2003 SAAB 9-3 1.8t Arc 2.0 LPT
Summary:
A design-winner and smooth cruiser
Faults:
Rattling noise came from both the left and the right front doors when driving on bad road surface or using strong bass in the sound system. The dealer tried to fix it, but it's still not perfect. I'll let it to be checked again.
Rattling noise is coming from the glove-box when the interior is cold. It was not fixed yet.
The 7-speaker audio system is very good in the front, but it gives zero bass in the back. I tried the 13-speaker system also and it has the same problem.
Once during a visit in Hungary I could not open the doors with the remote control in a parking lot. I had to open the door with the key and then reset the alarm by removing an electric security plug for a minute. According to the Hungarian dealer it's a problem on the local market and a software update will be sent for cars sold in Hungary (there's something giving a long-lasting signal in the same frequency as the Saab remote control in Hung. and it causes a timeout error in the alarm). But foreign visitors in Hung. must be prepared for this kind of inconvenience with their Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan!
General Comments:
I am very satisfied with the car in general. Design is a winner with everyone, the merlot-red color with beige-leather interior looks really elegant, materials are top-quality, it feels much more sophisticated than BMW 3 series or Mercedes C-class in the same price range. If the rattling noises will be solved it will be close-to-perfect.
Dashboard design is a hit and it reminds on an airplane cockpit. If you don't use your seatbelt then the car gives the same noise as the airplane seatbelt-signal during takeoff and landing.
The leather seats are good, they provide enough support and are good for tall people also - maybe the lumbar support is a bit too short, but it's a problem with all other cars I tried in this size-range.
Ride is smooth, basic 150hp turbo engine provides enough power for everyday motoring and overtaking without sweating, transmission in auto-mode is fine (manual mode is OK, but has not much point in my opinion, only once used in a curvy hillside road), the electronic gadgets (ESP etc.) makes me to feel secure in winter conditions.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 5th November, 2003
4th Nov 2009, 12:00
Am in process of changing my car here it Ireland (Dublin). I have a C Class Mercedes. After reading this excellent article, which answered my questions about the Saab, I'm going ahead with the purchase.