Faults:

Buttons on radio face were worn out by previous owner. Was replaced by the SAAB dealer under the manufacturer warranty.

6 disc CD player skipped consistently making it inoperable. Was replaced by the SAAB dealer under the manufacturer warranty.

Dash light for the emergency brake has never worked while I have owned it. But I find it a trivial issue and I am not worried about it.

The car is a 5-speed manual. There is a mechanical noise, almost a slipping sound that happens when the car moves the first 20 feet. But after happening it will never happen again, til I turn the car on and off again. SAAB dealer was unable to find a solution.

The rear brake rotors and pads wore out. Which is normal, but the price was higher than most.

As mentioned on a previous post, my front end suspension will make a squeaking sound when it is cold out when going over bumps.

As mentioned on other posts, my emblems wore off. I find it unfortunate, but after replacement. They look better than ever.

General Comments:

The car handles great.

New tires were put on recently and greatly improved the handling and feeling of the car.

The fuel mileage is excellent.

Great passing power on the highway even with the smaller engine.

Love the comments I get from people. It really is a great looking car that doesn't need after-market accessories to get comments.

The car is black and the finish is good.

Comfortable to drive in all weather.

I have been someone who buys a car very frequently and I have not looked for a car in the year that I've owned it.

I have not own a lot of high end cars, but this is the best car I've ever owned.

Faults:

I had an oil leak under the car that was fixed by dealer.

General Comments:

This is an awesome car. I owned the Mercedes for 5,000 miles and it was in the garage 4 times. The Saab is truly a pleasure to drive and performs very well.

I would buy another one. I do not know why they get bad reliability ratings. They are great cars.

Faults:

Stereo unit was replaced after about a year... radio was occasionally losing stations.

No other problems.

General Comments:

I've now owned 2 9-3's, a 5 door previous model and a sports saloon (150bhp) since 2003. I've enjoyed both, but particularly the current car which is strong, safe, quick and comfortable. I'm now changing to an estate, but sadly don't like the sportswagon's design that much and the 9-5 is getting a bit long in the tooth. So instead, I'm buying a BMW 3 series touring. The Saab has set a high standard in terms of my satisfaction as a driver, without any compromise to the safety or comfort of passengers or cargo. It has also been as reliable as a clock and, by the common consensus of many friends, is a handsome car to look at. So now I'll get to find out first hand if the BMW is worthy of the critics acclaim, or if it's simply a case of the emperor's clothes. It will have to do very well to push the sports saloon into second place in my affections.

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

The Saab 9-3 convertible is a sleek, stylish, quick well-engineered car.

I have driven 10 hours non-stop, & could've kept going had I not reached my destination, as this is one comfortable ride - smooth, quiet, well-controlled.

The power & acceleration is absolutely outstanding.

The handling prowess rivals Audi, & even the RWD BMWs.

Interior quality and control layout is second to none, as is the overall fit & finish of the vehicle.

The folding soft top is an absolute work of art & fine engineering.

The SE features a great sound system, and the weather band is a nice touch.

Contrary to what others have stated, I've found the Saab's reliability to be excellent.

Fuel economy is also remarkable - over 20 MPG in town & 26-27 MPG highway.

Equally important has been the wonderful dealer service.

For those looking for a well-engineered high-line convertible, and wanting something just a bit unique, the Saab 9-3 might be just the car.

You will be amazed at the power & handling of the 9-3.