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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  The road less traveled - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By waltwins - December 27 - 10:00 am

  Second Saab Ive owned. Very practical, fun to drive, reliable and safe. Will probably buy another one when the time comes.

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  It looks great - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Saabstory - November 22 - 2:00 am

  I want to like my 9-3. The greatest shortcoming in the car is its very very substandard structural integrity. To put it kindly, the car is "floppy" like a recently dead fish. When you are driving on smooth pavement in a straight line, the car feels great. Hit a bump, or take a twisty lane and you notice that the car doesnt feel like one piece. Go over rail road tracks and the car feels very loosely held together. Rattles abound, and electrical problems have plagued mine. That said, the engine is a 10 and the car is very thoughtful. Little things like how it remembers to use the rear wiper when you put it in reverse in the rain make a good impression.

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  Bought off E-bay - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By OB - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Nice styling, car is very fast in stock trim and handles well. Radio/CD player are descent. Ihad problems with paint peeling in the rear wheel wells,exhaust went, and so did the head gasket. I hope these arent common with all of them.

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  Archangels drink tea with Milton Berle - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By egospoon - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Great, except that there REALLY needs to be an AWD version.

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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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  Saab Fun to Drive - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By mattg - August 29 - 2:00 am

  I have a great experience with my Saab 9-3 and would buy another one. Good performance and fun to drive. Poor Gas Mileage expesive repair.

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  Jury is still out - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By prnitz - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I have had his Saab about a month. My last car was a 1999 Toyota Solara coupe. Believe it or not, the Saab after a few years of depreciation was much more affordable than the Solara convertible. Compared to my Solara SE V6 the Saab is smaller, handles bumpy roads worse, has a funky interior lay out, and will not hold its value as well as a Toyota, BMW or Mercedes. On the plus side, it gets great gas mileage (35 on the highway, 30 around town), has great acceleration from the 4 cyl turbo, and has distinctive looks. I am going to like this car if it does not break. If it does, and I find it hard and expensive to fix, I am back to a Toyota.

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  Save big. Enjoy a lot - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By slow - July 4 - 10:00 am

  I was looking at BMW and my friends told me about the Saab Convertible. Great. Same european ride for a lot less and this is unique.

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  Excellent car - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Steve - June 4 - 8:16 pm

  I love this car. Nothing but minor maintenance. Getting ready to do timing chain, but only as preventive maintenance.

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  Motorcycle alternative - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Mid life crisis car - June 1 - 2:36 am

  I bought my 99 Saab convertible as a second car. I brought it to a SAAB only local service shop that has taken care of all the basics. Now, I get to drive. I love this car. It has great pick up, is very comfortable, and is lots of fun. Im not sure about other guys, but this is a great alternative to a motorcycle for me. (I tend to not pay attention when I drive!). Yes, the 9-3 has quirks and leaks, etc. But I am so tired of seeing stupid expensive 323s on the road... and this car is perfect for me.