2008 Saab 9-3

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. AutoWeekDetails/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 TrendDetails/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 DriverDetails/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