1999 SAAB 9-3 review from North America
"What a GREAT car... even if it does break a lot"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The ignition module and the fuel pump have failed. also, the SID (SAAB Information Display) in the dash and the power antenna have gone on the fritz.
General comments?
They say that "those who test drive a SAAB, usually buy one." I now know why that's true.
The reality is that SAABs are not the most reliable cars on the face of the earth. that's why god made Toyotas (which, BTW, are generally hideously boring).
BUT...at the same time, the 9-3 is an incredibly well-engineered and well-designed car. it's fast, comfortable, practical (gets 30+ mpg and can fit an entire bedroom set), FAST (!!), really safe, and unique. by the way, it's fast, and gets great mileage. it also has (w/ the seats down) the biggest cargo hatch I've ever seen. it's a wonderful car, mechanical foibles notwithstanding.
Put me down as a SAAB apologist; occasionally it lets me down; but when it works, it's wonderful.
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| Good car |
|
| Love Hate Relationship |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1999 |
| Year of manufacture | 1999 |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2006 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.0T Manual |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 5 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 10 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 9 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 74000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 130000 miles |
| Date of Entry | 1st December, 2006 |