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David writes:
2005 Saab 9-3 Arc Review
ProsHandling, Looks, Cost of ownership ConsInterior build quality, lack of bluetooth
115
Saab 9-3 2.0t Arc 2005 — Perfomance is fine. Again not the fastest off the line but overtaking is a breeze with that turbo giving a big shove in the back. I'm not sure what the 70 to 100 is, but I'm willing to bet it would give some of those German and Japanese sports sedans a pretty good run for their money. Of course with a Saab you also don't run the risk of being branded a certain type of person by Top Gear presenters. Handling is very good. The only car I have driven recently (I've test driven a ton over the last few weeks) that beats it is the Beemer 3 series. However the 3 series may be little stiff for our pot holes. I think there has to be some trade of for ride comfort even if you are a total petrol head like myself. So I actually prefer the Saab. Build quality is not as good as the 9-5 probably due to a little too much use of the GM parts bin. The engine and chassis are fine, it's the interior that lets it down. Vibrating window switches especially with bass tones. Cracked tone buttons on the stereo. The odd buzz and creak from the air vents. This iteration of the 9-3 has cleaner lines than the new model and I feel it is better looking because of it. The new one has tried to be more muscular and has a more in your face nose. Not very Saab quite frankly. I do wish that this car was any other colour than grey. I had to take a car off the lot to get a deal, if you know what I mean? Why do Ontario car dealers stock 95 %sliver and grey cars? It drives me insane. Grey is a non-colour, I am not a grey person. Cost of ownership is in the same realm as any other car or maybe even better. No dealer telling you to change the oil at insanely small intervals. The car is a blast to drive and rewards you for pushing on. For a front wheel drive car the understeer is quite minimal. Tihs maybe something to do with the passive rear wheel steer system. A little extra throttle through the apex brings everything into line quite nicely.
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floridadriver writes:
2005 Saab 9-3 Linear Review
Prosgreat car Consno negatives 
55
Fast, Reliable, Greatlooking, Comfortable, Quiet. — I love this car. Solid as a rock; quiet; fast. Great gray leather interior still looks new. Even the cupholder rocks. Has never given a moment's trouble (I take it in for every single maintenance check, religiously, but no problems). | ||
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Alex writes:
2005 Saab 9-3 Linear Review
ProsGreat quality, quick car yet quiet and very much a sleeper. ConsSaabs brand is a little shaky but nothing shaky about this car!
65
Great Car! — I love this car! Class and balls at the same time! I can beat those stupid rice kids in there civics any day of the week! 2.0L turbo. 210 HP but does it with class! It's a Saab it has everything you want, performance, quality, looks great! Cost is the norm for a Saab. Fun car to drive! May need some stiffer springs to control the body roll but other then that the 16" rims take you where you where you want to go! Primary Use: Sport/fun (spirited driving, track racing, off-roading, etc.) | ||
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kidlat_itim writes:
2005 Saab 9-3 Linear Review
ProsPurchased new in 2005, my Saab 9-3 has been reliable, comfortable and safe. Excellent fuel economy (36 mpg highway). A pleasure on long trips or mountain twisties. Excellent handling, brakes like anchors. Riding winter tires, extremely stable in snow. Driving it makes me look cooler than I am. With one exception (see "cons") has needed only normal maintenance. I'm very pleased and would certainly buy another Saab. ConsRight front suspension spring broke after 4 years (fortunately while parked). GM/Saab picked up cost of repair even though warranty had expired. Right rear roof pillar creates blind spot.
65
My Saab 9-3 Makes Me Smile — I purchased this car primarily for its excellent safety record, and its distinctive looks. It turned out also to be fun to drive and a pleasure on long trips. The 175 hp turbocharged 4 coupled with manual transmission gives plenty of power and excellent economy (36 mpg highway on long trips is common). I regularly take it into the mountains to ski; with winter tires on it is extremely predictable on snow-covered roads. My only negative experience in 8 years was a broken right front suspension spring, which Saab/GM agreed to repair at their expense despite expired warranty. Other maintenance items have been nominal, most notably two separate rear suspension parts that needed replacing. My Saab just crossed the 100,000 mile barrier; I'm fully expecting it to make at least another 100k. I enjoy driving this car whether around the block or across the country and would definitely buy another Saab. Primary Use: Family transportation | ||
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MartÃn writes:
2005 Saab 9-3 Linear Review
Prosgreat on gas and comfort ConsIgnition key is in center console
55
The Warrior — Car is very comfortable, very smooth and quiet. Even though is a four cylinder, the turbo helps get the boost when you need it. Inside is much more elegant than appears to be on the exterior. Decent space in the cabin and big trunk...good car! Primary Use: Commuting to work | ||
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icecold328 writes:
2005 Saab 9-3 Linear Review
Prosturbo, quality, handling safety, quality Conscost of fixing
45
Great Great Car That Doesnt Break Down Easly But Cost More To Fix — I love this car. i owned over 15 cars and this is the best. great handling, acceleration...I love how the car looks. Every car says something about the owner, saab 9-3 says i am classy but i dont need to show off. :) Primary Use: Sport/fun (spirited driving, track racing, off-roading, etc.) | ||
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Charlie writes:
2005 Saab 9-3 Linear Review
ProsSmooth, sleek , just all round gorgeous! ConsLack of cup holders!
55
Saab 93 Linear — How sad am I to be babbling about my car hehe. But i'm such a saab fan. What i love most is the controls. The saab's have slight different knobs and buttons as it's a company that make airplanes to, which also comes through in a saab design. The air vents are similar to that found on planes, and love the cool finger buttons on the indicator and wiper sticks. The handling is fantastic, and so smooth. The gear box is flawless! and love how it has six gears :) Seats are so comfy. Has nice big thick wheels, with lovely alloys :) The car looks great to! very sleek. It does 45 miles to the gallon, so very economical, the sixth gear comes in handy for that. Wheels cost a lot though, with them being so thick. It's fun to drive to, taking corners really well. It also has duel control, so when i'm going at a constant speed on the motor way i can just flick the button on, and it will keep me at the speed i'm going without having to keep my foot on the gas. Ok so on to the down points ..... There seems to be a lack of cup holders! the saab really fell flat when it came to designing the storage in the car. The glove box is nice and big, and the storage in the doors is great. But would be nice if there were some cup holders. Sorry but thats the only bad point i can think of :p | ||
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Steve writes:
2005 Saab 9-3 Aero Convertible Review
Prosgreat interior and headlights, excellent heated seats and sound insulation with convertible top ConsBetter milage and less turbo drag
45
My Green Machine — Power is great but until you get used to driving a car with turbo you may not like the off the line performance. The SAAB is wonderful on long trips, the heated seats are great and the AC will put icicles on your nose. The body of the car was always a favorite, I had an unusual colour, it is sort of a Mt. Dew green. People either love it or hate it. If you are considering a European make car do yourself a favor and check out the SAABS. | ||
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Jayson writes:
2005 Saab 9-3 Arc Review
Prosfeatures, build, value Consblack trim pieces - glad they got rid of that for 08!
45
Just What I've Always Wanted — I've always wanted a Saab since I was a kid and my mom got a 9000 turbo. I got my car certified pre-owned with 4k miles and it's exactly what I've always wanted. Lots of small features that make it a fun drive. Performance is great and love the small maintenance schedule. | ||
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Jarrad writes:
2005 Saab 9-3 Arc Review
ProsEverything. ConsBackseats are comfy, but not enough leg room if your a big person
55
Best Work Car Ever — If your buying a used car (which is very likely since SAAB went out of business because GM sucks at managing itself) then SAAB is a great car to invest in. The 9-3 is a sporty car that handles well in all conditions and costs very little when compared to its Audi, BMW and VW counter parts. It has as much power if not MORE than its counter parts for MUCH LESS $$$. Maint. is minimal. The hardest part about this vehicle is finding one that wasnt driven into the ground by a terrible owned. My best advice is to find one with 30,000-100,000 miles on it for the best deal. Check the engine for any oil explosions, get underneath the car to see if the transmission is leaking (after your test drive) and check the head lamps for looseness, excessive fading on the head lamps. Most Saabs that are used from 2003-2006 are beaten to hell in one way or another because owners dont take care of their cars. Ive owned an 2003 9-3 Linear, and a 2005 9-3 Arc. Loved em both, and plan on buying newer models up untl the final 2012 model. They are very cheap to come by, and very cheap to fix when compared to their counter parts! Drive one, love one, and you'll be hooked :) Keep in mind, Ive driven a Charger RT, Challenger RT, Camaro SS, Shelby Cobra, etc. I know what power feels like and even tho this car doesnt have 300-600 HP, it runs VERY well. I actually put my 2005 ARC vs my 06 Charger RT, my wife was in the charger... and the 05 ARC beat the Charger off the line, and all the way up until I hit 3rd gear. Hope this all helped! Also just went from WV - Ohio to find a Saab for my friend. Primary Use: Sport/fun (spirited driving, track racing, off-roading, etc.) |
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