2001 SAAB 9-3 from North America

Summary:

A piece of junk

Faults:

My head gasket blew at 50,000.

Need new water pump.

Start-up very bad, clouds of black smoke.

General Comments:

A piece of junk.

High repair bills.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 14th August, 2007

2001 SAAB 9-3 9-3s 2.0t from North America

Summary:

Good buy, fun to drive

Faults:

At 62,000, I spun an engine bearing, and snapped a piston connecting rod; if the car was not under warranty it would have been totaled. Saab had my 9-3 for over a month and had to install a new engine. Retail would have cost $8200 for repair, but it was only $82 for the oil change and transmission fluid :P

At 70,000 the fuel pump busted, and had to replace struts, cost $1800.

General Comments:

This car is pretty quick, but can be mean and very aggressive sounding after dropping in a conical cold air intake. 0-60 time is right around 7 seconds, and in first gear at 25mph and flooring it until 45 goes by in less than 2 seconds feels amazing.

2nd gear 47-65 is very fast, great power for overtaking.

70-90 is a bit slower, but still pulls in 3rd gear.

Final gear: 4th (in an auto box) is a bit slower; the car gently speeds up from 100-135 in about 12 seconds of full throttle.

This car is quick for a 2.0L.

The best upgrade for this car is a genuine Saab rear sway bar. It allows the car to handle 4x better and hug turns a lot better... makes the car feel like a wooden roller coaster.

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

Review Date: 1st July, 2007

2001 SAAB 9-3 SE convertible 2.0 turbo from North America

Summary:

Fun, but extremely expensive to maintain

Faults:

Blown motor at 91,000

AC compressor went at 86,000

Fuel Pump had severe leak at 51,000

Bad DICE computer at 42,000.

General Comments:

Car is a hoot to drive, fast, goes like stink and sticks to the road like glue. Cabin is tight, but well done. Engine and systems reliability is terrible for a car at this price point or any for that matter.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 25th February, 2007

2001 SAAB 9-3 5 Dr hatch 1.9 turbo from North America

Summary:

Car has been great... we'll find out now about the manufacturer and dealer

Faults:

Just seized the engine with a low oil pressure problem. My facts sound a lot the same as the others I have read here. The dealer offered that it could be a sludge problem and that, if that was the case, SAAB would stand buy it and replace it. I have serviced the car faithfully and have the paperwork.

After getting it towed in, they looked at it and claimed it was a failed seal at the crank shaft... the car sat in my driveway for a day after it broke down and there isn't one drop of oil in my driveway. They have quoted $5500 for a used engine, $7000 for a short block new engine.

General Comments:

This car was seriously quick and handled like it was on rails...lol.

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

Review Date: 6th March, 2006

2001 SAAB 9-3 Viggen 2.3 HO turbo from North America

Summary:

In one word, sublime

Faults:

Nothing yet. I've only had the car less than two months. I've had it aligned, but honestly, it could have just been my unfamiliarity with torque-steer, a trait this car has in abundance.

General Comments:

I've had 4 other Saabs (900's), two turbo convertibles. This Viggen is by far the most satisfying in every way.

I tell my friends it seems as though I've been driveing a Honda Civic all these years!

The Viggen is aggressive, fast, spry, fun and very, very sexy (triple black).

When I'm not driving it I'm staring at it in garage over a glass of vino blanco.

I've been a SAAB guy for years and somehow only now do I feel a true part of the SAAB family.

Admiteddly, the torque-steer is something to get used to, dangerous even, but everything else else about this Viggen is habit forming.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th December, 2005

13th Dec 2005, 19:01

I purchased a Viggen myself two months ago. Best money I've ever spent. It's a Lightning Blue 99 model. Funny, I rarely experience any torque steer with mine, even with the foot planted. I was going to buy the Viggen Rescue Kit, but even they mechanic selling it drove the car and sait it would be a waste of time and money with the way the car rides now.

If I want to tune it to go a little harder, that might be a different story altogether though.

Superb Car.

13th Dec 2005, 22:50

"When I'm not driving it I'm staring at it in garage over a glass of vino blanco."

I do the same with my 97 Escort... except I drink Baby Duck.

23rd Mar 2007, 16:14

I have a 2001 Viggen, it has 90,000 miles on it, only have had scheduled service other than clutch out a about 50,000 miles, and the front bearing at about 85,000 miles. I had a 1999 9-3 convertible before and never had any problems with it. The Viggen is a far better car for power and overall driving. I have noticed the torque in the steering, but just takes getting used to.