2003 SAAB 9-3 Linear review from North America

Transmission 'slippage' during shifting AKA "engine rev" - dealer attempted repair via SAAB recommended software download.

Transmission 'slippage' during shifting AKA "engine rev" after repair attempt. Dealer replaced transmission valve body.

Front SAAB emblem peeled off in automatic car wash.

Rubber on door handles peeling.

Plastic/rubber on dash excessive wear and scuffing.

Rear SAAB emblem peeled of in automatic car wash.

Front plastic spoiler pops off on right front occasionally.

Information Display on dash 'fried'. Spewed black smoke with acrid electrical smell. Part on order for 3 months. Never received.

Front suspension groaned and creaked excessively in cold weather until car had warmed up for about 20 minutes.

Miscellaneous interior plastic parts ill fitted, frequently popped off.

Periodic hard starts with sputtering.

Transmission acting up again (return of the engine rev)

I really enjoyed this car for about a week. Unfortunately it quickly turned into a nightmare. I use my car for business and clients often commented on the cold weather groans and squeaks and the engine rev due to the faulty transmission. I was actually with a client the day the dashboard information unit went up in smoke. My dealer specialized in used SAAB's and has been little help. I traded the car in to a different dealer last week (no, not a SAAB - never again) after owning it 8 months and made them aware of the litany of problems. Can't wait until my ex-dealer calls to tell me the info display has arrived.