2004 SAAB 9-3 2.8 turbo from North America

Summary:

Very Poor Reliability

Faults:

This car is only 3 years old. The brake pads have been replaced more than any other care I have owned.

My car was recalled for the sunroof. I took it in. It still does not open.

The middle console broke after 2 years.

The air conditioning only works occassionally.

I recently took it in because a light came on reading "Gear Box Malfunction, limited performance, contact Saab immediately" I did. It was Sunday they said do not drive and bring it in on Monday. I did. Apparently my Saab had the wrong computer chip in it, so it was nothing, but a computer malfunction. Except, that was Saab's mistake and I had to take a day off work and pay $125.00 to Saab.

General Comments:

Will not purchase another Saab.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 31st July, 2007

18th Feb 2008, 23:54

That doesn't sound like too bad of problems comparing what I have ran into with Volkswagen, Nissan, and Honda.

11th May 2008, 08:17

I agree, it doesn't sound so bad. The pads you have been replacing have a lot to do with your driving habits. Other issues except the tranny may have been your fault.

23rd May 2015, 17:08

You bought a 2.8 turbo... and you replaced the brake pads more often than any other car... likely you use the right pedal a lot as well, because I've never met a performance car driver who didn't know how to push the right pedal as far as it goes. Good grief!! Pads are a generic item basically, manufactured by limited manufacturers whose product is badged by car companies. If you wore out the brakes... it's because you used them. Also... try a lower gear going down steep hills rather than riding the brakes. Saabs are a heavy car and using a lower gear costs nothing, whereas riding the brakes is... well... just wrong... and wears them out faster.

2004 SAAB 9-3 2.0t 2.0L LP turbo from North America

Summary:

Economical way to have top-notch engineering

Faults:

The parking brake got stuck in the up position, which was a known issue and the dealer fixed it on the spot.

General Comments:

The car is excellent. 2.0t with MT, provides more than strong enough acceleration for any situation, and can give really great fuel economy. EPA mileage on the highway was 34 on the sticker, but I always best it - I repeatedly get 35-36 with cruise set over 70 MPH, and can get 39 with average speeds of 55-65. You really can't beat that, considering the size and power output of this car, which blows away the econobox and midsize offerings from domestic and Japanese makers. And, to be honest, the car didn't cost much more than a similarly equipped Camry or accord after incentives.

You get top notch engineering, top notch safety, up to 18k miles between oil changes (verified by used oil analysis) and an overall wonderful package. highly recommended.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd June, 2006

20th Oct 2007, 02:04

I just bought a 2004 ARC and its really fun to drive and very comfortable and I am 6 foot 4, 215. I love the heated seats and the lumbar support and the comfort. I do wish the seats gave more lateral support when going into a turn, but we can't have everything. I love the acceleration, it feels as though once the turbo lag comes and goes fairly quick albeit, it just takes off, I guess like a jet. Anyway, I look forward to driving it every day and feel it's a very good value for what you get. It is obvious GM has some not so great features in it, but it seems every day I find a new great feature, like the parking assist and the lumbar support and I actually like the quirky cup holder.

Patrick in Puyallup, WA.

17th Sep 2009, 12:38

18k between oil changes will kill that turbo, they are known to go. Even with 5w30 synthetic oil.

17th Sep 2009, 18:45

I agree - 18k between oil changes is asking for major trouble.

I stress 3k between oil changes and I use full synthetic.