2004 Saab 9-3 consumer reviews

We currently own our second manual transmission Saab. We bought our first one used and kept it for 15 years. We love its pick-up and go, the way it handles the road.

Totally worthwhile, fun to drive, safe, all season driving pleasure. For the price of a lesser vehicle You can have this prestigious fun Swede!!!

It is an amazing car if treated and taken care of proper. Never disappoints wether passing on the highway or taking corners on Arkansas backroads. Very comfertible for all passengers and never looks old. Everyone is always amazed to find out it is 12+ years old. And convertible never hurts. Truly lifesaving having been in an accident in one.

This car has been a great vehicle, it has great power, and comfort, all for not a high price at all.

I just read MR2 review about not for a person over 6' tall. I am 6"6 and believe it or not, I fit very comfortable in it. I have owned several other "sporty cars" and this is by far the most comfortable one yet.

My first Saab.... Love it. I've had it almost 3 years, Total repairs- Battery, Starter, 4 New Tires Rear break pads. Bought it with 70 K, now has 110 K. Looking forward to the next 100 K plus. Great Car.

Perfect for an individual who is done with carpooling and wanting to get back to enjoying driving. Love the heated seats, sunroof and sound system.

This is the 2nd 9-3 Convertible I've owned. My 1st was a 2001; I bought it with 48k miles on it in 2007. I loved the style, power and handling, HOWEVER...2001 was not a good year because of an inherent problem with the oil circulation system. A design defect caused the company to extend the engine warranty to 8 years. I had mine for 8 yrs, 9 mos, when the engine seized and died!! I tried to get GM (who owned Saab at the time) to split the cost of a new engine ($3500), but they wouldn't do a thing to help. So, I sold it to a young mechanic who replaced the engine with a used engine and then sold the car for $7500!!! I spent the next couple of yrs with different convertibles: MB 280SLK, Mits Spyder GT and (yes, I hate to admit) Chrysler Sebring. I finally found a 2004 9-3 ARC, with 68k miles. It was near showroom condition and had a perfect CarFax! I fell in love with it and the price was right. So, 2 months later, I am still in love with the style, look, comfort, performance and features!! It feels as solid on the road as any car I've ever owned (over 20) and with its excellent 4-cyl Turbo, I still get nice acceleration AND decent mpg (Avg 25 combined). If you can find one that is in good shape, with a good Carfax and you fall in love with the looks...BUY IT!!! You won't regret it!!!

I've driven and owned a couple Saabs in the past couple years. The 2004 9-3 isn't a bad car - in fact on the highway it's great. But overall it's right there in the middle. Reliability was great for the first 4 years, then I started having issues with springs, shocks, the electronic ignition module, creaks/rattles, flimsy trim, etc. Still, parts and service has been pretty easy and honestly that expensive. The engine, turbo, cooling, and transmission have all been flawless over the years. On 15" wheels I feel it handles best and has the nicest ride over the Aeros and later models I tried/owned. I've regularly seen over 35MPG on long summer road trips, and the cavernous trunk can hold a lot! Good starter car, just make sure to buy one for cheap.

none, error, testing, liking oil. lucks don't work possible motor or transmition issue, must xx all your cars very well for any possible issue before you sale them.