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Saab 9-3 Reviews
In-depth Professional Review
Intro - Walkaround - Interior Features
Driving Impressions - Final Word
Saab 9-3 Review Summary
"Rear-seat passengers get generous head- and legroom considering the size of the car. A center console can be folded down between the rear seats that contains cupholders and a map storage area."
"Moreover, this 9-3 sedan still looks like a Saab — really, like a scaled-down 9-5 with more graceful lines -- and has quite a large trunk for a nonhatchback (14.8 cubic feet of capacity)."
"It feels strong and eager -- we were never able to catch the Garrett turbo sleeping, even away from the light. There's simply even, uninterrupted power everywhere."
"The hand-brake lever is neatly integrated into the center console, the dual-zone HVAC system worked flawlessly, and the front sport seats (standard on the Vector model) are fantastic."
"Side airbags come standard on all 9-3 models along with Saab's Active Head Restraint system that automatically cradles the head in an accident to help prevent whiplash. Active safety is helped by ABS (anti-lock brakes), electronic traction control (TCS) and an electronic stability program (ESP), all designed to help the driver maintain control."
What reviewers liked least about the Saab 9-3:
"Inside, there's a prominent center console that's awash with Chiclets-size buttons -- 39 in all -- that are nearly impossible to discern at a glance."
"The other issue we noted during our testing was hesitation on both upshifts and downshifts in the automanual mode — in upshift situations, two taps of the shift lever were often required to coax the transmission into the next gear."
"With 175 horsepower, the Saab 9-3 Linear model is not going to set any speed records."
Saab 9-3 Comparisons:
"The luxury-oriented Arc [Convertible] checks in at $40,670, while sporty Aero versions start at $43,175. Each is priced among the relevant competitors from Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo."
"In terms of handling, the 9-3 is not a one-to-one substitute for the rear-drive 3 Series or the all-wheel-drive A4 quattro, but among front-wheel-drive cars, it doesn't get much better than this Saab."
Best one-liners about the Saab 9-3:
"In a bid for a larger wedge of the mainstream pie chart, this New Age Norseman even abandons that Holy Grail of Saabness, the hatchback body style."
You should be aware that when reviewing 2003 Saab 9-3 reviews, what is said regarding a vehicle can typically be applied to the entire generation. A generation is made up of similar vehicles from one year to the next. When a vehicle undergoes a redesign, it is considered a new generation.
Also, when looking at 2003 Saab 9-3 reviews, you should take them with a grain of salt. Like all people, reviewers may have a bias towards a manufacturer or particular car. That’s why it’s best to examine opinions from several sources.
And to get that array of viewpoints, be sure to look at CarsDirect’s Saab 9-3 model reviews. We compile the best quotes so you don’t have to pour through several 2003 Saab 9-3 model reviews. But be sure to keep in mind that no matter how many 2003 Saab 9-3 reviews you read, there’s no substitution for your own test drive where you get to examine a car in person.