Overview & Reviews

The base convertible has been dropped for this year while all other models get two new colors. The OnStar telematics system and traction control are now standard.

• Comfy interior, versatile hatchback model, torquey turbo motor, quirky personality.

• Controls not always intuitive, offbeat image, severe torque steer in SE and Viggen models.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 66.00

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  Great Fun - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By saabhead - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Have nothing but praise for this car. It is great fun to drive

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  I never thought Id like a Saab - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By Comet335 - July 25 - 9:43 am

  I purchased a pre-owned Saab 9-3 5 door automatic with 79,000 miles on it as a second car. I LOVE IT! I would rather drive this car than my new Lincoln. Great engine, sporty, nice looks. I have only had to replace a sensor ($300) in the engine. Great car for the money.

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  Buyer Beware - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By lotek - April 7 - 3:40 pm

  If youre thinking about buying a 9-3 Hatchback: dont think twice, just walk away. If you work on your vehicles yourself youll end up tearing your hair out because everything in the engine compartment is so poorly planned, parts are hard to find and expensive. Good luck finding a mechanic that will touch it. I bought this car 2 years ago and have had nothing but problems for the last year and a half (and its been well taken care of). There are so many people saying theyre happy I felt it necessary to share my absolutely terrible experience with this car. I find it no surprise Saab isnt around anymore.

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  Could be better - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By vchirico - February 4 - 7:30 am

  going strong after 191000 miles, fun to drive and amazing capacity.The turbocharged engine makes things fun and it is amazing in the snow. Now for the down sides it feels like I am playing wack a mole with all the problems maybe its just the fact it is an old car at this point. I would consider it decently reliable but, the parts feel like there unnecessary expensive compared to cars of the same size. Good car could be better though. if given the decision I would pass considering the company is out of business and there isnt much of a scrap Saab base to scavenge parts.

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  Uniquely Saab- Seattle - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By josh - October 20 - 7:13 am

  We have enjoyed this car for 4 years. We have never had a problem and dont expect one.We drive it in all weather coditions- No Problem. No better investment then owning a ragtop in Seattle. We are considering replacing it with a new 9.3 conv.. Dealership experience has been exceptional. I scratch my head wondering why Saabs depreciate as they do. They are a great buy for the money.If you are a educated and responsible owner and service your car appropriately, as we have, then Saab is your car.

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  Saab never again! Maybe a BMW - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By SergioC - September 24 - 7:56 am

  First the positive on this car. This is a fun car to drive except to the shop or dealing with GM. The turbo charged went bad at 65,000 miles. GM customer service is the worse I ever dealt with it. Now it will cost me over 1,700 dollars on repairs since GM do not want to knowledge of the problem with the turbo charger that it should not gone bad. I am finally give up on this piece of junk and never will buy another GM or SAAB. If you think to buy a SAAB, please reconsider that its a GM product now not a SAAB.

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  Worst car ever - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By stacy - August 29 - 12:23 pm

  I purchased a used Saab that had 35,000 miles when I bought it. In a 2 yr. period it has had approx. $7,000 in engine work done on it and the problem is still not fixed. It doesnt matter how many bells and whistles a car has if it wont run. I am not sure what kind of aircraft this car was born from but I would not want to fly in it. My advice is run, run far away!

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  A great, unique, fun car. - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By SweedFan - August 6 - 8:23 pm

  I have been a Volvo driver since I stared driving and buying cars. This is, in fact, the first non-Volvo I have owned though I have driven dozens of other cars. I can say without hesitation that this is one of the better cars Ive driven. The quality and safety are similar or superior to the pre-Ford Volvos. A great if relatively unknown car. I like this car more than I even expected when I bought it. Unique styling adds to the fun in my book.

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  They were right - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By crabby kaiser - August 1 - 7:40 am

  I cant say I wasnt warned. Other Saab owners had suggested that the car would be quirky and that Saab dealers are generally horrible and expensive. They were right !!! The check/engine electronic portion of the car is horrible. The engine is great and the handling is terrific. The biggest knock against this vehicle is trying to get it fixed/serviced. This alone will keep me from buying another Saab period. Fun to drive, great gas milage wont make up for the persistant problems with the direct ignition cassette (now part of a recall) and the terrible service from numerous dealers.

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  Happy 2nd Saab driver - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By QWK SWD from Md - May 11 - 3:36 am

  "Smooth" is how my 26 yr. old son describes the drive. Excellent metallic paint, even after 5 yrs. Interior stylish yet reserved, high quality but a bit snug for 4 on board. 31mpg on the highway. Distinctive; you dont get lost among the Japanese nameplates on the road. Well built, very reliable. It doesnt break. An 06 9-5 next?