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

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  Nice Car at a discount - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By Michael - August 22 - 8:33 am

  I just bought my Saab a week ago and in my short time I am very happy with the car. It is a bit noisy with the top up in traffic but the stereo does a good job of helping to overcome that. The engine is energetic and delivers good around-town acceleration, the transmission is slow to downshift in the standard driving mode. Visibility is ok, but the soft top does create some blind spots when up. My fuel mileage was ok for first two tanks - avg 21.5mpg with mostly city driving. I like this car, but couldnt see spending $44k for it as on the original sticker. If you get a good deal, enjoy - if not, I think the other Swede might be a bit classier for the same loot.

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  Me and my Aero - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By beefa - January 19 - 4:14 pm

  Absolutely love this car. Had mine for two years now as a daily driver. I put 100 miles a day on the car and my drive is the best part of my day. Great performance out of the 2.8T 6 cyl, matched with the manual 6 speed. The car accelerates effortlessly. No slowing down in the corners, the car holds the road while the seats keep me steady and comfortable. This truly is a FUN car to drive. Gas mileage is better than expected.

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  Total Drivers Car - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By beren - April 4 - 11:23 pm

  I 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.

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  Poor Saab quality - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By Ray Mesa - July 25 - 6:53 pm

  Surprised and the poor quality of the car Saab overall - trunk lid squeaks when opened, front door speakers are very poor quality, rear airbag cover fell off. GM has definitely had a poor impact on Saab. Customer service isnt any better in trying to fix problems. OnStar definitely needs to be removed - in keeping with other cars in its class bluetooth would be much better. Navigation system definitely needs improvement.

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  Driving is fun again - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By double d - July 16 - 6:56 pm

  My wife and I recently bought a still new 08 convertible for our fun car (at a very good price). The cars we drive for work are good but boring. Not so with the Saab. Im having a blast driving it. I havent had this much fun driving in many, many years. Always looking for an excuse to drive anywhere, especially with the top down. The car is nimble and has a nice throaty exhaust - so different from the Asian cars Ive owned. Exterior styling is not as thrilling as other cars in its class but thats OK because its unique styling has a timelessness about it that should make it a pleasure to own for many years.

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  Love my 2008 Saab - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By Robert - February 5 - 3:40 pm

  Overall a really good car. Personally, I feel that the 2.0T is the best deal vs. the 2.8. I opted for all options except nav and auto transmission. The premium leather gives the sport seats that arent otherwise available on the 2.0T. This feature alone nearly makes it worth the extra $$$. The leather quality is very nice (especially the French stitching!!). The manual transmission is notchy but nonetheless fun to drive. I must admit that I never really liked Saabs before, however this redesign really makes the car look wonderful. The taillight surrounds take getting used to but otherwise a really good car. FYI: upgraded sound system is simply average so I assume the base sound is terrible.

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  (I thought) its what I wanted. - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By BV - May 3 - 11:00 am

  I dont mean to be a spoiler to all the positive reviews - this is a nice car. I guess the problem is I had my last Saab (89 900T) way too long. It was the newer (after 2003) body style that really attracted me - I think its a great looking car. However, Im not into the white & chrome tail lights that came in 2008. It drives very well, power comes on quickly, quietly and before you know it your over the speed limit. But the seats are too wide and I slide around in corners. Most dissapointing it that it seems to be more GM than a Saab. Flimsy cup holders and console lid. On a recent business trip, I noticed my Chevy Cobalt rental car has the exact same radio as my $25K Saab. Uhh!

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  First 90 days: Good, but not great - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By Ric in ATL - August 31 - 9:53 pm

  Picked up my 2nd 9-3 in April. It replaced my 05 Linear SS. I loved it & so I was sure Id love my 2nd 9-3. Unfortunately, my Aero hasnt lived up to expectations. Its seen the Service Dept. way too much, mainly Bose radio & sound system issues. Im now on my 5th visit to fix the problem. I missed most of my 3mos. XM Free Trial. Im unimpressed with build quality and the materials in my Aero. I already have several squeaks & rattles. The plastics look and feel cheap, and Ive already worn a hole through my floor mat. All in less than 90 days. Mechanically, the car is great & fun to drive...when I actually have it. The premium leather is a nice touch, but $1500+ is tough to justify.

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  Uncomfortable Seats! - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By NOVA SAAB 9.3 Owner - December 21 - 8:23 pm

  Maybe I just got a lemon. The seats on this otherwise wonderfully fine convertible are HORRIBLE. I really dont know what to do and I grimace every time Im about to get into the car. Just for this reason, I recommend nobody consider this car.

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  Never knew Saabs were this nice - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By Jdac - September 18 - 4:23 am

  I 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.