Overview & Reviews
All 2008 Saab 9-3s benefit from an exterior refresh. Notably, all body trim is monochromatic this year. A more significant development is the January 2008 arrival of an optional all-wheel-drive system for 9-3 Aero sedans and wagons. These AWD 9-3s get a more potent, 280-horsepower version of the turbocharged V6. In addition, Saab will offer a limited-edition version of the AWD sedan and wagon called the Turbo X. Only 600 will come to the U.S. and they'll be identifiable by their black exterior paint, 18-inch wheels, lowered suspension, larger brakes and unique interior trim. The Turbo X sedan gains a rear spoiler. Other updates for 2008 include a 5-hp bump for front-drive Aeros and minor changes to the standard and optional equipment lists.
- Quiet ride, accurate steering, responsive all-wheel-drive system, supportive front seats, available in three body styles.
- Subpar interior materials and build quality, too much body roll on Aero model, ride can be choppy over bumps.
User Reviews:
Showing 11 through 20 of 78.00-
Solid fun convertible - 2008 Saab 9-3
By 3rdSaabCvt - December 26 - 3:56 amThis is my 3rd Saab convertible and its great. Nice balance of performance and economy. Ride and handling are way, way better than my previous ones. GM Ecotech engine could be more powerful but is extremely smooth and balanced. Interior is a downgrade from previous cars. Guages look cheap and SID information display was better when at eye level instead of buried in speedometer, but seats are super comfortable seats. Fuel economy is much better than EPA estimates. Im getting 23 in town with AC on and 29 in my daily commute which is 80% highway, again with AC on. Fog lights should be standard and hidden exhaust pipe is cheap, should have polished tips. Great soft top - high quality.
-
My First Saab - 2008 Saab 9-3
By DoninVirginia - October 25 - 2:00 amAfter researching manufacturers such as Audi and BMW, I chose the Saab Aero Convertible. My criteria included 1) fun to drive, 2) performance, 3) curb appeal, 4) amenities, and 5) price. The 2008 Aero Convertible had it all. The 6-speed manual is fun to drive, and performs like a champ. It has a great look, small on the outside, but comfortable on the inside. I love the Xenon lights and the Bose Stereo. 2008 was the right price point. And this vehicle, steel gray with black top, had been meticulously maintained, with only minor wear noted. The key fob is also really cool. Although the interior materials may not be up to others, it is not worthy of the criticims.
-
Saab 2.0T - 2008 Saab 9-3
By DH - September 1 - 11:56 amThis car is fun to drive, handles well in the snow and has some nice luxery components. The steering is resonsive and the mid-range acceleration is peppy. The overall interior quality is on the lower end, but still nice. The cabin is surprisingly roomy with a nice trunk and fold down rear seats for extra storage space.
-
Never Follow!!! - 2008 Saab 9-3
By Will - June 26 - 11:50 amThis is a great vehicle, no question about it! I had a BMW 535i over the weekend which the dealership let me test drive, because of my excellent credit. However, at 35 years of age, I felt like 45 or older in it and besides, the place where I live already looks like a BMW dealership, because just about everyone owns one! So, I took it back and started looking for a car that was just as good, but rarer, unique and with its own agenda. That is what SAAB is, and that is what the 9-3 Aero is more than any of their other vehicles! This car is absolutely unique and once you actually see one in detail, you will realize just how different they are. Never follow! This car really stands out!
-
SAAB Driven - 2008 Saab 9-3
By SAAB Doyl - June 13 - 2:26 amFun to drive, mocking a BMW with the MPG of a mini cooper. 3 years service with this lease costs the owner nothing. Hope the new company purchasing SAAB keeps tradition... superior value for the buck!
-
What a fun car - 2008 Saab 9-3
By turnlund - May 8 - 8:25 amI purchased a used 9-3 sedan a few months ago with the base 2.0T engine. Ive owned a few high performance cars and this one is the most fun. The only the thing the two BMWs I owned/own (a 95 540i and 08 535i respectively) have over this car is acceleration at 85+ MPH.
-
No wonder Saab is bankrupt - 2008 Saab 9-3
By TriHill - April 23 - 1:46 amThe city mileage totally stinks on this car, between 10-20 mpg. For some reason on the highway, theres a disparity jump to 30-40 mpg. Great car for road trips, but I am a city driver most of the year, so this is not a good car for that. A lot of the electronics and computer systems onboard have bugs in them. I have had to take the car in at least monthly for these annoying fixes. Customer service is poor for things that should be covered by the warranty, particularly within the first year of car ownership where most of the problems have been happening. I will tell you that the first repair service wasnt an oil change...it had to do with changing a light bulb.
-
Total Drivers Car - 2008 Saab 9-3
By beren - April 4 - 11:23 pmI bought this car on day -1 and now 50K miles later I can say Im glad I did. As a total package this car cannot be beat. Does it go 0-60 with an M3 - no of course not. As a total experience this car rocks - decent off the line performance, great handling, no bling-bling crap, and a decent back seat.
-
Superb - 2008 Saab 9-3
By Tyler - February 13 - 10:00 amCross shopped with the A4 and 3 Series. Its a real head turner with performance to match. Very tight build quality and mileage is great. As good as a compact executive vehicle can be.
-
1st Saab,will not be my last - 2008 Saab 9-3
By LuvMySaab - January 9 - 12:43 pmI love this car! Very quick, handles well. I do a lot of driving, and the seats are the most comfortable. Interior is very ergonomic. I am 61, and I have more than enough room in the front for myself. The interior is quirky, but everything is conveniently located. I have the stick, and it is as smooth as silk. Passing on the highway leaves others in the dust with the turbo. Sure there is a lag, but who doesnt have one? I have been told by a Saab mechanic who used to work at 1 of the dealerships on LI, now in biz for himself that GM has "ruined Saab". I just cant tell.
