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-
A great car - 2008 Saab 9-3
By aborwick - November 17 - 2:03 amWe drove the car to Gatlinburg TN from our home near Washington, DC. The car drove flawlessly, nary a squeak nor a rattle. The four-cylinder engine was economical, yet peppy and and provided six-cylinder power. I found the dash ergonomics excellent, the seats were comfortable and the built-in XM Radio nice on the long drive. There was no torque steer from this front-wheel drive automobile. On-Star provided peace of mind. This car is a good value in todays near-luxury market.
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Buy this car now if not sooner. - 2008 Saab 9-3
By GaLawdog - October 14 - 9:06 pmRun, do not walk, to your Saab dealer and buy this car. Now. Not tomorrow. With only 600 imported into the US, and I suspect only 200 are Combis, this will turn heads and you will be one of a very few. High performance, and, yes Virginia, practical as heck. Took this bad boy through 3 horrible driving rain storms between PA and KS, and handled like it was on dry road. Messes bad with the heads of the young lads with hopped up Civics etc and ticks off BMW and Merc owners. High ego gratification while loaded with subtlety. Total aesthetic is well executed - a piece of Swedish art. Dont believe the tepid reviews - if you love cars, this is the real deal. Saab hits another home run.
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great car - 2008 Saab 9-3
By JBG - September 5 - 9:36 pmGreat car for the money. Interior sub par materials. However, much better reliability than my 2003 9-3. Min turbo lag, sharp handling, great performance at 30-35 mpg highway. A bargain compared to the Merc, BMW, and Audi. Much nicer design than the Volvo v50
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Best Car Ive Owned So Far! - 2008 Saab 9-3
By luxman - June 14 - 11:26 amI have wanted a Saab 9-3 for a long time so I looked at one last year, but I figured they were going to restyle them soon, so I waited. Im glad I did, because the new one looks AWESOME! I got a silver one with all the options. Tan leather, wood trim, heated seats, 6 cd player, fog lights, and power seats. I like the headlights a lot too. they look cool driving at night. Standard satellite radio and onstar is nice too. This thing handles like a dream too. I have the automatic with tiptronic, and it is fun to drive it in tiptronic mode. If you want a high quality, sporty car for under $45,000, you MUST get this car!
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Love my Saab - 2008 Saab 9-3
By skm95t - May 29 - 10:53 amIve had this a week and our family loves our Saab. My 4 yr old always ask "Can we ride in the red car with the top down". The car gets pretty good gas mileage, its quick and agile around town and on the highway. The 2.0T is more than enough power. The back seat is big enough to put our car seat in backwards, and our 4 yr old has plenty of room for many years. Adults can easily sit back there. The power roof works great. The stereo, A/C, and all the other instruments are easy to use.
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Power in your seat - 2008 Saab 9-3
By SAABTX - April 14 - 11:43 amI have been a SAAB guy for 6 years now & I simply love these machines. I just bought the SAAB Turbo X only 600 out of 2,000 made it to the States & what a car. Hands down AMAZING!! I have to say the ONLY thing GM helped SAAB with was their electrical systems that are much better. And the dealer was willing to let this baby go at more then $12,000.00 off the sticker!! $32,000.00 out the door with tinted windows and front clear rock chip protection at no charge, and they went for it!! Now IS the time to buy...they are hungry. The XWD system is rock on.....I could not break this one off the road. SOLID CAR ALL AROUND!!
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Aero XWD: deffinately born from jets - 2008 Saab 9-3
By Aero XWD - April 5 - 2:00 amI had been waiting for so long for Saab to produce an all-wheel drive sedan. Here was my opportunity. I had a 2007 2.0t 60th anniversary, but I was rear-ended at high speed by a Toyota Highlander. My 9-3 was totaled. (100 % not my fault). I went to the dealer expecting to buy another normal 2.0, then I saw the new Aero XWD. It was the first one the dealer had received and it was the color I loved so much on my old 9-3 (Titan Gray). I drove it. And picked it up the following day. The 285 horsepower / 295 lb/ft of torque with the six speed manual is a terrific combo. No turbo lag and its fast as hell. Handles seamlessly thanks to the haldex xwd. I average 25 mpg city/highway. I love it!
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Perfect for a tall person - 2008 Saab 9-3
By ChemE - March 21 - 2:00 pmI am 66" and the Saab fits me like a glove. Ive had the car 3 months now and its still a joy every time I drive it. The last tank of gas I got 30.5 MPG with a little bit of spirited driving (~80% HWY). The 6 speed manual lets you cruise at highway speeds without the turbo (or loss in fuel economy).
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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.
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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.
