2005 SAAB 9-3 Vector Sport review from UK and Ireland
"Mutton dressed as lamb!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Audio speakers have given up.
Support in Drivers Seat.
Rattles and noise from dash.
Various Faults with electronic display.
General comments?
I was very excited about getting this car, only to be extremely disapointed overall 3 Months on.
This car is just not worthy of it's price tag and market description.
Apart from great looks and a "reasonable" driving experience the rest of this car can only be described as average.
The seats are terrible.
There is no adjustment on drivers seat (on this model) for leg support... none at all on front passanger seat!
You can actually feel the metal sub frame through your backside after driving for over 30 minutes.
The interior is made up of poor quality plastics, shiny cheap leather and has a dull, bland and cheap feel about it overall (and already rattles and squeaks like a 10 year old taxi)!
I like the lay out and ergonomics of the dash, but turn on the so called stereo system (the 7 speaker upgrade in this model) and all you get at even a modest volume is vibration from the door bins coupled with a weak distorted muffled mess.
The gear change is not smooth either, especially from 2 through 3,road and wind noise is intrusive, ride quality is not comfortable or reasuring at speed.. I appreciate this car has lowered suspension and low profile tyers so would expect a little more road noise and firm ride.. but the overall experience here is not what I was expecting from Saab.
The frustrating thing about this car is all to evident. saving money, cutting corners on quality and attempting to boost GM'S Bottom line by trying to fool customers into buying a reported "executive sports saloon".. it just isn't!!
It fails in all the basic areas you would expect, considering the price!!
Along side a Mondeo, Vectra or similar it would compare fauvorably as a total package, but only just.
It's not a bad car.. just not what it says on the tin!
My previous car war a VX Signum... this car suffered from, in my opinion, a great driving experience- something I was told I would find in a 9-3, but the cabin quality, build, levels of equipment etc makes my much more expensive Saab, well,..poor.
I hope my 9-3 is just a Friday afternoon job, and someone could restore my faith!!
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 2005 |
| First year of ownership | 2005 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.9 Tid Manual |
| Performance marks | |
| Reliability marks | 5 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 4 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 62 miles |
| Most recent distance | 6525 miles |
| Previous car | Vauxhall Signum |
| Date of Entry | 20th August, 2005 |