2000 Saab 9-3 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
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...
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.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2000 Saab 9-3 appreciate its fun driving experience, powerful turbo engine, and stylish design. Many enjoy the unique character of the car, with its quick acceleration and convertible options. However, some drivers express concerns about high repair costs, fuel consumption, and reliability issues like engine oil sludge and expensive parts. While the car is fun and stylish, the costs associated with maintenance can be a downside for some."
I have always wanted a Viggen! I got it and I love it!...Would not want anything else. The acceleration 25+ MPH is unbeatable for a stock car and braking is some of the best I have experienced besides porsche, handling.....This car Needs the viggen rescue kit from taliaferro imports or abbott racing to cope with the torque but handles OK. The build quality is top notch and is better than BMW, I have noticed SAAB uses genuine materials like real metal, good steal and has strong crash test results. The cabin is small and you can hear a bit of road noise but it IS a sports car. The apperance rivals cars of today "2009" with all the companys trying to come out with hatchbacks such as the new subaru wrx sti, mazdaspeed 3, etc....SAAB was way ahead of the game In the 1970's The Viggen itself looks great! again I have always wanted one, the in terior is very nice with the best seats ever and have great lateral support plus head rest whiplash protection only SAAB and Volvo have this! I don't know how I feel about the spekled dash fascia, I would like to get carbon fiber, I like all the room in the rear and trunk though, it also has a great sound system. "gas milage"......lets just say I get 37 MPG on the highway and 24 around town. Maintenance can be costly!..Luckily I have not had any major problems, I have heard of sludge and piston issues, just be shure you change oil every 3k with full synthetic and replace your MAF if your gas milage drops below 19 mpg. As far as fun goes, It is fun to try and tame a hi powered front wheel drive car! you will be able to pass/dominate most cars on the freeway, cars like 5.0 mustangs, subaru STi's, lancer EVO's etc...so get ready! And yes I would reccomend this car to a responsible SAAB fan, curb distance judgement is a must with this car as the front air damn is just 4" off the ground!
January 12, 2009I loved the pure power of this car! was great fun to floor it and go. Best thing was Saab's trip computer never told you current MPg just average, cos they obviously new any driver would be scared by the 7MPG when the car was floored from standstill! hehehe, Considering this car never fully had a proper service in the 5 years i had i (oil and filter change every year without fail though) it did well to take 180000 miles and still pass an MOT before i traded it in for the C4. Sadly this car needed major repairs so had to go (£2500 worth of repairs, Air con compressor, Clutch, Timing Chain.) but was such a great car.
August 25, 2010Great car, comfort performance looks and desirability always getting looked at with hood down shades on and music blearing out (even in the rain lol) . However I'm no poser as you may have guessed.The only down side in todays eco friendly life is the fuel consumption but when you use the power you pay the price.
December 3, 2009What owners say
I have always wanted a Viggen! I got it and I love it!...Would not want anything else. The acceleration 25+ MPH is unbeatable for a stock car and braking is some of the best I have experienced besides porsche, handling.....This car Needs the viggen rescue kit from taliaferro imports or abbott racing to cope with the torque but handles OK. The build quality is top notch and is better than BMW, I have noticed SAAB uses genuine materials like real metal, good steal and has strong crash test results. The cabin is small and you can hear a bit of road noise but it IS a sports car. The apperance rivals cars of today "2009" with all the companys trying to come out with hatchbacks such as the new subaru wrx sti, mazdaspeed 3, etc....SAAB was way ahead of the game In the 1970's The Viggen itself looks great! again I have always wanted one, the in terior is very nice with the best seats ever and have great lateral support plus head rest whiplash protection only SAAB and Volvo have this! I don't know how I feel about the spekled dash fascia, I would like to get carbon fiber, I like all the room in the rear and trunk though, it also has a great sound system. "gas milage"......lets just say I get 37 MPG on the highway and 24 around town. Maintenance can be costly!..Luckily I have not had any major problems, I have heard of sludge and piston issues, just be shure you change oil every 3k with full synthetic and replace your MAF if your gas milage drops below 19 mpg. As far as fun goes, It is fun to try and tame a hi powered front wheel drive car! you will be able to pass/dominate most cars on the freeway, cars like 5.0 mustangs, subaru STi's, lancer EVO's etc...so get ready! And yes I would reccomend this car to a responsible SAAB fan, curb distance judgement is a must with this car as the front air damn is just 4" off the ground!
January 12, 2009I loved the pure power of this car! was great fun to floor it and go. Best thing was Saab's trip computer never told you current MPg just average, cos they obviously new any driver would be scared by the 7MPG when the car was floored from standstill! hehehe, Considering this car never fully had a proper service in the 5 years i had i (oil and filter change every year without fail though) it did well to take 180000 miles and still pass an MOT before i traded it in for the C4. Sadly this car needed major repairs so had to go (£2500 worth of repairs, Air con compressor, Clutch, Timing Chain.) but was such a great car.
August 25, 2010Great car, comfort performance looks and desirability always getting looked at with hood down shades on and music blearing out (even in the rain lol) . However I'm no poser as you may have guessed.The only down side in todays eco friendly life is the fuel consumption but when you use the power you pay the price.
December 3, 2009Crocodile blue leather interior. Lovely alloys. Huge boot. Engine is quite frankly, amazing for what it is and will outlive me probably.
February 19, 2008Excellent, fun car to drive and enjoy. If you like unique then this is the car for you.
March 24, 2022this a safe a reliable car i have own it now 5 yrs and had minor problems like belts and hoses brakes jobs no major torble out of it in a 100k miles. but even at 200k on the car the leather looks great the daash is still intact. it get 35mpg highway and city can be as low as 19mpg
December 31, 2011nice, stylish car with a very good turbo-engine
January 27, 2008Swedes are well known for their efficiency and it definitely shows through in the Saab 9.3. Successor to the Saab 900, the 9.3 is sleeker and more stylish than the 900. The style is the same in models years 1999-2004, with slight moderations after. 9.3 model was completely redesigned and updated for 2008.
March 23, 2008goes like stink, who knew tht 185 HP could do so much very well built, kinda ugly though got it from muy dad, insurance isn't to bad a bit of body roll in the corners, but tht's what keeps it intersting to drive
August 26, 2010the acceleration is quite good concidering that the carr only has 154bhp, the suspension is a bit soft which is comfortable but a bit boring if you want to drive aggresivly. I think the quality is really good, everything works after 10 years, the only thing that's enoying is the air sensor for the AC which makes a buzzing sound when it's active. the fuel consumption is about 0,85 l / km which is ok. it's not very fun to drive the car since you can't switch gears very fast because the gearbox is weak.
May 20, 2009
