New 2008 Saab 9-3 [ 2009 , 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 74 9-3 reviews and test drives.
Saab 9-3 - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Saab 9-3 ranks 3 out of 7 Upscale Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 74 published reviews and test drives of the Saab 9-3, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The 9-3 has a polished exterior and a sporty feel, but it doesn't quite match the performance others in its class.
The 2008 Saab 9-3 continues to standout from other upscale small cars by offering competent performance and unorthodox styling. Several auto writers praise Saab's ability to successfully sustain its Swedish identity though it is now a GM product. AutoWeek says, "As Saab relished is individuality -- hell, let's call a herring a herring: its quirkiness -- the preferred transport of global iconoclasts has never stood alongside other European contenders. Now it can sit at the big table with everyone else."
The 9-3 is currently available in two trims -- the base 2.0T and the Aero model. An all-wheel drive system, called cross wheel drive, is now available for the Aero trim. The 2008 9-3 is also available as a two-door convertible and a wagon, the Saab 9-3 SportCombi. For 2008, the 9-3 underwent an extensive refresh that includes a new exterior design and the introduction all-wheel drive. But the 2008 9-3 still gets reviewers' attention as one of the pricier entry-level luxury sedans. If you're in the market for an upscale small car, consider the value of a Volkswagen GTI. If you like the idea of an upscale compact with all-wheel drive, also consider the Audi A3.
- "Buy the 9-3 Sedan if you want a quick and nimble European sedan with just enough quirkiness to set it apart from the pack. Keep looking if you want larger and/or sportier vehicle." -- Forbes
- "Saab claims to have made 2157 changes to its 2008 line of 9-3 vehicles. While it's impossible to verify each one, the major improvements are easy to see." -- Motor Trend
- + "The revamped 9-3 takes up back to some of Saab's roots with crisp handling, manageable power, and a striking new look that includes snake-eye headlamps, piercing fog lights, a looming grille, and a clamshell hood that will be evocative for Saab fans of a certain age. Go back any farther and you'll need to break out the tie-dye and patchouli oil." -- Boston Globe
- + "A new face, new shoes, and a new dress are always good places to start when it comes to history-rich sports sedans trying to get their groove back, there are a lot of slick rides in the 9-3's market segment." -- Car and Driver
- "Saab, as a company, has always marched to a different drummer, and it seeks customers who do, too. You'll like the beat, if not the price." -- Orlando Sentinel
- "This new car is attractive, efficient, comfortable and sporty." -- AutoWeek
9-3 Performance - 8.3 (Very Good)
Although it's not the best-performing vehicle in its class, the 9-3 is peppy and maneuvers well. According to the Boston Globe, "This car is not a hot rod … but it does fill the bill for those who want a little sport in their driving." Continue with our full Performance Review to read about the 9-3's new cross-wheel drive system, Saab's version of all-wheel drive, slated to be available for the 9-3 Aero trim in late 2008. continue
9-3 Exterior - 8.7 (Very Good)
The 2008 Saab 9-3's refreshed exterior gets mostly good reviews. With refined body lines and modified head- and taillamps, Car and Driver says "the new face does what every freshening hopes to accomplish -- make the old car look seriously dated." Check out the Saab 9-3 Photo Gallery to see close-ups of the modified head and taillamps, or continue with our full Exterior Review to find out what design touches keep the 2008 Saab 9-3 in touch with its European heritage. continue
9-3 Interior - 7.2 (Good)
Although the Saab 9-3's interior is considered spacious, its quality gets mixed reviews. AutoWeek says "these Swedes not only figured out a way to make the cockpit a place you'd like to stay and live in." But others argue closer inspection reveals inconsistent fit and finish. Check out the Saab 9-3 Photo Gallery to see the sedan's leather-appointed seats, or continue with our full Interior Review to learn how the 9-3's 15 cubic feet of trunk space compares to other upscale small sedans. continue
9-3 Safety - 9.6 (Excellent)
The 2008 Saab 9-3 has a number of standard safety features. In addition, the sedan does well in government and insurance industry crash tests. Continue with our full Safety Review to read about the car's Xenon cornering headlamps, now available on the 9-3's Aero trim. continue
9-3 Reliability - 5.0 (Mediocre)
The 2008 Saab 9-3 reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 9-3 comes with a four-year or 50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. Continue with our full 9-3 Reliability Review to learn more about Saab's additional warranties. continue
