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SAAB 9-3 Sport Saloon road tests and consumer car reviews

If you want an executive appearance, then the Saab 9-3 Saloon offers all the refinement you need. The Saab 9-3 Saloon range has four equipment options beginning with the 9-3 Saloon Airflow which has dual-zone climate control, a CD player and cruise control and ranging up to the range-topping 9-3 Saloon Aero models with twin exhausts, bi-xenon headlights and heated seats. Despite being feature-rich, the Saab 9-3 Saloon is practical too with a no-nonsense driver’s environment, good head and legroom for passengers and standard safety features including twin front, side and curtain airbags, and anti-whiplash head restraints.

SAAB 9-3 Sport Saloon consumer reviews by year of make: 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Saab 9-3 Sport Saloon

1.9 TTiD EcoPower Turbo Edition - At the 2009 Geneva Motor Show Saab showcased its new EcoPower Technology. Now while this could be passed off as just another example of green marketing spin, it’s hard not to take note of a powerful, ... read more

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SAAB 9-3 Sport Saloon car reviews

Number of reviews: 16

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Mike C, Hampshire

Saab 9-3 Sport Saloon TTDi Aero 2008

This car is powerfull enough in its normal life, but add a super chip and suddenly you have a real quick monster on your hands, 232bhp and over 500kn3. Still gets 54.5mpg and can just about tear any other car off the motorway. I love it and will only change for either a BMW 335d or Jag XF S.

Submitted: 04/06/2010 08:31:06 | ID: 5356

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Tony Croft, Buckinghamshire

Saab 9-3 Sport Saloon 93 ttid 2008

Having come from a line of Vauxhall Omega’s I was dissapointed with the harder ride and some road noise at low speeds but this was overcome early on by acceleration (albiet a slight flat spot from standing start) and up to 54 mpg on a motoway trip. Having done 10000 miles of the 20000 on the clock I am very pleased. Originally quoted £500.00 plus for the 2nd year service, noted that first service items are duplicated in the 2nd year and it says plus these items in the manual, are they charging me twice.?? Block exemption will prevail, I will go to a non franchise reputable dealer. I live in south Bucks.

Submitted: 12/03/2010 19:55:48 | ID: 4821

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Jaz Maz, Middlesex

Saab 9-3 Sport Saloon Linear 2005

I’m not happy at all. I will never buy another Saab again. I have Saab 9-3 Linear model 2005 88k. Turbo gone, crank shaft making noise and it’s very expensive to repair. Also, I have a Peugeot 406 HDI which has done 159k and never seen a garage apart from the usual service. This has always been very reliable and I feel as though I should have never bought the Saab. I did have a freind who told me not to go for Saab, his words were that this is a Vectra in a Saab badge with a round body and very expensive to maintain and poor reliability. My biggest mistake is not taking his word and went ahead and bought a car that is more of a problem than it’s worth.

Submitted: 10/09/2009 08:53:05 | ID: 3538

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Mark Rogers, Lancashire

Saab 9-3 Sport Saloon 1.8t Linear Saloon 2003

Excellent and underated as a new car but quite heavy depreciation makes it even more attractive as a used buy. Effortless and quiet acceleration. Chuckable and very comfortable seating making long journeys easy and pleasurable for driver and passengers. Interior and boot are spacious and unlike many other current car designs, the Saab’s front headroom is not restricted by a heavily sloping roof. My fifth top gear is like an overdrive and enables very good fuel consumption on motorways, yet acceleration is still brisk.

Submitted: 04/08/2009 16:06:35 | ID: 3352

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David, Suffolk

Saab 9-3 Sport Saloon Linear 2005

Bought the Saab 9-3 just 3 weeks ago; I’m getting rid of it as it’s awful. Interior feels cheap and nasty, seats are uncomfortable, too much glare from all places the rear window when looking through the rear view mirror and what is that hideous noise when turning corners? It’s none other than the indicator tick noise which is diabolical, stereo has no base to it which is needed to drown out that tick noise. Outside the car looks very nice but miles per gallon are dreadful for a 1.9 diesel. This is one car I’m happy to get shot of, what were you thinking of Saab, you have shattered my dreams from yesteryear as I always liked the look of Saabs, no more though. My next car has already been chosen - it’s a 2002 Jaguar 2.5L X-Type, I needed cheering up after driving this car for 3 long weeks.

Submitted: 04/08/2009 15:51:42 | ID: 3346

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DT, Renfrewshire

Saab 9-3 Sport Saloon Aero 1.9TTDI 180 2008

Had this car for two months now, what a sheer delight to drive, great looks, acceleration is amazing for 1.9 TTDI engine, mid range torque impressive, very comfortable, safe, 45 mpg average according to onboard computer, great spec. Recommend leasing because of rapid depreciation rate. Only one complaint - pretty poor steering lock compared to other cars I’ve driven.

Submitted: 12/12/2008 16:57:32 | ID: 2253

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Ron Baker, Durham

Saab 9-3 Sport Saloon 2005

Test drove it today only gave it a 4 star rating because nothing is perfect. I have had BMW/Mondeo/Audi all top spec but the 9-3 just beats the hell out of them; maybe not in price new but a used car price is very good. As soon as I sat in the car I knew it was something special; drop it from 6th to 4th on overtaking and it does bring a smile to your face. Yes, a little noisy but I am from the old school off driving and like to hear the engine revs. Everyone to there own; BMW owners and the rest will say they hate Saab’s but so did I until I test drove it - admittedly I was only out for 1 hour in it but all the reviews I have read; guys in the trade I have spoken to; and the test drive did it for me. I pick it up on Tuesday. Verdict - don’t slag any car of until you have owned it or test driven it. Well, that’s what I learnt today.

Submitted: 29/09/2008 10:52:15 | ID: 1948

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Mark Sayer, Norfolk

Saab 9-3 Sport Saloon 2.0 turbo aero 2003

My first Saab and wow - I’m well impressed - I’m used to Impreza’s, GTIs, BMWs, this however is all of them in one package , handling could be improved a tad but with better front suspension and a front strut it would be a top car, better petrol consumption than the others as well, get the silver on with the better alloys. What a head turner!

Submitted: 24/09/2008 10:28:44 | ID: 1924

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Mark Spence, County Antrim

Saab 9-3 Sport Saloon 1.9tid 150 Sportswagon 2006

In many ways an excellent car for many purposes - fast enough, economical enough but not the best at either of these. Where it does create its own space against competitors is in seat comfort, interior space and control layout, each of which is far superior to the over-engineered run-of-the-mill German choices out there (and I include the latest C and A4 which I have driven extensively and none of which make me want to leave my Saab). Areas of improvement/disappointment: loose small bits of trim but nothing fundamental - tyre wear - looks, although addressed in the ’07 facelift. Overall this car will not let you down and will leave you feeling relaxed and fresh after any journey.

Submitted: 24/09/2008 10:23:04 | ID: 1921

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Iain Macdonald, Hertfordshire

Saab 9-3 Sport Saloon 1.8t Linear Hirsch 194BHP 2003

I’ve had this car nearly 5 years from new. The Hirsch performance upgrade makes this an extremely fast car (limited to 146mph). In recent months I’ve had to have the water pump changed and some replacement front suspension parts, not too bad for a car thats been driven hard for 136,000 miles. The only other fault I’ve had is a windscreen wash sensor. There really is no point buying an Audi or BMW because they’re slower, thirstier and far less comfortable.

Submitted: 04/06/2008 08:28:48 | ID: 1525

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Stephen McNally, England

Saab 9-3 Sport Saloon Vector Sport 150 TiD 2004

Actually it handles great and has plenty of oomph as a diesel. Lovely car when it works. Had a bucket of reliability issues though - I was a VW owner before this and all three cars together were in the garage less than this baby. Possibly an acquired taste - certainly not for everyone - and (in retrospect overpriced). The high-end diesel Mondeos are - sadly - better cars.

Submitted: 30/05/2008 08:36:35 | ID: 1510

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Brian Saunders, Devon

Saab 9-3 Sport Saloon Factory Chipped 2006

This is my second SAAB, having had a BMW 5 series and a Mercedes C200 in between. Excellent and easy drive, all the equipment you need from leather seats to dual climate control. The chip makes it very quick [when you need it] and the comfort on a long run is excellent. I tried it against thew new 9-3 TTDi, "NO COMPETITION!" I have the all round sport trim, which makes it look a very smart car, when compared with basic trim. Would I buy another one? Having tried the new C class and the 3 series, YES.

Submitted: 14/05/2008 09:04:20 | ID: 1454

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Andy Moth, Yorkshire

Saab 9-3 Sport Saloon 1.9tid (150bhp) 2008

Enjoyed the drive, quick but not with the harsh suspension my BMW has. The BMW suspension is great to drive round corner but is annoying in everyday life. Saab brings a very good blend of both and without the yob-ish image when pulling up to see customers.

Submitted: 21/04/2008 15:48:39 | ID: 1304

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Andy Booker, County Fermanagh

Saab 9-3 Sport Saloon 2.0 T Aero 2007

I love it, easily a match for the BMW 3-Series and X-Type but without the price tag. I test drove all three and went with the 9-3 as I felt it looked a smart motor and handled as well as the other two. Grap a bargain!

Submitted: 02/11/2007 17:05:28 | ID: 493

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Steve Whitehall, Hampshire

Saab 9-3 Sport Saloon 1.9 Tid 150 Vector Sport

This car looks great but unfortunately the handling does not live up to it’s looks. In order to succeed in this sector the car surely has to have both! The Saab is in a difficult position, it’s obviously not a BMW or Audi beater but likes to think of itself as a step up the motoring ladder from the average rep-mobile. With the launch of the critically acclaimed new Mondeo however i’d say the Saab may just need to have a re-think of it’s priorities!

Submitted: 26/10/2007 15:22:22 | ID: 379

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Johnny Seymour, Cardiff

Saab 9-3 Sport Saloon V6 Aero

Test drove one the other day. Handled like a cow and everything about it seemed dated. Will not be getting one, my advice would be to stay away from this one. Got a test drive in a BMW 3-series tomorrow, hoping for better.

Submitted: 17/08/2007 09:04:59 | ID: 87

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Number of reviews: 16

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9-3 Sport Saloon Car Video

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