2003 SAAB 9-3 Arc 2.0T

Summary:

A beautiful sport sedan with questionable reliability, and expensive to repair

Faults:

Major problems.

New driver side window assembly; $400 at 55000.

New rebuilt transmission; $4000 at 65000.

General Comments:

When I brought my Red 9-3, I knew what I was getting into. A beautiful sport sedan with questionable reliability, expensive to repair, with nice options and very good safety features.

I love the way the car handles, it is very tight.

I read the reviews before I bought my car and everyone was either very happy or very mad about their 9-3. Probably because it is the first year of that model. So I was hoping that I was not buying a lemon. I am happy with my purchase, but replacing the transmission really hurt.

Pros:

Its looks

Its fuel economy

Its power

Its room (big trunk too)

Cons:

Repair costs

Resale value

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th July, 2009

2003 SAAB 9-3 Linear 2.0t

Summary:

Most responsive car I have ever driven... best of the best!!

Faults:

Front window got stuck in the track, causing the regulator to break.

Engine oil was pushing into the power steering fluid, causing it to leak out of the power steering fill. Replaced power steering pump (under warranty).

Front wheel bearing, causing misc dash warning lights to come on.

For some reason the headlight bulbs don't last very long.

Both front strut bearings.

Left hand sway bar link.

Might need to replace radiator because there may be coolant fluid inside of the transmission (oh dear).

Every now and then, my "stability light" failure comes on and then goes away; same with the OnStar.

Very hazy headlights only after 60k miles.

Driver's heated seat fuse keeps blowing out.

Driver's seat will not stay in the jacked up position, will slowly need to be jacked up again.

Driver's seat makes a clicking noise when accelerating, or cornering.

Paint on dashboard peeling.

Rubber on top of key peeling off.

General Comments:

Despite any problems I have had with this car, I love it. It has a launch package, which includes 17" sport wheels and sport suspension. It handles amazing, like nothing I have ever seen.

This car is very comfortable and I love every feature it has. There is 175 HP, but it feels like 250. The road noise is minimum, and it is much fun to drive on the highway. You would never know what speed you are going, 120 mph feels like I'm going about 70.

I love Saab's, and I would recommend this car to everyone who wants an affordable sports car.

The most responsive car ever, best fuel economy for the power this car has.

Rock on Saab, live on...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th April, 2009

2003 SAAB 9-3 Linear 2.0 turbo

Summary:

This car is the nicest looking, unreliable car you will ever own

Faults:

New amp x2.

Peeling knobs on heaters.

Faded door handles.

Driver's side door fails and needs to go to the dealership to "reattach" the linkage inside the door. x3

Broken door lock on driver's side.

Brakes (I suppose this is normal wear and tear).

Broken spring on front driver's side, which took out the tire.

Failed cabin fan requiring the glove box to come out and a resistor to be replaced. Why isn't this a fuse???

One way valve in exhaust failed and needed replacement.

Leaking air intake, causing all interior carpeting to be replaced.

Broken rear seat latch.

Replaced head lights 4 times. One is out right now.

General Comments:

It's a very comfortable car.

When it's running, it runs really well and is fun to drive.

It's ridiculously expensive to repair and maintain.

It's, by far, the most unreliable car I've ever owned.

I would never get another one, even if it was given to me.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 28th December, 2008

2003 SAAB 9-3 Linear 2.0t

Faults:

I have a Saab 93 2.0t. I bought it used in 2006, and I have had nothing but problems.

Within the first week my power seat stopped working, and now there is a power glitch and my rear power windows and locks no longer work unless manually.

The sun roof will not close sometimes, and the 6 disc CD changer no longer will work.

I was warned about this car before I bought it, but I trusted the "Saab" name - that was a very expensive mistake.

General Comments:

This car is great comfort wise, and it handles great, even at high speeds, but even that doesn't make up for the problems it has.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 13th December, 2008