The Saab 9-3 entered its second year of production in 2000, continuing with three available body styles. The 9-3 replaced the long-running 900, and it is built upon the same platform as the Cadillac BLS.
The Saab 9-3 received several updates for 2000. Highlights included redesigned 15-inch alloy wheels on the base models, OnStar now optional across the board, and boosted power for the SE and Viggen models. The Viggen is also now available as a convertible and a sedan, in addition to the coupe.
There are eight variants of the 9-3: three convertibles, two coupes, and three sedans. The convertible and sedan are offered in Base (STD Turbo), SE HO, and Viggen styles. The coupe comes in Base and Viggen trims.
Base and SE styles house different variations of a turbocharged inline four engine. The Base model is supplied with 185 horsepower, while the SE's engine makes 205 hp. Either engine can be paired with a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission. Mixed driving fuel economy falls in the mid-20s (mpg) for both engines. Viggen models house a 2.3 liter inline four, which generates 230 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This power plant is only available with a five-speed manual transmission. All 9-3s are front-wheel drive.
Owners have expressed satisfaction for the 9-3's impressive combination of performance and fuel economy. Some drivers report highway fuel economy of almost 30 mpg. However, the overall 9-3 ownership experience has been marred by a variety of reliability problems. Common owner issues include electrical, water pump, turbo, and brake problems. Owners also warn that Saab service can be very costly. Awkward cup holder placement was also frequently cited as a feature in need of improvement.
hi. I have the chance to get a 9-3 in really good shape. I don't know much about Saabs. A Saab mechanic said the oil pan had never been changed (tho it's a 2000 it only has 131000 miles and recommended an $850 job cleaning it out. Worth it? I might be able to get the car for $1200. Thanks
I drive a 2000 Saab 9-3 and when I drive with my new oil cap on it smokes out of the exhaust. I had broke my old one so I ordered the new one and just taped on the broken oil cap. When I drive with the taped on cap there is no smoke that comes out of the exhaust. Can anyone explain to me why this might happen and how I could fix it?
I put power steering fluid in my car but it still drives stiff afterwards....it literally did not help...what can it be?
Have a older sabb tgat runs briefly then stops. Not sure if its elevtrical or fuel issue. In order for it to start i have to jump it at the fuse box but it still only runs momentarily
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: telescopic
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Memorized settings: driver seat · Steering wheel: telescopic
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front and rear · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: telescopic
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: telescopic
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: telescopic
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Memorized settings: driver seat · Steering wheel: telescopic
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: telescopic
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent