2 Star Reviews for 2002 Saab 9-3

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.53/5 Average
95 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

The base 9-3 three- and five-door models have been replaced by a value-priced SE five-door. High-performance Viggen models get a new interior color and a carbon-fiber instrument panel.

Pros:
  • Comfy interior, versatile hatchback model, powerful turbocharged engines.
Cons:
  • Controls not always intuitive, torque steer in Viggen models.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 95.00
  • they dont make them like they used to! - 2002 Saab 9-3
    By -

    This vehicle has been a nightmare! I have been the only owner, never in an accident and there have been issues from the time it was under warranty. 2 auto windows that broke, 2 ball joints (the same one each at 50K miles), 3 electrical relay switches, head gasket that leaks, radio control display that is not readable and many other problems, on top of routine maintenance! Lemon is what I got, and Saab has lost a customer of 25 years!

  • **CAR IS A SOUR LEMON** - 2002 Saab 9-3
    By -

    I purchased my 02 Saab 9-3 used and right out the car lot, it was problem after problem. It started with having to get the front right wheel bearing fixed, then the right headlight went out twice, shortly after I had to get the heating coil fixed (cold air blowing), then the air stopped working. Car stopped 3 months later on the expressway (found out I needed another fuel pump) got it fixed, 3 months later, I had to replace the Starter, left wheel bearing, control arm & ball joints on drivers side, CV Shaft, Spring Coil Sensor for Check Engine light, Brake Pads & Rotors, but the biggest problem is a Starting Issue. The car will randomly NOT start for about 15 minutes. No one knows why:(

  • Never Again Will I Buy a Saab! - 2002 Saab 9-3
    By -

    My car has only 54,000 miles and the engine is shot. It fell victim to the "Saab oil sludge problem" that so many other 9-3s and 9-5s from this era have succumbed to (Google "Saab oil sludge" and read all about it). Long story short, Saab admitted the oil sludge accumulation is due to an engine defect, NOT consumer negligence, and they "extended coverage" on 99-03 9-3s and 9-5s. What they dont tell you is that youre not eligible for coverage unless you can produce oil change receipts for the entire life of the car. So for those, like myself, who bought their car used, youre essentially fresh out of luck. Its either pony up $6000 for a new engine or scrap it for parts.

Saab 9-3 Reviews By Year:
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