Saab 9-3

Name: 2003 Saab 9-3
Brand: Saab

EPA MPG: 24 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 24 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

This version of the Saab 9-3 is a huge improvement over its predecessor. Handling is much more sporty, capable, and enjoyable. Further, braking performance is excellent. With the move to a sedan configuration, however, the 9-3 lost its hatchback versatility. An otherwise nice package is marred by a stiff ride, pronounced road noise, and a cramped rear seat.

2003 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

No Data Available

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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2003 Luxury small cars Ratings

2003 Saab 9-3

$3,075 - $3,225

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Audi A4

$3,125 - $4,625

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 BMW 3 Series

$3,775 - $4,975

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Buick Regal

$3,650 - $3,700

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Infiniti G

$4,250 - $4,875

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Lexus IS

$ NA

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

$3,325 - $5,675

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Volvo S40

$3,075

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Volvo S60

$3,325 - $4,350

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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Features & Specs

convertible

sedan

2 front, 3 rear

Front

2-liter 4 turbo (210 hp)
2-liter 4 turbo (175 hp)

5-speed manual
5-speed automatic
6-speed manual

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Model History

2007-2012

2007 Redesign Year

For 2007, the car was freshened with revised styling, better interior controls, an available AWD model and a turbocharged six-cylinder engine. While boasting impressive crash test scores and secure handling, the upscale European sport sedan category in which it competed was bristling with more capable offerings. The ride is stiff, the cabin is noisy and cramped, and fit and finish aren't as good as buyers expect in this segment.

2003-2006

2003 Redesign Year

The original 9-3 had secure handling, a large and versatile hatchback, and a full complement of safety features. However, it rode stiffly, was noisy, and had a cramped interior. For 2003, the hatchback was discontinued, leaving a four-door sedan, convertible, or wagon with a choice of turbo four-cylinder engines. Good points were sporty and capable handling, along with good braking. The front seats are well-sculpted, but the rear seat is tight. Some controls are overly complex and the 9-3 isn't as comfortable as some competitors.

1999-2002

1999 Redesign Year

The Saab 900 was renamed the 9-3 for 1999. The turbo Four and automatic transmission made for a lethargic takeoff. The V6 was dropped, and a high-performance, 230-hp Viggen model was added. A stiff ride, narrow cockpit, and cramped rear seat remained.