2008 Saab 9-3 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
What owners say
"Overall, drivers of the 2008 Saab 9-3 express a high level of satisfaction, appreciating its fun driving experience, unique styling, and good performance. Many enjoyed the power provided by the turbocharged engines and the comfortable ride, making it suitable for long trips. However, some concerns were raised regarding parts availability and certain interior design elements like the shifter, which felt notchy to some drivers. Overall, it's viewed as a solid, reliable choice for those looking for something different on the road."
Performance - It accelerates very well but loses traction in first gear. The braking is very responsive but not too sensitive. The handling it sporty, but a little numb. It tends to understeer a little under extreme maneuvers. I have no complaints about the build quality, however it only has 4000 miles on it. I guess the flip out cup holder on the dash could be sturdier.The interior styling is excellent, however I'm not a huge fan of the two-tone seats. I love the look of the steering wheel. The exterior is also very nice. I don't necessarily like the side profile, but I am a coupe guy. The front is very eye-catching and the white taillights look excellent. The gas mileage is a big negative. For the horsepower, it should get much better mileage. I average about 16 in the city. I know of other cars with 300+ horsepower that get the same city mpgs. I have never taken it to the shop, but Saab of Troy offers free service (oil change, check up, etc.) so that's a plus. The car is very fun to drive, especially with the stick shift; however, the shifter and clutch have very long throws. The shifter also does not operate very smoothly. I love the low-end torque and the almost non-existent turbo lag. Overall, it is a fun car with some great styling cues.
October 27, 2008Excellant handling. If you need to get somewhere quick, this car will get you there! Great on gas, Cockpit is well designed and user freindly. Easy to maintain. The car is still new so no reports on maintenance just yet. Hard to believe it is under 250HP! If you really want to have some fun, switch it to manual mode :-)
July 27, 2008Great car with low miles. Reasonable price. Im very pleased.
July 3, 2020What owners say
Performance - It accelerates very well but loses traction in first gear. The braking is very responsive but not too sensitive. The handling it sporty, but a little numb. It tends to understeer a little under extreme maneuvers. I have no complaints about the build quality, however it only has 4000 miles on it. I guess the flip out cup holder on the dash could be sturdier.The interior styling is excellent, however I'm not a huge fan of the two-tone seats. I love the look of the steering wheel. The exterior is also very nice. I don't necessarily like the side profile, but I am a coupe guy. The front is very eye-catching and the white taillights look excellent. The gas mileage is a big negative. For the horsepower, it should get much better mileage. I average about 16 in the city. I know of other cars with 300+ horsepower that get the same city mpgs. I have never taken it to the shop, but Saab of Troy offers free service (oil change, check up, etc.) so that's a plus. The car is very fun to drive, especially with the stick shift; however, the shifter and clutch have very long throws. The shifter also does not operate very smoothly. I love the low-end torque and the almost non-existent turbo lag. Overall, it is a fun car with some great styling cues.
October 27, 2008Excellant handling. If you need to get somewhere quick, this car will get you there! Great on gas, Cockpit is well designed and user freindly. Easy to maintain. The car is still new so no reports on maintenance just yet. Hard to believe it is under 250HP! If you really want to have some fun, switch it to manual mode :-)
July 27, 2008Great car with low miles. Reasonable price. Im very pleased.
July 3, 2020Dislike the moonroof issues and lack of aftermarket possibilities currently. Like everything else. A solid built and stable car. The warranty coverage is great with minimal cost of ownership. The car is very fun to drive especially with the power down low being there ready willing and able.
December 16, 2009Fairly rare, yet highly underrated. Turbo adds alot of power all around, and interior is very smooth.
March 25, 2008I have owned two manual 9-3 Aeros. Both were front wheel drive sedans. These are great economical package if you want performance, comfort and a sharp design, without the reliability issues of its German competitors such as the E90 335i or B7 A4. This is a car that you could take on a road trip and not get tired driving in. The layout of the interior is very driver friendly and is easy to operate. Parts availability is not an issue with this Saab, most parts are still available new, and used parts are plentiful. If you do not work on cars yourself, take this to someone who knows Saabs, if your mechanic does not own or know what a Tech2 is, dont let him touch your car. The flaws of the car I would have to say are the shifter, its very notchy and feels more clunky compared to other front wheel drive cars and the interior is more prone to rattling with age. Overall I would recommend if you are looking for a comfortable, classy used car that stands out from the crowd.
September 16, 2024Overall, I have found my vehicle to meet or exceed my expectations. With just a four banger, you can move fast, while still achieving great gas mileage. It is a thinkers care, giving you, the driver lots of information/warnings as needed. FUN TO DRIVE, OWN, AND ENJOY!
June 18, 2009Purchased as my daily driver in AZ, I enjoy the 2.0 Turbocharged Engine. I thought it would be light on power but it is definitely adequate for the car. I opted for a fuly loaded 2.0T with nav and the optional sand top and Fusion Blue Exterior. Gets about 28MPG on the highway and looks reall nice with the top up or down!
March 31, 20082008 9-3 Aero Convertible. Just bought used one. Very unique that you hardly see on the streets once a month. It may be not the best convertible that I could choose but it is quite outstanding for its quirkiness and great acceleration from V6 turbo engine. I love every quirky things that Saab has... night panel, wired ignite location, even that inconvenient cup holder design, old school interior and many others. Well, maintenance could be challenging with the company gone, but Ill definitely keep this as long as I can do.
December 21, 2021Foot on the gas and VROOM. Very solid and firm ride.
January 10, 2008
