1999 SAAB 9-3 SE 2.0 turbo

Summary:

A bad investment!

Faults:

My A/C stopped working after 2 weeks of getting the car.

Shifter locking mechanism went bad and was replaced at 20,000 miles.

Airbag deployment sensor had to be replaced at 18,000 miles.

Power steering pump began leaking and had to be replaced at 27,000 miles; car had to be towed to the dealer.

A/C stopped working again at 33,000 miles.

Driver's side seat had be replaced.

A/C knob broke and had to be replaced.

Passenger side vent broke and had to be replaced.

General Comments:

This car rides nice. I find the feedback the steering wheel provides is just the right amount.

It's a real shame that this car's reliability isn't better than previous models. I was warned by many of my freinds about buying a SAAB, however, I made the assumption that progress was on my side. I figured that by now SAAB would have gotten things right.

I was wrong!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 4th September, 2001

1st Nov 2001, 18:45

I agree with this review! Almost everything that could go wrong with my 1999 Saab 9-3 has! It is a shame, because the car is a joy to drive. However, this does not make up for the fact that the car has constantly broken down, stranded me, and given me nothing but grief.

28th Dec 2009, 21:17

I wish that I would have done my research long before I purchased my 1999 Saab 9-3. My serpentine belt shredded and my water pump blew this past weekend while I was on vacation. It cost me $1,000 to fix. Wow!!! Right after Christmas. Not good. I love love love this car, but I refuse to keep it! After reading all of these reviews it makes me afraid of what can happen next. Funny thing is.. my car is still 250 miles away at the repair shop. I have to find a ride back down to get it and then drive it back home. I'm honestly afraid it's going to break on the way back. I just hope that it will make it the 250 miles back to my home so I can sell it! LOL!

6th Jun 2010, 09:31

Had a 1999 Saab 9-3 - worst car I ever owned;

1. Air conditioning knobs broke off in my hand.

2. Retractable soft top would stop half way down 50% of the time.

3. If you sneezed, you'd better keep both hands on the steering wheel because it would pull to the left so quickly you'd be facing on coming traffic.

4. The entire car would shake after going over a small bump.

5. Did 0-60 in about 3 days.

The only virtue was that it was spacious. Seats were comfortable.

6th Jun 2010, 21:17

2003 Saab 9-3 Convertible - Best car I've ever owned. Has given me years of comfortable, trouble-free motoring.

3rd Aug 2015, 00:30

Hardly an investment!

1999 SAAB 9-3 SE Turbo Convertible 4 cylinder turbo

Faults:

There are really no bad parts to this vehicle. I haven't had anything wrong with it yet. I truly admire and love this car.

General Comments:

This car is absolutely phenomenal. My Ferrari is not as good as this Saab. The Saab was extremely comfortable. There is nothing like it. Every time I drove by the beach the car turned heads. This car has an amazing performance.

I bought the car for 38,000 dollars as its second owner. I don't know how much the car goes for now. But it is well worth every damn penny. I give Saab a 10 star rating in this vehicle. This is an extremely luxurious and sporty automobile.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th February, 2001

6th Mar 2001, 15:35

I agree with you, the car is phenomenal. The seating is amazing. And the dash looks like a cockpit of an airplane. I own a 1999 Saab 9-3 SE also.

-Sergio D'Ellagucci.

7th Jul 2001, 16:42

You are all right. These Saab cars are the best!

2nd Aug 2003, 06:30

This is my second Saab and it is 1999 9-3 a well made car and very responsive to the drivers needs. I truly love this car more than any car out there around $40k+.

Thanks Saab.

6th Nov 2003, 13:03

I have just bought a 1999 Saab 9-3 se Automatic and collect it on the 14th Nov 2003... I cannot wait!!! Hope the Wind deflector makes a difference!!