1999 SAAB 9-3 SE

Summary:

Once I loved it, but it is fatally flawed. Saab Engines Fail, Saab Fails to Care

Faults:

SID pixels blew at 20,000.

Turbo Failed at 51,000.

Engine seized and failed at 53,000.

General Comments:

I once loved this car, as did I love the 900s I owned. Now, my love has turned to hatred and anger- towards SAAB USA, GM and my local dealership. SAAB admits to a fatal design flaw with their engines, but refuses to accept responsibility for 1999 9-3 SE. They tell me it is not covered by their "recall." I've maintained the vehicle above and beyond manufact. specs, but GM does NOT want to have to deal with their mistake. SAAB OWNERS REVOLT! CLASS ACTION SUIT! Please contact me if you have had sludge problems.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 11th March, 2005

14th Apr 2005, 01:27

My 2000 Saab 9-3 lost oil pressure and started knocking just a few days ago. Not knowing of any special programs and beliving that my car was out of warranty (61,000 miles), I had the pan pulled and the pickup screen cleaned at an independent repair facility. The engine still seized. I went to the Saab dealer after reading about the sludge problem on the Internet. I was told that the sludge program only applies to original owners. I called customer service and they have agreed to look at my car. I'm nervous because I had the pick up screen cleaned and I think it may affect my claim. How many of these things are in this condition? Please help.

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1999 SAAB 9-3

Summary:

A safe, utilitarian, luxurious, sporty, good looking, price effective sanctuary

Faults:

Nothing, except the a/c read out is kind of funky.

General Comments:

The car is so fast that it is hard to believe that there is only a 2.0 liter V4 under the hood. With the sport drive, the automatic transmission is as peppy as any manual. The car also handles better than a new BMW 330CI that I recently drove, and my 9-3 has 100,000 miles! There is no other car on earth that can match my Saab's performance, utility, safety and price! If you are considering a Saab versus any other car, go with the Saab! You will be so happy, believe me!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th September, 2003

19th Apr 2005, 08:23

I agree!

I have a 900 for 5 years (152000 miles) and it still feels like a new car. Its fast, comfortable, safe, reliable, and nice to drive. The boot will take up to 5 large bags of stuff (e.g. 5 x 50K bags of Coal - wouldn't recommend this every day though) It looks great...

Its cost me a few grand in maintenance over the years, It even let me down once (fuel pump just stopped).

But nobody is perfect.

Its just a great car

a.n. other 900 driver.

1999 SAAB 9-3 2.0 turbo 4

Summary:

An overrated car, only appreciated by people who've never driven other cars

Faults:

Heater control, power antenna, windshield trim, stripped bolt oil drain plug, radio tuning (AM) and 2 recalls.

General Comments:

Worst torque steer on earth; the car wanted to change lanes on heavy throttle.

Worst manual shifter since the 70's; vague and clunky.

Poor stereo sound.

A/C barely could cope with a Western New York summer.

Peaky engine (I don't care what the sales literature says) that made using the transmission necessary - a real chore when the tranny feels like this one.

All controls rubbery, slippery and hard to activate.

Claustrophobic and very narrow cabin.

Poor snow traction even with 4 Michelin Alpins.

Great high speed steady speed cruising capability.

Good gas mileage (30 MPG @ 70 mph).

Large and usable trunk with the hatchback.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 20th July, 2003

10th Nov 2003, 20:29

"Worst torque steer on earth: car wanted to change lanes on heavy throttle".

I found this to be the case with mine also. It feels like this car wants to chase every crack and slope of the road. I purchased the new 9-3 after owning a 1985 turbo. The old 85 is getting tired at 192k, but still feels better on the road than the 9-3. I hate to admit it, but the 9-3 isn't all that great.