2003 SAAB 9-3 Aero 2.0 turbo from North America

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong yet.

General Comments:

Pros: Good power, nice handling, attractive exterior styling.

Cons: Poor support from seats; they are uncomfortable and the source of fatigue on long drives. Head rests are enormously irritating.

Poor driver ergonomics.

Interior plastic surfaces look like a "Samsonite" suitcase. Quality of materials is far below that found in BMW or Audi.

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

Review Date: 31st August, 2003

3rd May 2006, 05:47

Didn't you notice these things in a test drive?

2003 SAAB 9-3 Aero 2.0 T from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Performance family car

Faults:

Only minor (annoying) problems :

The interior trim has started to rattle even at this early age?

The window seals on the back door let in "road noise".

General Comments:

A wonderfully quick car with the third gear perfect for overtaking. The car handles well as a motorway cruiser or as an aggressive sports car on a twisty road. The brakes are very good and the safety features makes this a logical family car to purchase.

This premium car with its climate control and deluxe leather seats is let down by a cheap (4 speaker) stereo system. Saab needs to address this minor issue if this car is to compete in the premium sector.

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

Review Date: 8th May, 2003

19th Aug 2005, 07:24

SAAB 9-3 2.0T AERO.

Problems encountered to date:

The car is only 18 months old and the rattles and squeaks from the interior trim and doors is driving me to distraction. There is also an annoying rattle from the passenger door locking system. The interior quality looks good, but does not compare with my previous Audi. My only consolation is that other 9-3 drivers appear to be suffering similar quality problems so this is not specific to my car. If anyone has managed to sort a similar problem under the warranty please comment.

Good points:

The Aero is smooth and quick, particularly in the mid range. First gear is a bit short, but second and third make up for this. Does not drive quite like a BMW 330i or an Audi 3.0 A4, in my opinion, but its enough to produce a grin.

The Aero is a head turner, spacious and luxurious with the full leather seats and all the trimmings. If it was not for the bad points described above I would not hesitate to recommend this car to anyone.