it look at the depreciation that these cars suffer! We bought ours for $28k in 1998 it is now worth $11k as per Blue Book in private party transaction. In any case take advantage of the lease offers.

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  Run, dont walk away from this car - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Pamela - January 27 - 3:40 am

  We bought our 1999 9-3 Saab with delight after a lot of research. It had 29,000 miles on it and we got a good deal. We have spent thousands in repairs on this car. The quality is terrible, with major parts wearing out and NO warranty to cover the expenses. We thought Saabs are good quality cars, and that is simply not the case here. Run, dont walk away from the 1999 Saab 9-3!