2003 Saab 9-3 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The Saab 9-3 was completely overhauled for 2003, as the GM-owned Swedish automaker unveiled an entirely new build platform and body styles, updated power plants, and a fully redesigned interior. The trim levels were also renamed, and the number of 9-3 variants was reduced from five to four.
The 9-3 SE Convertible is the only familiar name in the 2003 lineup, and it is only only available version of the convertible body. The coupe has been discontinued entirely. The five-door hatchback body has been replaced with a true four-door sedan, which is offered in three trim levels. The base model is called the Linear, followed by the mid-level Arc and the top tier Vector.
The 2.0 liter inline four returns as the foundation for the 9-3's turbocharged power plants, but two new variations of this engine are less powerful than before. The Linear's 2.0 delivers 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, while the 2.0 liter unit in both the Arc and Vector models supplies 210 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. The SE Convertible houses the same 205 horsepower engine. The convertible and the Linear sedan come standard with a five-speed manual transmission, and the four-speed automatic is still optional on the SE. The Arc and Vector get a six-speed manual. All sedans are eligible for a new five-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is estimated at 22/31 for the sedans and 22/32 mpg for the SE Convertible.
Unfortunately, according to owners, the total redesign did not address the 9-3's questionable reliability and poor ergonomics. Reviewers noted that the interior was significantly modernized, but the poorly designed dash-mounted cup holders remained. Drivers described them as useless, flimsy and poorly placed. Owners also warned about frequent maintenance. Common issues included excessive brake wear, radiator and transmission problems and a variety of nagging electrical issues. However, others have added that the 9-3 is quite powerful for a car that achieves 30+ mpg gas mileage, and despite some continued turbo lag, the 9-3 is regarded as fun to drive.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2003 Saab 9-3
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Tom P
Dec 29, 2021
The problem with older cars is upgrading the stereo system. Either it doesnt blend or its not really compatible. And the fit and finish is not up to modern standards. Nor is the material. I wont buy another classic car. Dec 29, 2021
by Robert F
May 25, 2021
Classy looking fully equipped vehicle. Reliable and low maintenance. May 25, 2021
by Anonymous
Mar 07, 2015
i had a saturn ion i put a lot of money into that car i decided to sell the car i didnt like the car but it was a god transportation and i wanted to buy a car that not many people have (theres just way too many hondas around here) i choosed the saab 9-3 linear 2.0 turbo. bough it from a kid dirt cheap he spent some money on fixing it but did have a few flaws, under driver seat amp damaged not really a big deal i but seriously saab should have installed that amp some where else removed that crap and installed new aftermarket radio and 2 rear 6x9 speakers. a little cosmetic damage inside and out,its expected on used cars buffing should get rid of some scratches, headlights! i replaced them with new ones from ebay pretty cheap $280 for the pair . love the fact that has an aftermarket cold air intake. some mechanical repair done through out the months small repair none major i know some parts can be expensive some others are not but depends on where you find them, trunk is huge thats why i like to load it with groceries and laundry fits a 55 inc tv like a glove
anyways this saab is great on the highway feels like if you are on a plane yes cause i hear a not so loud noise from engine and not much from road noise my guess is cause of the turbo??
the brakes are good , power steering very smooth, shocks they are ok for now might replace them some time in a couple of months
it is a gas saver 200 miles and still not even in half a tank i drive about 30 miles daily
perfect for winter and snow it has tracking control
if you gonna buy a used one go for it just be ready when it comes to maintenance and repairs. but im sure the car will last you as long as you take care of her. if you want to be repair free get one that its around $3000-$4000 range.
Mar 07, 2015
User rating:
by Tom P
Dec 29, 2021
The problem with older cars is upgrading the stereo system. Either it doesnt blend or its not really compatible. And the fit and finish is not up to modern standards. Nor is the material. I wont buy another classic car. Dec 29, 2021
by Robert F
May 25, 2021
Classy looking fully equipped vehicle. Reliable and low maintenance. May 25, 2021
by Anonymous
Mar 07, 2015
i had a saturn ion i put a lot of money into that car i decided to sell the car i didnt like the car but it was a god transportation and i wanted to buy a car that not many people have (theres just way too many hondas around here) i choosed the saab 9-3 linear 2.0 turbo. bough it from a kid dirt cheap he spent some money on fixing it but did have a few flaws, under driver seat amp damaged not really a big deal i but seriously saab should have installed that amp some where else removed that crap and installed new aftermarket radio and 2 rear 6x9 speakers. a little cosmetic damage inside and out,its expected on used cars buffing should get rid of some scratches, headlights! i replaced them with new ones from ebay pretty cheap $280 for the pair . love the fact that has an aftermarket cold air intake. some mechanical repair done through out the months small repair none major i know some parts can be expensive some others are not but depends on where you find them, trunk is huge thats why i like to load it with groceries and laundry fits a 55 inc tv like a glove
anyways this saab is great on the highway feels like if you are on a plane yes cause i hear a not so loud noise from engine and not much from road noise my guess is cause of the turbo??
the brakes are good , power steering very smooth, shocks they are ok for now might replace them some time in a couple of months
it is a gas saver 200 miles and still not even in half a tank i drive about 30 miles daily
perfect for winter and snow it has tracking control
if you gonna buy a used one go for it just be ready when it comes to maintenance and repairs. but im sure the car will last you as long as you take care of her. if you want to be repair free get one that its around $3000-$4000 range.
Mar 07, 2015
by Anonymous
Nov 29, 2014
Very spunky great handling sporty car. Typical cargo space for a sports car. Comfortable seats. SID pixels are notoriously deficient. Paint has blemishes. Soft top easy up and down. I would have expected better quality audio, however stock system is not terrible. Nov 29, 2014
by Scott B
Jul 30, 2014
I love turbo Power,
Strong running engine that gets great mileage for all the horsepower (210)
Great handling,
Very quite driving on smooth roads, can't here the motor at all.
Good sound system, 300 watts, with subwoofer, 13 speakers.
Quality parts and finish.
Jul 30, 2014
by Anonymous
Sep 30, 2013
I like this car because it shows you are different. People who drive SAABs know about standing out and not following everyone else. If I wanted a car that everyone else has I would have got a BMW, Audi, or a Mercedes-Benz Sep 30, 2013
by Anonymous
Jul 06, 2013
This 9-3 has good amount of power and torque with excellent fuel economy. I drive fairly aggressively and still manage to get about 28 MPG combined. This car is extremely balanced through corners and is a total blast to drive on the highway.
The sound system is great as well.Jul 06, 2013
by Ben P
Dec 15, 2011
Alot of car for your money.feels very well screwed together,beautifully quiet and comfortable,fuel ecomomy not great but makes up for it with a very slick gearbox and plenty of standard equipment.Has some get up and go when you need it but is so quiet you wouldnt know it unless you stare at the speedo.Dec 15, 2011
by Dick B
Aug 19, 2011
Saab 9-3 ersattes 2002, med modell år 2003, av en helt ny 9-3. Saab övergav till en dels besvikelse den gamla idén om combi coupén till förmån för en sedankaross som man kallade SportSedan förkortat SS. Bilen mottogs med positiv kritik för sina goda köregenskaper. Nya motoralternativ tillkom, både med och utan turbo, ett resultat av GM:s önskan att bland annat reducera antalet grundmotorer dess olika bilmärken använder. Därför finns 9-3 med två "globala" bensinmotorer, en fyrcylindrig rak motor och en sexcylindrig V-motor. Dessa motorer kallas globalt Ecotec samt HFV6 (High Feature V6) och är samutvecklade av General Motors Powertrain i USA, Tyskland och Sverige med hjälp från Lotus Engineering och Ricardo i England. Montering av dessa motorer för 9-3 sker inte i Sverige utan i Opels motorfabrik i Rüsselsheim respektive Holdens motorfabrik i Port Melbourne, Australien och med delar levererade från flera länder. General Motors Powertrain i Trollhättan har haft ansvaret för att anpassa motorerna för överladdning, det vill säga kompressorladdning med bland annat turbo som Saab använder. Dieselmotorerna kommer från Fiat.
2004/2005.Aug 19, 2011
by Eric B
Jul 26, 2011
This Saab is an attractive, nibble, and luxurious vehicle. This car revs up 175hp with a fuel economy of 35 mpg. The powertrain on this car is solid and was engineered for excellence and includes 4-link rear suspension with "ReAxs," a Power Assist Rack & Pinion Steering, a 2.0 liter, and a 4 cyclinder DOHC Turbo engine. The interior features are power driver seat, in dash 6 CD changer with Saab infotainment, automatic climate control, and heated front seats. This particular model has all pleasures of the Vector and the fuel economy of the base model which make this car a "perfectly balanced value."
Jul 26, 2011
by Jarrad K
Jun 12, 2011
Great car overall... if they fixed the electrical problems it would be perfect. Could use a little more power under the hood but otherwise can own other cars in its class. Amazing breaking and handling.. vest car ive owned in the snow.Jun 12, 2011
by Joseph H
Mar 07, 2011
I love this car, the 2.0 Turbo is good on gas and has amazing pickup. No repairs needed, so the cost of ownership ahs been cheap!
Really fun car to drive. A few interior electrical problems but they were easy to fix. Mar 07, 2011
by Andrej L
Nov 09, 2010
A really underrated car that makes a great alternative to bmw 3s or audi a4s. In a world where a 3 series is every other car, this is truly a head turner. Fun to drive, and a really good turbo completes this ride! Nov 09, 2010
by Helge A
Oct 11, 2010
A nice, powerful sedan with clean lines and appearance.
2,2 litre TiD engine, no extencive styling which made it a kind of anonymous vehicle with LOADS of torque.
A reliable and comfortable ride, allthough anonymous.
Average diesel consumption = 0,65 - 0,70 litres/10 km.Oct 11, 2010
by Anonymous
Jul 19, 2010
Just bought the car a month ago, and we knew about the
transmission slipping on hard accelerations, but we were
willing to get it fixed because of the low price. Just a
warning to anyone interested in a 2003 model... They
have been prone to transmission failures. If you test
drive one with hesitation not caused by the engine be
sure to have it checked before making a decision. Other
than the transmission failing the car is perfect!Jul 19, 2010
by Austin B
Jun 17, 2010
PRO'S: sweet looks, sunroof, heated leather, center console key placement, on-board computer, speed (turbo), comfort.
CON'S: daytime running lights burn out quickly, center console sqeaks when you lean on it, can be very finicky sometimes.
FUN FACT: faster than a porche 911 turbo from 40-70mph.Jun 17, 2010
by Tyler R
Feb 22, 2010
Remember these ratings are relative. For a poor, married, college student, this car is about as good as it gets.
Solid performance. Not a burner in a straight line, but fast enough to have fun. Get the Arc if you need better acceleration. One of the best handling front wheel drive cars I've driven. Balanced, good turn in and minimal understeer. Very fun to drive. 30-35 MPG on the highway.
Great interior. Comfortable seats. Soft leather and heated. High quality sound system and sunroof/moonroof.
It's needed a few repairs, but I bought it used, so that's to be expected. Nothing major and no repeated repairs.
It's a great choice for people who want a quality sport luxury sedan, but want something more unique than all of the BMWs and Audi's out there. The Saab has all the luxury, styling and most of the performance of the germans (maybe even better than a comparable Audi, a little behind a BMW) at a much lower price (used resale value). I've driven multiple Audi A4's and BMW 3-series 2001-2004 for comparison.
Feb 22, 2010
by Parker M
Jan 16, 2010
This car is awesome! Its very fun to drive and is very quick
but build quality is disappointing... clearly cuz its a saab. It
looks awesome and the rims are sweet, gotta love lo-pro tires.
Absolutely sick car for sureJan 16, 2010
by Christina V
Nov 24, 2009
performance - acceleration is real good, good brakes, amazing handling.
build quality - no repairs yet... dashboard's a little squeaky thats about it
appearance - beautiful inside and out =)
cost of ownership - gas mileage is pretty good
fun factor - definitely fun to drive!Nov 24, 2009
by José C
Oct 12, 2009
de color rojo y con suspensio deportiva, era un auto muy agil en curvas, tenia un motor 2.0 litros turbocargado que hacia el 0-100 en 8 segundos, logre levantarlo hasta los 225km/h, LA VERDAD LO VOY A EXTRAÑAR.Oct 12, 2009
by Anonymous
Sep 08, 2009
I purchased a used 93 SE 2003 convert.
extermely cool smooth drive. Almost no engine noise or vibes... SID was gone when I bought it, so can't complain, but I do want to replace that.
Internal and external car was very well maintained, looks almost new. Mechanically, the SPORT switch is like warp speed... with Michlens, the road hug is like no other... it's amazing all this from a 4 cly. engine. The things that seem to be a common theme in negative reviews, like the poor cup holder (spilled a complete cup of boiling coffee.....) the light switch and roof switch hard to reach when driving... No elec. windows huh, in 2003, and the trunk lock is a real enigma... all this one adjusts to to have the sport ride I've described.
I do not venture to far from home, as the roulette will it start will it not start is very intimidating. It's the only thing negative I have to say... I'm told it the crankcase position sensor... three times in four months. Not a good average... Overall I'd give this SAAB 4.5 out of 5.
HOWEVER
that balsted engine light just will not go out, and I'nm trying to fix it myself, as I've read all the horrr reviews about sensors being replaced but not correcting the probles. Most disturbing is the
It seems to be a tempermental car. I've had it four months, and while nothing has broken down... it seems like a roulette wheel when you turn it off... and expect it to start again. For this reason I'm afraid to venture more than shouting distance that my wife would asst. me in seeing how i bought a man car... Sep 08, 2009
by Michel B
Jul 23, 2009
awesome car! overall aperance is good and the car feels good to drive. it has stunning handling and good performance after i installed a maptun stage 3 kit. the car is quite slow as stock but the good looks make up for that
Jul 23, 2009
by Mattias P
Jul 23, 2009
nice body. really nice to drive and ok to repair. made in
sweden, in trollhättan. Does not use too much gas. nice to
drive in long trips. Pretty easy to load the bags when you are
giong somewhere. thats is all for now. Jul 23, 2009
by Peter S
Jun 22, 2009
Aside from the all the insignificant of electrical problems, the car is really decent. I'm not much for four door sedans but the look is alright. The car drives just fine and gets really good gas mileage. I use this car as a commuter, daily driver.Jun 22, 2009
by Garrick A
Jun 12, 2009
owning this car brings out a lot of mixed feeling. mostly i love the car but there are a lot of things that make me question that love. its a very fun drive from how it handels to its highway pick up, but your limited with how much power it has do to few and expensive upgrades. also with own this car it seemed that it couldnt go to long with out there being something wrong with it and needing to go to the mechanic and being ther for a while. other than that if had a second car i probably wouldnt care so much but it does become anoying. even with all of this though i will certianly buy another one in the future.Jun 12, 2009
by Lauren S
May 03, 2009
I love my car it drives super smooth and has great acceleration, best purchase ever!!!! :-) The service guys are great and really care about the cars. It is also low maintenance and gets amazing mileage for a car that is quite a few years old and with 75k miles! I absolutely love Saab!May 03, 2009
by Sam M
Mar 28, 2009
Saabs in general have never been main stream, there is something to be said however, for having a stylish Swedish car. I've had 3 Saabs up til now, and this one by far has been my favorite. Handling is petty good, thanks to the good sports suspension it came with. On the downside, it can never handle like a BMW 3 Series, for pure fact that it's front wheel drive, and has more weight in the front of the car. It brakes well, and accelerates with purpose, not too fast or too slow. Build quality still leaves something to be desired. Too shoddy on the quality of materials, no thanks to what GM gives SAAB to work with. Cost of ownership is something to HIGHLY CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING! The parts are not cheap! All in all, I love this car, not for just what it is, but for how it identifies myself; willing to not be main stream, and take "The Road Not Taken".Mar 28, 2009
by Fredrik D
Sep 24, 2008
En underbar bil som ligger som ett strykjärn på vägen. Med chip blir 175 plötsligt 230hk gör att den sticker bra och gör mycket fina säkra omkörningar få såna blir det många.
Komforten är som vanligt i en Saab mycket bra!
Tyvärr en del el fel eftersom det är så mycket lull lull :)Sep 24, 2008
by Cian T
Jul 25, 2008
Comfortable, yet quick! Has given no problems since purchased, and is still as good performance wise. Nice leather seats, aircon, and of course, it's very safe. Would prefer a little more fuel economy, but that's about it. All in all, I'm happy to keep it for a while longer. That said, if somebody offered me an Audi S5, well...Jul 25, 2008
by Andrew B
Jun 12, 2008
low to ground, easy to scrape, Good mpg, lasts forever, sturdy build,
attractive, fun to drive, has good get up and go. great handlingJun 12, 2008
by Steven B
Apr 06, 2008
i have had a maxima , 3-series BMW , and now this saab vector 2003.. this is all in all the best of the 3! you pay a little more for certain things... but it is worth it in the long run... runs faster than 3-series.. Apr 06, 2008
by Rich B
Mar 06, 2008
The 9-3 is very comparable to the other entry level European sport sedans, and even a Mazda 6. The BMW 3-series and Audi A4 are probably "nicer" and of higher quality, but the 9-3 has more HP and, in my opinion, much faster acceleration. Also, Saab is part of GM, making repairs somewhat more affordable.Mar 06, 2008
by Michael W
Feb 26, 2008
I px`d my Micra & Porsche for this Saab 9-3, and to be honest I regretted it a few weeks after.
Although it was a very quick car, with a trendy "Sport" button for extra performance, (think poor man`s Nitro!), and not too bad on fuel, there was a niggling squeaky noise that came from somewhere we could not locate.
I must admit it was a great car to drive, it gave me a feel of superiority on the road, it was far better than the Ford Mondeo`s etc on the road at the time, even ones newer than the Saab.
If I had to change my car again I would not hesitate to think of another Saab.Feb 26, 2008
by Brian K
Jan 09, 2008
Takes corners fast enough to peel your face off with not even a hint of tire squeel... It's fast The car is a Turbo I-4 It spools very quickly and Boost's at 10PSI. Full cold air intake set up... Also a Forge Motorsport 300HP WasteGate....Jan 09, 2008
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Top Comparisons
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2003 Saab 9-3 Pricing
Original MSRP
$26,670 to $40,670Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Xenon
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: leather
Suspension
Front Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Spring Type: coil springs
Telematics
Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · 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: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Xenon
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Safety
Parking sensors: rear
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: leather
Suspension
Front Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Spring Type: coil springs
Telematics
Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · 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: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Xenon
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Safety
Parking sensors: rear
Seats
Front seat type: sport bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: leather
Telematics
Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing
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 · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Convertible roof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: leather
Telematics
Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent