2008 Saab 9-3 Consumer Reviews

(I thought) it's what I wanted.

Written by: BV on 11/04/2008

Vehicle

2008 Saab 9-3 2.0T 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

I don't 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 it's a great looking car. However, I'm 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!

Favorite Features

Looks nice. Good, smooth power. Rides smoothly, quietly.

Suggested Improvements

Divorce GM. The headrests should have better adjustability they completely block rear vision. Automatic wipers drive me crazy - let me set the interval speed! Better quality interior accessories.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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You will love XWD

Written by: AeroXWD on 11/03/2008

Vehicle

2008 Saab 9-3 Aero 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

I purchased this car after my 2007 9-3 2.0T was hit from behind and subsequently totaled. I loved my 9-3 but also thought it would be a good idea to keep an open mind and look at some other cars. I drove an A4 which was slow and expensive with the options I wanted. The 3.2 V-6 felt simply lethargic. I drove a 335i BMW walked away feeling it was overpriced. The new C300 and C350 handled great but I was really unimpressed with how awful the seats and interior materials were for a Benz. The Aero XWD was a blast. Excellent seats, 280 hp turbo engine. I love my new Aero XWD. I have developed a lead foot and find myself at high speed on many occasions. It's the best Saab I've ever had.

Favorite Features

280 hp turbo V-6

Suggested Improvements

The shifter can be a little notchy at times from 1-2 and 2-3.

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Update: 6 months of disappointment

Written by: Ric in ATL on 11/02/2008

Vehicle

2008 Saab 9-3 Aero 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

This is a 6-month update. Check out my "First 90 days" review. My Aero has spent even more time in the shop since then. The stereo system is still a major issue, but now my problems have extended to the stability control system and general build quality. About to go through my 2nd set of floor mats. 1st service interval came at 6700. I've spent more time in a loaner car than my own car in the last 2 months. Squeaks & rattles have multiplied. This 9-3 has been a terrible disappointment. For a $40k car, it is seriously outclassed by the competition. While I loved Saab, I feel totally let down by this car, and I don't plan to return when my lease is up.

Favorite Features

Turbo. Mid-range torque. A/C; Multi-stage heated seats. Smell of the leather remains. Exterior design still catches a lot of attention

Suggested Improvements

Bring the diesel version to the U.S. Better gas mileage (I get 19mpg combined). Make the steering wheel full leather. iPod interface

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Back to Saab

Written by: SAAB 4 Life on 10/31/2008

Vehicle

2008 Saab 9-3 2.0T 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

This is a fantastic car. As a owner of 2000 Saab (that I still have) I wanted to purchase another one just like it. After making a mistake and buying a VW Jetta 2.0 turbo that burns oil (look up vw oil consumption on any search engine) I went to a fantastic dealership in Florida (jacksonville) and picked up my Laser Red 93. I am getting 33 mpg with 4 people and a trunk full of luggage running 80+. Can't say enough about this car. It's just like the old one fast, reliable, smooth. I could go on and on.

Favorite Features

It's a Saab 4 cylinder, turbo, steel timing chain, six speed

Suggested Improvements

Saab used to offer only two or three options everything else was standard. Let's go back to that. Oh and give me enough road to open this baby up and run

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Perfect for a tall person

Written by: ChemE on 10/29/2008

Vehicle

2008 Saab 9-3 2.0T SportCombi 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

I am 6'6" and the Saab fits me like a glove. I've had the car 3 months now and it's 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).

Favorite Features

I fit in the car! Excellent balance of power and efficiency. Smooth ride. My wife loves it. Tons of standard features. The dashboard layout is great at night.

Suggested Improvements

A couple of the interior features are a bit awkward (push button cup holder?). The rear speakers are small in the Combi (wagon) version so the stereo system lacks bass. A small sub is all it needs to sound great. I love the stereo/satellite radio w/ AUX jack.

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Solid fun convertible

Written by: 3rdSaabCvt on 10/18/2008

Vehicle

2008 Saab 9-3 2.0T 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

This is my 3rd Saab convertible and it's 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. I'm 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.

Favorite Features

Seats, balance of economy with performance, style. Have 17" wheel upgrade which look great. Remote control top and DNA lighting are cool.

Suggested Improvements

Previous Saab convertibles had a rear seat that folded down flat and a pass through to the trunk. could carry anything from Home Depot. Without those features very limited. Base radio is terrible for a car this expensive, but $800 for upgrade seemed excessive. Better radio should be standard.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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9-3 2.0t sport sedan

Written by: ralph on 10/10/2008

Vehicle

2008 Saab 9-3 2.0T 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

I found the Saab 2.0t sport sedan to be the perfect fit for my needs. I looked at the VW GTI, Passat and Audit A4. The GTI handles like a sports car, but I needed something a bit more mature. The Passat felt like a Buick, not bad, but not what I wanted. I have a lot of respect for the Audi A4, but did not feel it warranted spending another $6K. The Saab 9-3 was perfect! The 2.0 turbo is powerful, responsive and fuel efficient ( 32mpg average). The six speed manual has well spaced gears, and the clutch is very smooth. Overall interior / exterior quality and fit and finish are excellent for the price.

Favorite Features

2.0 turbo and six speed manual, is very efficient and powerful...reminders me of my 01' 1.8t Passat. Love the dash, steering wheel, placement of controls,and seating postion. Excellent price with GM employee pricing plus rebates. You can't find a car of this caliber for under $25K...

Suggested Improvements

Front fog lights and automatic door locks should be standard on a car of this price.

4 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Awesome Car!

Written by: JoeyDropTop on 10/03/2008

Vehicle

2008 Saab 9-3 2.0T 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

I am so happy with my purchase! I have been interested in this 93 for some time now! I shopped for a while, compared, and I am glad to say that my New Saab is amazing! Fun to drive, and FAST for a 4 cylinder! LOVE the turbo! Love the remote top down! And gotta love the ICE BLUE color!

Favorite Features

Remote Top Down, rear vents for ac automatic everything!

Suggested Improvements

Stereo is a little weak, even with the upgraded 300 W system/amp mine came with.

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Very good and very pleased

Written by: Guintama on 09/28/2008

Vehicle

2008 Saab 9-3 2.0T 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

Now, I am not saying that there are not better vehicles out there, because there are. Yet this does not deign the 9-3 of its distinction of being a great if not superb near-luxury vehicle. I have own(ed) VW's, BMW, Cadillacs, and none of them have performed as well as the Saab for the price point, nor, being owned by GM. I am very pleased with the interior finish, if it is a little watered down unlike the older, more genuine Saab, this one should still function in a few years. The engine is great, a lot of fun to drive with its tight steering and great cornering. Highly recommend it over all other cars for under $30,000.

Favorite Features

Tight steering and 6 speed manual train... very peppy. Despite the front wheel drove, it moves quite well.

Suggested Improvements

A few small issues with the interior finish, better integration of ONSTAR, with the steering wheel controls working, even without the blue tooth. Otherwise, very pleased.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Buy this car now if not sooner.

Written by: GaLawdog on 09/19/2008

Vehicle

2008 Saab 9-3 Turbo X SportCombi 4dr Wagon AWD (2.8L 6cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

Run, 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. Don't believe the tepid reviews - if you love cars, this is the real deal. Saab hits another home run.

Favorite Features

Seats, cross wheel drive, sound system, gas mileage. And everything else.

Suggested Improvements

None. This is auto perfection.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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