2001 SAAB 9-3 9-3s review from North America
"Good buy, fun to drive"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
At 62,000, I spun an engine bearing, and snapped a piston connecting rod; if the car was not under warranty it would have been totaled. Saab had my 9-3 for over a month and had to install a new engine. Retail would have cost $8200 for repair, but it was only $82 for the oil change and transmission fluid :P
At 70,000 the fuel pump busted, and had to replace struts, cost $1800.
General comments?
This car is pretty quick, but can be mean and very aggressive sounding after dropping in a conical cold air intake. 0-60 time is right around 7 seconds, and in first gear at 25mph and flooring it until 45 goes by in less than 2 seconds feels amazing.
2nd gear 47-65 is very fast, great power for overtaking.
70-90 is a bit slower, but still pulls in 3rd gear.
Final gear: 4th (in an auto box) is a bit slower; the car gently speeds up from 100-135 in about 12 seconds of full throttle.
This car is quick for a 2.0L.
The best upgrade for this car is a genuine Saab rear sway bar. It allows the car to handle 4x better and hug turns a lot better... makes the car feel like a wooden roller coaster.
Recommended Reviews:
  | 2001 - 9-3 Viggen convertible 2.3 litre B235r Unique, fun to drive, and proud to own |
| 2000 - 9-3 Base 2.0L 185HP turbo A solid car with character, but higher operating costs than a non-luxury car |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| Model Year | 2001 |
| First year of ownership | 2004 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2007 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.0t Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 3/10 |
| Comfort marks | 7/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 4/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 3/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 47000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 78000 miles |
| Date of Entry | 1st July, 2007 |