2003 SAAB 9-3 Linear review from North America
"A fast and sexy piece of junk"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Handbrake failed twice.
Sunroof serviced 3 times still works intermittently (doesn't always close).
Excess paint chipping on hood.
Odometer and speedometer stopped working while driving.
Break failure, pedal sank to floor.
Steering column locked while driving and turning across oncoming traffic. Restarting car cleared the problem (?)
Low Oil pressure warning.
10-20 various warning messages.
Door handle color fade.
SID (on-screen display) failure had to be replaced.
On-star was flaky and intermittent.
Seat belt safety recall.
6th CD slot doesn't work on really cold days.
Break squealing.
General comments?
Exceptional performance/luxury for money.
Most unreliable car I've ever owned. Has a total of 60+ days in service in just over 1.5 years of ownership.
Excellent headrests.
It appeared that service struggled with this car due to having to work on a new make/model that was unfamiliar to them.
If a part was required, had to wait up to 7 days for it to arrive from Sweden.
Tried to get it declared a lemon and a decent trade-in from manufacturer. Denied, told the car was still under warranty.
Recommended reviews
  | Never purchase major buys on impulse...I'm paying for that mistake with this car |
| This was my second and last Saab |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model Year | 2003 |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.0t Manual |
| Performance marks | 10/10 |
| Reliability marks | 1/10 |
| Comfort marks | 7/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 5/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 3/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 700 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 37000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Honda Civic |
| Date of Entry | 15th September, 2005 |