2004 SAAB 9-3 2.0t 2.0L LP turbo

Summary:

Economical way to have top-notch engineering

Faults:

The parking brake got stuck in the up position, which was a known issue and the dealer fixed it on the spot.

General Comments:

The car is excellent. 2.0t with MT, provides more than strong enough acceleration for any situation, and can give really great fuel economy. EPA mileage on the highway was 34 on the sticker, but I always best it - I repeatedly get 35-36 with cruise set over 70 MPH, and can get 39 with average speeds of 55-65. You really can't beat that, considering the size and power output of this car, which blows away the econobox and midsize offerings from domestic and Japanese makers. And, to be honest, the car didn't cost much more than a similarly equipped Camry or accord after incentives.

You get top notch engineering, top notch safety, up to 18k miles between oil changes (verified by used oil analysis) and an overall wonderful package. highly recommended.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd June, 2006

20th Oct 2007, 02:04

I just bought a 2004 ARC and its really fun to drive and very comfortable and I am 6 foot 4, 215. I love the heated seats and the lumbar support and the comfort. I do wish the seats gave more lateral support when going into a turn, but we can't have everything. I love the acceleration, it feels as though once the turbo lag comes and goes fairly quick albeit, it just takes off, I guess like a jet. Anyway, I look forward to driving it every day and feel it's a very good value for what you get. It is obvious GM has some not so great features in it, but it seems every day I find a new great feature, like the parking assist and the lumbar support and I actually like the quirky cup holder.

Patrick in Puyallup, WA.

17th Sep 2009, 12:38

18k between oil changes will kill that turbo, they are known to go. Even with 5w30 synthetic oil.

17th Sep 2009, 18:45

I agree - 18k between oil changes is asking for major trouble.

I stress 3k between oil changes and I use full synthetic.

2004 SAAB 9-3 Linear 2.0 turbo

Summary:

I don't think I can live without a Saab

Faults:

I have had no problems with this car.

General Comments:

I bought this car as a loaner car at a great value. Service was better than expected and the dealer was very accommodating.

I traded in my 2001 Saab 9-3 in the summer of 2003, when my turbo went at 48000 miles, and bought a Honda Accord. I had no other problems with the 2001 Saab other than having a front wheel bearing replaced at around 15000 miles.

After a year of complaining about the performance and styling of the Accord, I am once again ecstatic to have a Saab again.

Since purchasing, I have gone on trip which entailed driving through the Catskills and the engine did not rev once. I reset my miles per gallon computation before I left and when I returned home, 16 hours or about 900 miles later, the computer read 34.8 miles per gallon.

The seats are extremely comfortable and the backseat is quite roomy.

The paint seems to be of a better quality than the 2001 9-3.

My only complaint is the "tune" knob for the radio does not exist. You have to hold in the seek button for an couple seconds to tune to the next station.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st October, 2004