2005 Saab 9-3 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
Saab has continued to make adjustments to the 9-3 lineup for 2005, but this year's changes are a bit less significant. The lineup expands...
Saab has continued to make adjustments to the 9-3 lineup for 2005, but this year's changes are a bit less significant. The lineup expands from five to six variations, due to the addition of a entry-level convertible. A DVD-based navigation system has also been added to the options roster.
Both the sedan and convertible are now available in all three 9-3 trims: Linear, Arc and Aero. All styles come well-equipped, with items like full power accessories, leather seats, heated mirrors, cruise control, anti-theft and steering wheel audio controls. Safety features include stability control, traction control, ABS and front side airbags.
There are two powerplant options for the 9-3. Both are turbocharged variations of a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder. The Linear sedan and convertibles are powered by a more modest version, with 175 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. A 5-speed manual transmission is paired with this engine, while a 5-speed automatic is optional. Fuel economy is estimated at 23/34 mpg. The Arc and Aero both upgrade a to more powerful turbo, good for 210 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. The Arc comes with a 5-speed manual, while the Aero gets a 6-speed.
Owners and reviewers have commented that the 9-3 handles adequately, and the ride quality is better than many other cars in its class. The 9-3's front-wheel drivetrain is a factor in overall performance, but these entry-level Saabs do handle quite well for FWD cars. According to reviewers, the overall driving experience is also hampered by rather unresponsive steering. Owners have commented that the 9-3's interior lacks an upscale feel that one might expect, even in an entry-level luxury car. The dash, console and doors are laden with plastic, and even the upgraded stereo is not very powerful. Although the 9-3 comes with most of the necessary luxury features, reviewers suggest that the Japanese and German competitors will offer better interior ambiance. Favorite features include styling, trunk space and fuel economy.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2005 Saab 9-3 express strong satisfaction with its performance and unique styling. They particularly appreciate the powerful turbo engine, comfortable interior, and excellent handling, making it a fun car to drive. However, some drivers mention concerns about maintenance costs and cabin noise in the soft-top convertible version."
Great car! awesome handling with instant response! This is easily one of the best affordable cars Ive ever drove! Excellent turbo! The Saab accelerates like a jet, handles beautifully and is a pleasure to drive! It is by far the most reliable car I have owned
September 18, 2013How 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
December 15, 2008Very good acceleration. 45-75 mph range acceleration is faster than a porsche. Very comfortable leather racing seats. Electrical system is amazing. As soon as vehicle starts up it does an analasys on ever engine component. looks good, performs good.
June 12, 2008What owners say
Great car! awesome handling with instant response! This is easily one of the best affordable cars Ive ever drove! Excellent turbo! The Saab accelerates like a jet, handles beautifully and is a pleasure to drive! It is by far the most reliable car I have owned
September 18, 2013How 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
December 15, 2008Very good acceleration. 45-75 mph range acceleration is faster than a porsche. Very comfortable leather racing seats. Electrical system is amazing. As soon as vehicle starts up it does an analasys on ever engine component. looks good, performs good.
June 12, 2008Great car to drive, have the 150bhp 1.9tdi. Low service cost and 40ish mpg.
April 18, 2008This car is a smooth ride. It gets good gas mileage. So far only the oxygen sensor has needed fixing. It is a small turbo engine but accelerates well. The only complaint is the cabin noise as to it is a soft top convertible. Overall very fun to drive and love it.
January 14, 2011There simply is not another car I know of that gives such power for so long an yet asks for so little in return. The seats are the most comfortable I have ever sat in. Looks fantastic. Top fun. Servicing a litte expensive!
October 21, 2009Power 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.
August 27, 2008Great car. Nice and fast. 125mph top speed.
February 8, 2008I 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. :)
August 22, 2009I'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.
April 28, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP $27,570 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 175 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 15.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $30,970 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 210 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 15.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $33,570 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 210 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 15.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $43,320 | Seating 4 |
Engine 2.0L 210 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 12.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 22 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $37,820 | Seating 4 |
Engine 2.0L 175 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 12.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 22 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $40,820 | Seating 4 |
Engine 2.0L 210 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 12.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 22 | Drivetrain FWD |
