Faults:

Sway bar crunch when hit pot holes. Fixed twice; already recurring once more.

Audio system went out. Dealer supposedly fixed. Went out again same day picked up from dealer.

Transmission slippage (engine rev).

Door locks going doesn't open from inside. passenger side.

High maintenance. Lack of quality dealer/mechanics. You will be

General Comments:

This car is like an injury prone world class athlete.

Like a dime chick with baggage.

The looks will definitely draw you in.

Sport transmission, lets you feel every pot hole regardless of size.

Handles great, ESPECIALLY in snow.

High maintenance for not being a BMW or Benz.

Always something wrong with it. And it's always recurring.

LEMON. Maybe the later models are better.

Spent over 4000 in maintenance cost for various defects.

Don't get 03 model (first year of the design change)

Faults:

Automatic transmission went completely out.

Automatic wipers do not work.

Front fog lights do not work.

Reverse warning sensors do not work.

Soft plastic covering on dash and buttons chipping and pealing.

General Comments:

Do not ever purchase one of these cars.

Faults:

Car moves even with hand brakes pulled.

Hand brakes jammed 3 times until handle was broken.

Hand break fixed at the dealership, car still moves on it's own and bump into a stationary car, insurance pay "me at fault, and dealer refuses to fix dented hood!!!

Power mirror controls are confused to which mirror to control (250$ min)

Driver window does not go up or down anymore, stuck!! window regulator (300$ min)

Black smoke from right side dash board on a hot summer day, then A/C fan stopped working.

Faded handles.

On cold days suspension makes noises; a lot of noises, and CD player skips.

Odometer displays funny looking shapes "don't ask me how" in the summer.

Not sure what the knob in the left side of the driver seat really does!!!

Burnt head light, burned signal light, burned fog light.

General Comments:

Car is quick and handles well.

Very stylish and good looking.

Faults:

Battery at 31,000 miles or almost 5 years.

General Comments:

Purchased car for daughter with extended warranty. Have had virtually no problems with the car and is extremely pleased. The dealer provided a loaner car when she has had minor issues. The car runs perfectly, has great safety ratings, and still looks and smells new. We will purchase another!

Faults:

My SAAB 9-3 Arc has had numerous problems with the windows, the fuel system, transmission, battery, and cheap plastics inside and out. Yet I love the feel for this car when I drive and I am comfortable in the drivers seat--which is saying a lot as I have long legs and do not fit in most vehicles.

Now I have an infant and car seat issues. I have heard that all SAAB 9-3's made prior to December 2003 (including the earliest of the 2003 model year) are missing certain airbag protections that were available in 2004 models. Hopefully this is not true and 2003 cars are not as safe as advertised?