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 71 through 78 of 78.00-
Best Value on the Road - 2008 Saab 9-3
By pmgreene - April 26 - 10:50 amI love this car. Saab has greatly improved the ride and build quality of the car. I have owned Saabs in the past, and this one much smoother over the rough roads here in New England. Many fewer rattles and overall a much more refined experience. The best thing about this car is the balance of fuel economy and performance. I do a lot of highway driving, but I average 30 mpg. I dont understand the EPA ratings. I had a Lexus IS with the same EPA rating and never got better than 25 mpg in that. I am very happy with the Saab and highly recommend this car to anyone shopping in this segment.
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Great car - 2008 Saab 9-3
By PGTX - March 9 - 8:50 amIve been a SAAB fan all my life and finally bought one 2 years ago. I like the fact that SAAB design team is keeping the essence of the old 900 model through out the evolution to the 9-3 just like BMW or Mercedes do. Makes it a car that will not look outdated in a few years.
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Excellent value if the price is right - 2008 Saab 9-3
By SaabstudentDoc - February 15 - 8:10 pmAfter owning an 03 9-5 Aero that was totaled while nobly saving my wife and me from any bodily harm I was eager to get back into the seat of a Saab. I was not able to afford another 9-5, but the 08 9-3 was nothing I "settled" for. The fuel efficiency is fantastic! I am getting 33 mpg on the highway and mixed city/highway I am averaging 26mpg (mostly city). The 9-5 I owned was an Aero and while the difference is noticeable, this car is more than ample. One word - turbo. My wife has a TSX, while this does not have the xenons and moonroof standard, this is more fun to drive.
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Saab-The Bedington Terrier of Cars - 2008 Saab 9-3
By Spencer Aronfeld - January 29 - 5:06 pmI had a Saab 25 years ago and still dream about it. I test drove every car on the market and nothing provided the drive, look, quality and fun of the 9-3 for the price. BMW too expensive. Lexus, too boring. MB too common. This is a unique car. I leased it with an automatic (my only regret so far) in Fusion Blue. Dealer worked hard to make the deal. On Star is a great feature and already worked to unlock my car when I left the keys in side. If you want a unique car with lots of personality, I recommend it. Make sure dealer puts air in tires and balances wheels before you drive off lot if, like mine, it had sat there for months. Saab is a European car owned by GM. Love it!
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Great quality from a GM vehicle - 2008 Saab 9-3
By RH - November 24 - 7:50 pmA very nifty ride for the price. I was very happy to support an American company and get a vehicle that looks unique, has very fun driving characteristics and good comfort features without attracting the stereotypes associated with Merc and BMW drivers. (not that i wouldnt love a nice Merc). Acceleration from 50-70 is quick, turbo boost is very fun although low end torque is lacking, this isnt a drag racer by any means. While the sport mode is fun and the triptronic transmission is ok, I wished I could have gotten an manual. Guess they were quickly picked up nationwide.
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Never knew Saabs were this nice - 2008 Saab 9-3
By Jdac - September 18 - 4:23 amI had been driving a sensible car for 5 years: Toyota Corolla CE; manual everything. I finally decided it was time to upgrade and consider BMW, Inifiniti, Acura, etc. I didnt really consider a Saab until an Acura I wanted sold. I love my Saab 9-3! The 2008 model looks great from the outside; its a comfortable and is a considerable power upgrade for me. The features are great and the value was unbeatable. I highly recommend that you consider driving one if youre looking at an entry-level luxury sedan.
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1st month of ownership - 2008 Saab 9-3
By Fernando - July 8 - 8:16 pmI have own my 2008 9-3 for a month now, driven it both city and on twisty highways in coastal California from San Diego to Santa Barbara. Overall, I am very pleased with the car: great ride, amazing in the highway when the car settles and just lets you enjoy the ride. Based on other written reviews on line, I was concerned a bit about apparent manual shifter long throws and comments about interior built quality: my concerns disappeared once I got the car and started to drive it. 6 speed manual transmission works just fine, and clutch is great too. In sum, so far this car makes me smile every time I drive it.
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Update: 6 months of disappointment - 2008 Saab 9-3
By Ric in ATL - April 2 - 7:36 amThis is a 6-month update. Check out my "First 90 days" review. My Aero has spent even more time in the shop since then. The stereo system is still a major issue, but now my problems have extended to the stability control system and general build quality. About to go through my 2nd set of floor mats. 1st service interval came at 6700. Ive spent more time in a loaner car than my own car in the last 2 months. Squeaks & rattles have multiplied. This 9-3 has been a terrible disappointment. For a $40k car, it is seriously outclassed by the competition. While I loved Saab, I feel totally let down by this car, and I dont plan to return when my lease is up.
