2003 SAAB 9-3 Vector Sedan 2.0T

Summary:

Saab will do you right as long as you treat it like a beauty queen, high maintenance

Faults:

Nothing wrong the first year I had the car.

Replaced both sets of brakes ($2,000) last year, and just replaced a bunch of hoses, pipes, and stuff ($900).

Sometimes it seems like a lot of money to put into this car, but I feel it's a pretty low maintenance car as long as I can keep it placated.

It's a very sporty sedan, which is a lot of fun with acceleration... But sometimes I wish the ride was a little smoother.

General Comments:

I love this car. The 9-3 is such a contemporary looking car, even today it still looks like a fine Swedish automobile. It's a shame Saab Automobile is gone, and I hope they are able to re-start in the future.

I often times go back and forth about if I'd buy this car again. When the engine light comes on, I loathe this car. But 99% of the time it is running smoothly, and I accelerate on the highway, a wave of happiness rushes over me.

I would buy another Saab, but I intend on either a Cadillac, Audi, or Volkswagen for my next car.

This is a great, relatively reliable car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th April, 2012

2003 SAAB 9-3 Linear 2.0 turbo

Summary:

Have had this for 8 years, and love it

Faults:

Power windows, CIM module and normal wear & tear - brakes, tires & battery.

General Comments:

Love to drive the car - it has a peppy turbo charged engine, and at the same time is fuel efficient.

The interior is very well laid out, and it has a clean European design, none of the curvy plastic.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 12th September, 2011

2003 SAAB 9-3 SE Convertible 2.0 turbo

Summary:

Absolutely my best purchase... Ever

Faults:

Serpentine belt snapped within two weeks of purchase, wasn't under warranty, but they covered it anyways.

Emergency brake broke after 3 months, still haven't fixed it.

Suspension spring broke under driver's side 2 weeks ago, haven't fixed yet.

Pixels distorted on display screen.

Wasn't given a spare key upon purchase and the key was stolen. Cost $1400 for a new key plus a spare.

SAAB emblems on hood and rear are both faded.

General Comments:

Absolutely LOVE this car, despite the few problems I've had thus far. Very fast moving car that still gets very good gas mileage (roughly 28-30). The acceleration from sitting still is also incredible.

The car is also very sporty, but classy at the same time. I get compliments on my car all the time from both strangers and friends.

Handling is generally very good, although winter presents some troubles because of its high performance tires (I use a winter car instead of buying winter tires, which are insanely expensive). Driving over bumpy/pothole filled roads isn't the greatest either, so I tend to avoid them when I can.

Needless to say, the car was definitely worth the money it cost me on account of how fun and nice looking the car is. I do recommend them, although not everyone may like it (but that's just your problem I guess!)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th March, 2011

12th May 2012, 05:19

With all due respect, I wouldn't consider it a "problem" if someone doesn't like or prefer a particular make or model vehicle - it all comes down to preference, and everyone has the right to choose what make & model vehicle they drive.

As for your particular vehicle, I owned a 2003 Saab 9-3 Convertible for 5 years; it was a nice enough car, fantastic seats, decent power, decent handling, good MPG etc. but on the other hand I certainly have owned much better (many of the issues you mention are common to this model - pixels going out, peeling - not fading, emblems) and IMO the Saab 9-3 Convertible was very overpriced new; nearly $43,000 in 2003. It was plagued with cowl shake, a mediocre stereo (so much so that the CD skipped over road irregularities), virtually no rear visibility with the top up, and barely enough room for my 4 year old in the back seat - in fact I sold mine as soon as the warranty ran out. Does that mean to you I have a "problem" based on my 5 years experience?

Please give us updates as you put miles on your Saab, as it will be interesting to see how it is holding up, and if it proves to be reliable over the long run.

Thanks!