Saab 9-3 Convertible road tests and consumer car reviews

Saab 9-3 Convertible aero v6 2007

This was my 3rd Saab convertible. The combination of the new 93 with the twin turbo V6 should of made this a great car. It was very upsetting to see that this car turned out to be the worse car I have ever had, (and at 34K the most expensive). The trim kept coming off, the seats were as non-Saab as possible (uncomfortable) and it was unbearable to drive except for the very short journeys. There was so much noise coming from it I had to have the radio on in an attempt to drown out the rattles and squeaks. I have experienced better quality with Christmas cracker toys!!! There was a major problem with the car which the dealer (who had just changed hands) refused to do anything about unless I was going to pay £1000 upfront. The final insult was when the 3 years was up and I discovered that it was sold on a personal loan and not a PCP as the first 2 were so it cost me £300 to get rid of a 3 year old 15,000 mile car that I had paid 33 x £575 plus 2.5K deposit; the biggest waste of my money ever!!! Until Saab make sure their dealers are up to it , I dont think there is much hope or future for the brand.

Saab 9-3 Convertible 1.9TiD Vector Auto 2007

I purchased my 57 plate Saab 93 Convertible 1.9TiD Vector Auto from new in November 2007, first of the face lifted models with the L.E.D front lights. I opted for metallic black with cream & black leather seats. I ticked most of the options boxes with the exception of Sat/Nav. (How do car manufacturers justify a £1,500 / £2,000 price tag when you can pick one up for less that £100 these days..?) I bought a Tom Tom for £280 and went on holiday to Mexico with the money I saved. Three and a half years down the line and after 50,000 miles, it still puts a smile on my face every time I drive it. I chose the Vector over the Aero as I was happy to trade off some of the performance in return for a softer suspension as I spend more time cruising down the Motorway than hurling it round corners, although it does rise to the challenge when driven vigorously and handles surprisingly well for its size when I do throw it about. There is an element of turbo lag from a standing start but the 6-speed auto box is silky smooth and I’ve wiped the grin off many a boy racers face once the turbo kicks in. Its mid-range grunt is superb and I will never get tired of how easily and quickly it will accelerate from 50 to 80 on a Motorway leaving the others in it’s wake. The seats are incredibly comfy and the driving position is spot on. Last week I drove from Blackpool to Bournemouth then onto Brighton then back to Blackpool all in the same day. It was an 18hr round trip and I averaged 47.5 mpg and arrived back in Blackpool feeling fresh and relaxed. The roof, which is lined on the inside, is well insulated with little wind noise, even when hurtling down the Motorway at 80mph. It’s very easy to forget during the cold wet winter months that you’re actually driving a convertible. Although, with heated seats and a powerful heater, not even the British winter will stop you from dropping the roof and turning a mundane journey into a pleasurable drive. And should it start to rain then simply press the button and watch the fully automatic roof close in 22 seconds flat. The roof can even be opened and closed whilst the car is moving providing you stay under 19mph. This has saved my embarrassment many times when the lights have turned green quicker than expected and caught me with the roof half open. Believe me, 22 seconds can seem like an eternity when your holding up the traffic, as anyone with a BMW 3 Series or Mercedes CLK will tell you, as both cars require you to be at a total stop before allowing the roof to operate..! It’s hard to look cool when you’re being honked at by angry drivers. Not a problem in the Saab, simply close it as you go. In summery, I love the car and I’m seriously considering buying another Vector but this time opting for the 1.9 Twin Turbo Diesel version which should solve the turbo lag at a standing start and give a little bit more power. I do have a few suggestions though if anyone from Saab should read this. 1. Remove the pop up door locks! Nobody uses them and they ruin the line of the car when the roof is down. If you own a Saab convertible then you’ll know exactly what I mean. How many times have you leant your arm on top of the door and accidently locked yourself in? 2. Add a ’Heated Steering Wheel’ to the options list (BMW 3 Series Convertible) 3. Add a ’Neck Scarf’ to the options list (Mercedes E Class Convertible) And finally, why can’t we have the option of closing the roof with the remote control as well as opening it. I know it was disabled for the American market because a few of them got their heads stuck in the mechanism. We are British and know better than to stick our heads in a car whilst the roof is closing..!!!

Saab 9-3 Convertible Vector 1.9TiD 2007

Bought my 07 Vector 1.9TiD in Feb, as we had always fan    cied one! Love it in the good weather, with roof down. Climate control good too. It is very comfortable and surprisingly responsive. Good fuel economy (39 ish mpg) better on long run. Feels very solid and well made. No faults so far.

Saab 9-3 Convertible 1.8 Vector 2006

I think the 93 convertible is great. I have the 1.8 Vector 56 plate with new dash. I have just got rid of an Audi A4 convertible which was good but I like my Saab better. I think, in looks and drive, it’s far better than the A4 and I think the A4 looks a little old hat compared - that’s my opinion. I have had many cars over the last ten years but Saab are the best by far.

Saab 9-3 Convertible Vector Sport 1.8t 2009

Had the car a couple of months now. Black metallic, with black leather. Drives well, looks good with the top down, a real head turner in fact. Those comfy seats everyone talks about are not at all! They hurt my back so much I have had to buy a lumber roll! Other than that OK.

Saab 9-3 Convertible 2.8 V6 Aero 2009

Taking advantage of GM (Saab) 3-day test drive I had the pleasure of a 1200 mile roadtrip in a 9-3 Aero convertible. I was utterly smitten by this car; looked amazing roof up or down (mine was Jet Black with premium Parchment leather); performance from the 2.8 V6 was brisk, lots of space both front and rear for 4 adult passengers. Roof operation is a joy to watch. Only negative points:- 1) lots of buffeting for the rear passengers with the roof down, need to keep it below 40mph for comfort. 2) fuel economy although what do you expect for a 2.8V6 Turbo. 3) need to be very careful how you load the boot if you’ll be using the roof, there is only a sticker advising you what areas to avoid meaning possible embarrassment when operating the roof if your luggage is in the way.

Saab 9-3 Convertible 1.8t vector sport 2009

Never thought I would have a Saab. Just sold the wife’s 2001 SLK and bought the Saab , mainly because they had knocked 10 grand off! What a good decision. Lovely and relaxing to drive. Spec included metallic paint, leather heated seats, cruise, alloys, computer and various other nice touches. The car looks great, roof up or down (OK - better down!). A similar spec Audi A3, which looks dinky in comparison, would have been 7K more! At just over 19K, for a brand new well kitted 4 seater convertible with proper pop up rear protection (hideous A3 and Mini rear hoops) the Saab is just unbeatable.

Saab 9-3 Convertible 2.8 V6 Aero 2007

Hi all. Just brought the Saab 9.3 Cab new 08 model, having driven / owned the Nissan Silvia, Porche 911, (86, model) Volvo V70 T5, Volvo S80 T6, BMW M3, Mazda RX8, etc etc. Some of the people doing reviews obviously have never driven real cars, for me the Saab Convertible is an excellent car (I only buy top of range so the 2.8 V6 Aero). Real quality car, great options, great service intervals, speed, fuel useage and value for money. It is sad people who buy & do reviews on the lower ranges will always be negative (they can not afford to really). This is a very good car, would recommend if you want a car that can be used in all weathers and enjoyed but also will take the mick out of Ford Foucus RS’s etc but is only serviced 20k miles etc. 25mpg ave but don’t buy like many real cars if you can not afford the true costs, buy a Citreon C3, if that’s your limit. Don’t moan afterwards!!

Responses to this review

At last! Someone who understands what having a ’real’ car is all about and not buying some under powered imitation of the real thing as it should be, great comments... Chris Dexter from England

Here, here!! - Doug Lord from England

Owned most Saabs 900 99s 9000s...stopped buying them when GM took over. Glad you like the new car but hey there aren’t as good as the old Saabs they were fast turbo 99 and 900 real quick, great to drive too. Good fun to drive fast, the Vauxhall you call a Saab is rubbish at the side of the real Saab. I hope the sale of Saab from GM to Spyker will help Saab make real cars once more. Owning top of the range cars does not make you some sort of expert on cars...lol – Pete Cannon from Yorkshire

Saab 9-3 Convertible 1.8T Vector 2006

The best bit about the 9-3 is that both my wife and I enjoy driving it. I don’t feel too "girly" in it and it’s not too big for her, yet the boot still takes the weeks shopping either up or down. Love the seats and the roof which operates easily and provides decent noise reduction when up. Easy to drive too. Ours has the convenience pack so remote roof (very posey) and electric seats. That said if we had another we’d definitely go for heated seats and upgrade the stereo as the standard one is a bit rubbish. However what alternative do we have? Only the new A3 and 1 series convertible have proper rag tops but are too small and the CLK is too pricey. These tintops are fine and all the rage but with the roof up they’re just like a normal car and with the roof down there is no boot space plus the extra weight over the rear wheels changes the driving dynamics. Facelift it is then!

Saab 9-3 Convertible Vector 2008

Have been driving my 9-3 convertible (Vector) for a couple of months now. It’s a real attraction on the roads and am pleased with my purchase so far. Very quiet with roof up and good torque.

Saab 9-3 Convertible 1.8t linear 2005

I have had this car since new and love it. My wife wants another as this ones lease runs out soon. Very practical, fast and good mpg (average 33mpg). Had a 9-5 before this and both were faultless. Get one and you won’t be disappointed. The only thing that I have noticed is the idle is a tiny bit lumpy when waiting at the lights. Not bad complaint for three years motoring.

Saab 9-3 Convertible Linear 2005

I’ve enjoyed my Saab 93 Convertible. It’s a great car both in looks and performance. I’ve only had one real problem. The roof has recently started leaking where it meets the driver side window. I’m now looking for a new car but I really don’t like the Saab’s new look. I think it’s ugly. I’ll miss the drop top but, I may buy a BMW next. I’d go back to a Saab 93 Convertible in the future, but, only if they changed the design again to a sleeker looking model because it really is a good car.

Saab 9-3 Convertible 2007

I have had a totally faultless year. The car looks good and drives superbly and I would recommend the car to anybody.

Saab 9-3 Convertible Vector 93 2008

I’ve just got my Vector 93 Convertible and the new shape is a real looker. A great drive, comfortable and fun; a great car.

Saab 9-3 Convertible 2008

I rejected the Saab 9-3 Convertible after two months and sent it back. It had a series of electrical faults to the side lights, air bags, windows and stereo, then the engine didn’t start. The dealer and Saab said that the faults were not recorded in the car’s computer, so there were no faults to fix. How convenient! Saab are building an unreliable, cheap and nasty car and selling them for �26K. You’d be better off with a Kia Picanto for �6K - at least they start. We’ve just ordered an Audi A4 Cabriolet instead and gone with a real premium brand this time. Our other car is a Jag X-Type which is fast, economical, great to drive and utterly reliable. Would never get another Saab.

Responses to this review

I don’t understand why another Jaguar wasn’t obtained ? My 3.4 still is used daily and I wouldn’t dream of dumming down - Robert Hamon from Canada

I think you were just unlucky, every brand of car has a bogus one with faults straight off the production line.
I own an M3 Convertible, Porsche 911, DBS and Saab 93 Linear Convertible as a run-about. It is reliable, comfortable and good value for money. No, it’s not a Porsche but it is a decent car. Shame you had a bad experience but Jaguar have not been exactly known for their reliability.
My husband used to race one and it broke down more times than Katie Price - Louise Scudamore from Buckinghamshire

Saab 9-3 Convertible 2.0 Linear

Lovely 4 seater convertible with excellent performance, economy & space. Enjoyed 18 months with my Saab. Only gave it back because my car lease expired.