2008 Saab 9-3

(*est. $28,445 to $41,765)

Distinctive styling and personality
Capable handling
Good safety features and crash-test results
Newly available all-wheel drive (AWD) system
Fuel economy with 2.0-liter engine

Nonpremium interior materials
Cramped rear seat
Limited sportiness and refinement

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Our Analysis

While the exterior styling of the 2008 Saab 9-3 earns compliments, critics note that the interior quality is "sub-par" compared to rivals. Two turbocharged engines are offered with the 9-3: a 210-horsepower four-cylinder and a 255-horsepower V-6. The Saab 9-3 also offers AWD (called cross-wheel drive, or XWD) in a package that boosts the V-6's output to 280 horsepower. Although the Saab's firm ride is absorbent, reviewers say it is not as sporty as that of its competitors. The 9-3 sedan scored top-crash test results, earning it a Top Safety Pick designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. While the Saab's unique personality appeals to many reviewers, nearly all conclude that the 9-3 sedan cannot match the refinement and driving dynamics of the BMW 3 Series (*est. $32,700 to $53,800), the Audi A4 (*est. $28,900 to $66,910), the Infiniti G35 (*est. $32,250 to $34,750) or the Mercedes C-Class (*est. $31,600 to $53,800). Reviews are nonetheless quick to point out that the 9-3 offers a European sports sedan experience for less money.

Several sources provide introductory articles about the newly upgraded Saab 9-3, including Edmunds.com, which offers the best driving impressions. A review of the Saab 9-3 from Consumer Reports features valuable reliability data, while ConsumerGuide.com puts the 9-3 on its "recommended" list and Cars.com names it as a "Best Bet."

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2008 Saab 9-3

Our Sources

1. Edmunds.com

This well-balanced review of the Saab 9-3 Aero and its new XWD system provides good technical detail discusses how well the car performs. The Saab 9-3 is complimented for its steering and ride quality, but its "mediocre interior materials" are duly noted.

Review: First Drive: 2008 Saab 9-3 Aero XWD, Erin Riches, July 11, 2007

2. Edmunds Inside Line

Editors provide a well-rounded summary of the Saab 9-3, noting its strengths and weaknesses. Though the 9-3 is called "one of the most attractive entry-luxury cars on the road," it is noted to have "critical weaknesses" when it is pitted against "meticulously executed cars" such as those from Audi, BMW, Lexus and Mercedes.

Review: 2008 Saab 9-3 Review, Editors of Edmunds.com

3. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe

Editors of Consumer Reports base their review of the Saab 9-3 on a 2008 9-3 2.0T convertible (though their comments and research applies to all 9-3 body styles). Also offered is data on historical reliability compiled from owner surveys.

Review: 2008 Saab 9-3 Review, Editors of Consumer Reports

4. AutoWeek Details/Subscribe

AutoWeek provides a wrap-up of the many changes the Saab 9-3 underwent for 2008. Editor Dutch Mandel says, "After a day behind the wheel, we find that Saab 9-3 is finally a car worthy of serious consideration."

Review: 2008 Saab 9-3: Iconoclast No More, Dutch Mandel, Aug. 8, 2007

5. ConsumerGuide.com

ConsumerGuide.com endorses the Saab 9-3 as "recommended", but stops short of giving it its top rating as a "Best Buy". Editors test four 9-3 variants and find them to be capable vehicles and go on to say the 9-3s "aren't quite as refined or sporty as their German rivals, but these Saabs also tend to be less expensive."

Review: 2008 Saab 9-3 Full Review, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com, Sept. 9, 2008

6. Motor Trend Details/Subscribe

This overview examines many of the changes to the Saab 9-3's 2008 model line and compliments the styling enhancements, as well as the comfortable seats and smooth, powerful turbo V-6 engine. On the downside the writer notes that the 9-3's ride "is "still on the soft side of sporty."

Review: Newcomers: 2008 Saab 9-3, Edward Loh

7. Car and Driver Details/Subscribe

This review comments on what's new with the 9-3 for 2008 and recounts the car's strengths and weaknesses. Criticism includes steering that feels overly light, excessive road noise in the cabin and a manual shifter that "feels as if it were attached to the transmission with ropes."

Review: 2008 Saab 9-3 -- First Drive Review, Tony Quiroga, Oct. 2007

8. Cars.com

Cars.com includes the Saab 9-3 as a "Best Bet." Attributes praised include ride comfort, handling and "manual-shift operation." Dislikes noted include "confusing radio controls" and "snug backseat."

Review: 2008 Saab 9-3, Editors of Cars.com, Aug. 1, 2007