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 31 through 40 of 78.00

• 

  Great Car! - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By TheRas900 - November 26 - 2:23 pm

  I researched and drove many vehicles in this class, including the Acura TL, BMW 328i, Lexus IS250 and Subaru 2.5GT. After having it for a month, I am very glad I stayed with the Saab. The handling/ride balance is nice and I am getting 26.4 mpg in city driving on regular!

• 

  Sporty, gorgeous, and luxurious for less - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By Denis - November 25 - 2:06 pm

  While this 9-3 is not built to the same standard the original 900 was, this 9-3 still got the Saab character (read: a blast to drive!), and its a high-quality car overall with mostly European-made parts. We got some $5,000 off sticker with the GM incentives and dealer discounts, and that blows away ANY other car in this price range. The styling is super gorgeous (we got a white Combi with 17-inch wheels), the interior both looks luxurious and is insanely comfortable, and engine pick-up is excellent even with the 4-cyl engine! There are copious amounts of space, both for cargo and large people. Some plastics in the interior could be improved, but at the price we paid - no complaints.

• 

  Saab 93 2-9 months out of the lot - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By tofutel - September 13 - 12:46 pm

  After 2 months, the shift knob gets sticky. Sticky shifting gets worst when in cold weather but very smooth when outside temperature is warm or when car gets a good 5 minute warm up. This is still a fairly new car! Ive had this car for 9 months now. Since then, I had brought the car back for service repair on the electronics on the window, the static on the speakers, sticky moonroof, and a flat tire. Other than that, car drives very good. there is power when you need it.

• 

  2008 Saab 9-3 Convertible, wow! - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By Russ, Largo, Fl - August 28 - 5:26 am

  Move over Mercedes CLK 320 convertible. Ive owned one and the Saab is 12k less with far more features, standard features and the most awesome driving experience you will ever have hands down. This vehicle is the very best mixture of luxury and sport Ive ever encountered. Its handling is crisp, yet comfortable and eager to please. Its as if the driver is one with the car. Very simply, you put gas in it and the car takes care of itself. It monitors all essential functions, has XM radio, OnStar, remote top down, additional lighting, superior guages, 3 comfort zones and so much more. Leases included all maintenance and bumper to bumper warranty. This is positively one sweet machine.

• 

  SAAB Strikes Gold In 2008 - 2011 Models - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By Kohlbee - June 13 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 5 SAABs - a 1983 900, 1989 900 S, 1990 900 S convertible and 1997 900 S convertible. The 2008 has zero remaining interior parts from its original designs, aside from the headlight and windshield washer logos printed on the corresponding controls. The 2008 thus far has had zero issues or electrical problems that were found in previous models. The quirkiness is thankfully still part of SAABs design; its ignition, is located in the middle console, similar to the original floor concept. The Swedish flavor is still present, as is its outstanding and unusual exterior design. I would recommend SAAB redesign the rear to = original SAAB concept, versus its current generic square format.

• 

  Truly Surprised - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By Max Andrews - June 5 - 5:56 am

  We werent even going to stop at Saab - Im so glad we did. Twenty years of luxury cars and convertibles, and I havent had this much fun driving since my first Miata. Traded from a Mustang GT Convertible, and ride is 1000% smoother. Wish Id bought one years ago.

• 

  Nice car for the money - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By tony w. - April 18 - 6:40 am

  This is a really nice car and we get lots of compliments everywhere we go. Fuel mileage is good and the rear seat is bearable for children on intermediate length trips. Speaking f trips, there is actually room for luggage in the trunk with the top down, go figure. Good job saab

• 

  2008 9-3 2.0t Sport Sedan - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By magnetic1 - March 19 - 1:23 pm

  The styling is great (int and ext) and elegant. After many test drives, there is nothing with more punch/dollar. Performance is impressive for 4cyl turbo. Peak torque and hp at low rpms means accessible speed. Youre flying before you know it. Some turbo lag, but prep to ~2500 rpm and its a rocket. Too much body roll on corners, but grip on the road seems unaffected. Mine is AT, but the MT is a joy. Youve got to drive it even if not buying. Love the brakes...lots of expression. As always with Saab, the controls become intuitive. Radio and climate arent impressive. Some interior items feel cheap. Not bad for the money though. Like the gauges and SID in front. Love the car. No regrets.

• 

  Great car - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By kilo - November 27 - 6:06 pm

  30+ mpg, smooth ride, plenty of power, great visibility, loaded with features, zero repairs over 1 year ownsership. Tons of room to haul anything both in car and on top. We drive this car on 17 hr trips to Michigan - seats very comfortable. Dont think a better wagon for the money exists on the market.

• 

  A fine car - overlooked by consumers and reviewers alike - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By carter63 - November 23 - 4:49 am

  Im 59" / 160lbs, btw I owned a 99 SAAB 9-3 for 11 years and replaced w/ this car. Tho a SAAB owner, I wasnt very impressed with the prior 9-3...this one is better. Seats B: Prior 9-3 was an A+ perfect Handling B/A: I love the light steering touch, but the sport suspension is jouncy. Revised new rating with addition of Bilstein HD dampers & 3pt undercarriage brace. Interior A: Old school SAAB charm Exterior A: Outstanding Hauling B+: Good use of space for gear Mileage C: City - 17mpg / Hwy 26.4 (w/500lbs of occupants & luggage: 500mi journey on I5 in California; 60 degree weather, traveling 72mph on cruise) Brakes B: They work, but have GM spongy feel with pulsing ABS at work