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 1 through 10 of 78.00

• 

  No wonder Saab is bankrupt - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By TriHill - April 23 - 1:46 am

  The 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.

• 

  Young mans sport sedan - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By Brian - November 8 - 4:36 am

  XWD, six-speed manual really make this car fun. It tracks very well in the snow and ice. It rides hard, even over medium quality metro freeways. So much so that on one bump I was tossed upward in the car and hit my head on the ceiling. I have been known to grunt in anticipation of road bumps. Maybe this is because of my bad back and age 43. I had an 87 Saab 900S several years ago in my youth and loved it. My new Saab is fast and fun to drive on smooth roads, but I may have bitten off more than I can chew. A loaded Accord would have been a better choice for me. Discounts made the car affordable, but I anticipate reliability will be below average; its in the shop as I write this review.

• 

  Good Car, Needs Improvement - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By WI Saab Owner - June 2 - 12:30 pm

  This is our second Saab 9-3. Its a great car all around, stylish and a great price. Handles great in the snow, and the standard heated seats are lifesavers in the winter. The gas mileage is the biggest problem - we do mainly city driving and are getting between 15-16 mpg on regular. This was a change from our 2003 Saab that was a manual. Ive also had it in the shop twice already for windshield wiper problems.