2005 SAAB 9-3 Linear Sport Sedan 2.0t 110kw from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Bring on the new 9-3, I'm ready!

Faults:

Saabs generally tend to steer to the left a tad (previously owning 2).

The passenger window went up, but then came down half way, which was an overnight problem.

The sunroof wouldn't close at the touch of button; it had to be pressed.

Electric mirrors didn't turn inwards.

The lever for height adjustment came off.

Plastic covering randomly fell off one day, but all fixed under warranty.

General Comments:

I love this car and thank god for the warranty! The road side came useful when the battery died and I got it free!

It's good to know that I have the 5 star Euro NCAP backing incase of an accident, because my son had a horrible accident with his 900s convertible and walked out unharmed.

The car goes great and the turbo screams (if you have a manual); it's also very economical and the seats in the front with the seat warmers are the best when you have back pain.

Definitely buy one, but the resale slides a lot depending on your kms.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th September, 2007

2005 SAAB 9-3 2.0 turbo from Italy

Summary:

Two thumbs very high up!

Faults:

When we first received our car it had an oil leak. We took it to the dealer and within half an hour it was fixed. The bolt was not tightened. It turned out not to be a big deal, but did take up some time.

General Comments:

We love out SAAB 9-3. It drives like a dream and we feel like we are sliding down the road. It has great pick-up for passing and goes 100 with no trouble. Being in Italy we get to drive at higher speeds and love the feel. This car is easy to handle and is very comfortable. We just took a 430 mile trip to Germany and did not stop once. This says a lot of the comfort and gas mileage for this car. We also like the controls located on the steering wheel, this gives us more control over the radio without being distracted.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th June, 2006

2005 SAAB 9-3 Linear 2.0 16v turbo from North America

Summary:

Very reliable

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Car handles very well. The turbo boost is nice and kicks in when I need to go to warp speed right away.

The seats are comfortable, but I don't like leather because it's a bit slippery. U.S. models only offer leather only.

The headlights are well designed.

The car is one of only 4 cars that has a IIHS gold pick rating for safety. I have not had the chance to test this myself.

The rear seat does not fold completely flat, but it almost does. The only way for this to be done would be if the rear cushion pivots out of the way. I don't know of any new car that does this, only some old cars that are no longer made.

If you get the V-6, that engine is made in Australia with some Chilean parts. The convertible is made in Austria. People who are anti-Austrian, Australian, or Chilean should consider getting a sedan with a 2.0 turbo engine.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th April, 2006

19th Apr 2006, 21:42

"The rear seat does not fold completely flat, but it almost does. The only way for this to be done would be if the rear cushion pivots out of the way. I don't know of any new car that does this, only some old cars that are no longer made."

Volvo has had this feature on it's Wagon's since the early 70's and possibly earlier. They continue this feature on some of it's later models I believe.

22nd Oct 2008, 11:22

A lot of the new econo hatchbacks have the rear cushion pivot out of the way, i.e. Honda Fit, Hyundai Elantra Hatchback, maybe some others in that class...

2005 SAAB 9-3 Convertible 2.0t from North America

Summary:

OK, not worth $35000

Faults:

Slight rattles

A few trim items (fastener covers) have fallen off.

General Comments:

This is my third SAAB 93 Convertible, but my first GM SAAB. This is not the same SAAB as my last ones. The corners cut since GM yook over are obvious. Small things that make a difference to me. In addition, I couldn't find a manual transmission so I settled for a 5-speed auto. I don't notice the higher horsepower.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 1st February, 2006

31st Mar 2006, 02:41

Don't mean to offend, but all 9-3 Convertibles have been products of Saab under GM. Only the original 900 convertible was a pure Saab.

However, I do agree with you that Saab, under GM, has cut too many corners and lost that special something that made a Saab a Saab.