2001 Saab 9-3 Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.40/5 Average
66 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

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.

Pros:
  • Comfy interior, versatile hatchback model, torquey turbo motor, quirky personality.
Cons:
  • Controls not always intuitive, offbeat image, severe torque steer in SE and Viggen models.

User Reviews:

Showing 41 through 50 of 66.00
  • My Little black Dress that i just can help but love - 2001 Saab 9-3
    By -

    Well to start of it is a 2001 Saab Viggen and i adore this car. Yes as with most cars stuff has broken or has gone wrong but nothing that if u know how to use the internet can easy be fixed for a cheaper price. well this is my Second Saab 9-3 and my first Viggen. I love the car for its low stance its after market rims and the most important that tiny coke bottle displacement engine with its shop vac sized turbo. I dont drive it hard cuz it gets noticed more going low and slow witch is what i like (less speeding tickets) but out on the high was its stable, flat and has more than ample power for passing. but like all Turbo engines the best bet is to change your oil every 4000km with synthetic

  • Best Car I have ever owned...awesome - 2001 Saab 9-3
    By -

    Great Car! It is the best car I have ever owwned. Trully awesome.

  • Mixed Feelings - Saab Enthusiast - 2001 Saab 9-3
    By -

    While I am a SAAB enthusiast, I have been less than enthusiastic with this car. When purchased, the vehicle was in good condition and looked over in Denver. However, within months I was repairing. Some cosmetic - totally my prerogative, and others necessary. Heres the necessaries: 1. Fog lamps cracked on the highway - design flaw of glass with no protection. These are $200/ea 2. Water Pump + hosing 3. Serpentine belts 4. Multiple headlamp halogens & multiple brake pad sets (I drive 5600/yr) 5. Engine Mts., Trans. Mounts 6. Front Wheel Bearings (under 70K) 7. Window motors + mechanism 8. Hydraulics for the top 9. SID re-manufactured 10. Mass Airflow meter It feels like a $$ pit.

  • Fun. Practical. Unique. - 2001 Saab 9-3
    By -

    Base model has power to spare and turbo is a rush. Car merges practicality (safety, mileage, storage capacity) with pure fun. Car offers unique styling and near-luxury for the price of a boring Japenese family sedan.

  • VROOM with ROOM - 2001 Saab 9-3
    By -

    Excellent car, VERY stylish. Good handling and comes with enough space to actually be useful. Highly recommend it. The cars looks better than most in its class.

  • 2001 Viggen - 2001 Saab 9-3
    By -

    Simply a great car.

  • Fun, But look out! - 2001 Saab 9-3
    By -

    The Viggen is a joy to drive, just know that gear selection is very important as turbo lag can put the unwary in precarious positions in a hurry. Watch out for the expensive wheels, they are easily bent. The wheels are not cheap to replace. In 20,000 miles of city driving Ive had to replace 4 wheels. If you buy a Viggen, for Gods sake, get plastic impact covers for the fog lights and the headlights, it costs more to replace one headlight than the entire windshield. Performance-wise the car is a joy but requires much of the driver. The Viggen doesnt suffer so much from torque-steer as it does an exceedingly light touch when hard on the gas.

  • Love to hate it - 2001 Saab 9-3
    By -

    I wont buy a Saab again. The only reason I bought it was the unique style. I bought it new and it has been in the shop MANY MANY times. Now that it is out of warranty, its becoming quite annoying, but its paid for, and the repairs are cheaper than a car payment. Saab has lost its style. The new ones look just like Audi and BMW. Too bad, unique style was the only thing going for it. Anyway, beware if you buy. Many quirky problems, hard to find & expensive repair shops. Oh, and the car really depreciates which is another reason I havent ridded myself of it yet... cant bear to take the loss. I would only recommend this car if you have a reliable car to drive while its in the shop!

  • Pretty Happy - 2001 Saab 9-3
    By -

    I bought my 9-3 in October of 2001. We got no snow, so I didnt get to test out the TCS. I love the exhilerating performance!!

  • Stalwart - 2001 Saab 9-3
    By -

    After 8 largely trouble-free years I felt its time to give this car its due on Edmunds. Its best features are the fun factor - great responsive motor and handling, classic styling (the newer cars have become too homogeneous), and reliability which is surprising for Saab. There have been a couple costly part replacements, but over time thats to be expected. Its certainly been more reliable than our 05 Toyota Sequoia. After 8 yrs my eyes have begun to wander to possible replacements (e.g., M3), but the Saab keeps running strong, and if I "traded up" I suspect Id miss the Saab more than Id like the newer car.

Saab 9-3 Reviews By Year:
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