2008 Saab 9-3 Convertible
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Saab 9-3 Convertible - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Saab 9-3 Convertible is a somewhat sporty entry-level luxury convertible with the unique Swedish character of Saabs, but it's built on an aging platform and better values can be had in the class.
The Saab 9-3 convertible has undergone a refresh for 2008 that makes it an eye-catching car, but still leaves it mechanically behind newer competitors. In a class full of look-alike cars, it retains some of its unique Scandinavian look -- but there's no denying that the 9-3 is the most mainstream car Saab has ever built. For 2008, the exterior lines have been made smoother, and all trim is now body-color. The 9-3 still features a fully-automatic cloth top while many competitors have moved to hardtop designs. The 9-3 convertible is a very safe car -- earning a "Top Safety Pick" designation and top scores in all tests from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Saab had originally planned to replace the 9-3 in 2009, but has since halted development of the next 9-3 and announced that they're junking the work they've done so far and starting over, building a radically smaller car to comply with stricter E.U. emissions rules. The 9-3, sold as a sedan, a wagon and a convertible, was last redesigned in 2004. The 2008 9-3's refresh is largely seen as a patch job, trying to keep an older car on the market for a few more years. While it's undeniably attractive and most reviews say that, it's losing ground to more recently designed competitors, both in the performance department and in the feature list. The price has been dropped to keep the cars moving, so the value proposition is not slipping much. If you like Saabs, this is a nice vehicle and probably the best Saab yet. But it's not much of a mainstream alternative, stacked up next to a hardtop BMW 3-Series convertible or Mercedes-Benz CLK.
The 9-3 comes in two trim levels -- a 2.0T using a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 210 horsepower, and an Aero model using a 2.8-liter V6 making 255 hp. A six-speed manual transmission is standard -- part of Saab's attempt to paint itself as a maker of performance cars. Automatics are optional on both. An All-Wheel Drive system available on 9-3 sedans and wagons is still not offered on convertible models. In addition, Saab will offer a limited-run 2008 Saab 9-3 Convertible Yellow Edition, which (in addition to its bright yellow paint job) offers 17-inch alloy wheels, a unique rear spoiler and a premium audio system. The Yellow Edition trick has been tried twice before. The Los Angeles Times notes, "The first YE, which came out in 1991, has, according to Saab, gone on to attain collector-car status. Well-kept examples of the 1997 version are becoming sought-after as well."
- "It has a certain charm that some of the others lack, a willingness to please. Just as important, Saab has been offering big incentives to help move 9-3 convertibles out the door. With a few grand on the hood, this car looks very attractive indeed." -- Car and Driver
- "Things seem to be looking up for the Swedish automaker with the launch of the 2008 Saab 9-3, which gets an extensive facelift." -- Motor Trend
- "Thanks to its new series of designs and models, Saab should now always be shopped against the European and Asian cars that make up this class" -- Boston Globe
- "On freeways, we found the 9-3 rides quietly and lets you listen to the music. ... On back roads, the handling was responsive; it handled bumps well, in corners and over rises. The seats are comfortable." -- New Car Test Drive
9-3-Convertible Performance - NA
The 2008 Saab 9-3 holds its own against similar four-seat convertibles, but it isn't among the best performers in the class. The Boston Globe says the 9-3 is "not a hot rod … but it does fill the bill for those who want a little sport in their driving." A full Saab 9-3 Convertible Performance Review is coming soon continue
9-3-Convertible Exterior - NA
The Saab 9-3 benefits from what New Car Test Drive calls "a radical new front and rear-end redesign. The new look has been received positively. The 9-3 convertible still offers only a cloth top, in a segment where hardtops are increasingly common. The soft top, however, seals well and is insulated against road noise. A full Saab 9-3 Convertible Exterior Review is coming soon continue
9-3-Convertible Interior - NA
General Motors owns Saab, and GM has been putting a great deal of effort into redesigning the interiors of its cars in recent years. The Boston Globe comments, "Frankly, this model's interior is superior to the insides of the old Saabs so many of us loved." A full Saab 9-3 Convertible Interior Review is coming soon continue
9-3-Convertible Safety - NA
The 2008 Saab 9-3 convertible earned the "Top Safety Pick" designation as the safest car in its class after achieving the highest possible scores in crash testing conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The federal government has not crash tested the convertible edition of the 9-3. A full Saab 9-3 Convertible Safety Review is coming soon continue
9-3-Convertible Reliability - NA
The 9-3 Convertible is covered by a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty.A full Saab 9-3 Convertible Reliability Review is coming soon continue
