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 1 through 10 of 223.00-
A huge disappointment - 2004 Saab 9-3
By OliverR - February 24 - 9:00 amJust a terrible experience. The car has been into the shop more times than I can remember. A cylinder failed within 6 months, and it was in the shop for 3 days. Then months later it went in for an electrical problem that was burning the headlights out. The cup holder broke, the seat height adjuster broke, the center armrest broke, and it goes on. Just mediocre build quality. We cant wait to get rid of it, which is a great shame. It also doesnt drive very well with excessive body roll, and screechy tires. Its not a drivers car.
-
disappointed and shouldnt be - 2004 Saab 9-3
By whatever21 - September 22 - 12:53 pmbought this one used in 2009. cd player broken. headlight wire harnesses broken. front spoiler fell off. paint peeling on control buttons. comfort fan replaced-$600. driver side spring broken-replaced- with new tire $1000. lock system always malfunctions. key fob disintegrated in my hands. cover on third brake light fell off. seat belt retractor just broke-recall item. i am waiting for the next thing to go wrong and i shouldnt be. the engine has been great. the ride is fun although the seats are uncomfortable. have been able to get good gas mileage 31 - 38 and thats what keeps me in it. if I had to do it over I wouldnt. if youre looking at saab used be careful
-
total disappointment - 2004 Saab 9-3
By cedegirl - June 4 - 10:00 amthis is my 2nd saab. my first saab (2000 9-3) saved my life in a near death car accident, so i replaced it with this brand new saab (and my first brand new car). imagine my disappointment when the gas gauge broke 2 days after i had it, anthor month after that it broke again, then the locks broke and i couldnt shut my drivers side door, then the remote control stopped working, then the black plastic started pealing off the inside console, the gas gauge broke again... then to top it all off as i was going down the highway at 65mph the entire car just shut off - NO WARNING - it just stopped working. the car hass been in the shop 6 times in under 8 months!
-
Unreliable!! Unsatisfied owner - 2004 Saab 9-3
By Saab Owner - February 12 - 5:20 amIve had my car a little over two years and now Ive started to have problems. List of the problems Ive encountered: computer chip in key not working - go to open car and wont unlock - had to get new keys programmed twice, tail lights went out - dealer stated it was due to the lights running all the time, left work one day and car wouldnt start - needed a new battery - dealership claimed it was due to the HOT weather, had to replace all four tires due to tread running thin before 2 yrs. If you have the a/c on high and need to accelerate to get on freeway car has no power... very sluggish. This wknd engine light came on... will take in Monday. Looking to trade it before warranty expires at 50k :(
-
Slow and quirky - 2004 Saab 9-3
By dumpdit - September 11 - 10:00 amI know, I got the Linear and performance could be better, but the biggest downsides of this car are the random layout of the interior controls and the soggy performance and handling. You have to punch, turn turn punch to go AM to FM and the sound is the worst stereo in recent automotive history. The base engine has bad turbo lag and more torque steer than you would like. Better give it some consideration before jumping out in traffic.
-
I Love my car - but - 2004 Saab 9-3
By Joe - September 8 - 12:46 pmI now have a 2004 Arc convertible. I love the car but I want it to behave. I traded a 2003 sedan on the conv. I have put 2 transmissions at 45,000 and 49,000 miles in both cars. If it werent for a great service department at the Saab dealer, I would be looking for another make of car. I hope the last tranny will be the last tranny I need.
-
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
-
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.
-
Thank goodness for my S60 - 2004 Saab 9-3
By luvmys60 - September 8 - 10:00 amI bought a brand-new 04 Saab 9-3 Arc in May and I was happy with my decision. Sadly, too many problems arose including a bad fuel pump - which had to be replaced. Because of the lemon law, Saab bought it back and I switched to a new S60 2.5T which feels better inside, drives the same, and has slightly more comfortable seats.
-
Saab Fun to look at but... - 2004 Saab 9-3
By pup1966 - July 22 - 10:00 amI really like the styling of the 9-3 but unfortunately I dont get much of a chance to drive it. My 9-3 is equipped with the tire pressure monitoring system. It has been in the shop 3 times in 2 months for a recurring problem with this system. Ive tried to work with Saab regarding the problem but they are very uncooperative. Either deactivate the system or get me a new vehicle. They are unwilling to do either. So, everytime I drive it I dont know if I will make it to my destination or if I will end up back at the Saab dealership. Very frustrating for owning a new vehicle.
