Picture Gallery: 2008 Saab 9-3 Sedan | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Discuss
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Saab has always been affectionately known as a quirky brand, yet safe, and with a driver-focused personality. Saab even today still tries to promote its models as being the cars built by aircraft engineers. This is how it started out — although now owned by GM, I have my doubts on how much different below the skin Saabs are from other GM vehicles.
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Some of the quirkiness has been removed from late-model Saabs but some still remains, such as the key in the centre console and the drive-train: a front-wheel drive layout powered by a turbo-charged engine.
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My tester is a 9-3 sedan model, powered by a 2.0-litre four cylinder turbo-charged engine with a healthy 210hp and 221 ft-lbs of torque power output. Of course, this is all channeled to the front wheels, but later this year Saab will be introducing its new Haldex based all-wheel drive system called cross-wheel-drive (XWD), which will be mated to their 2.8-litre V-6 turbo-charged engine.
Base price of the very well equipped 9-3 sedan is a reasonable $35,950. My tester adds an extremely pricey glass sunroof for $1,600; an audio package which includes a Bose surround system with 11 speakers ($995); and the premium package that, again, seems a little pricey at $1,590.
The 9-3 certainly is a stylish and fairly unique vehicle in a sea of “me-toos.”
2008 Saab 9-3 Sedan
MSRP as tested inc. destination & delivery: $42,630
For more information on Saab and the 9-3 visit GM Canada
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I am glad I did drive my own vehicle (minus the two new paint chips of course), as the roads were disastrous today — but back to the Saab. The interior seems well-appointed, and the controls are easy to reach and fairly intuitive. The cockpit/fighter jet-like layout for the driver has always worked well and over the years has been refined to the point that it is now rather stylish.
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The trunk is a very healthy 424 litres (15.0 cu. ft.) with the seats folded; doing so is an easy task — just pull the leaver in the trunk and you can push the seat down with the long object you plan to haul. There is also a center pass-through for those times you need to seat four and carry a long object like a piece of lumber. Unfortunately, the seats do not fold completely flat, but that said, many cars in the sport sedan market do not even have folding seats.
Cup holders are perhaps a little lacking, with one in the centre console and one that flips out just below the radio. That one’s kind of fun to play with but seems somewhat fragile sticking out there in the open. At least Saab put it far enough towards the passenger to not have your drink dripping on the HVAC controls.
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Getting comfortable in the driver’s seat is a breeze and it does not seem like it would be tiring at all after a long haul. The clutch is a little softer than I like, but the shifter has a good solid feel to it, although it’s perhaps a little numb as you do not feel the mechanical connection.
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The engine pulls strongly and it certainly feels like more than enough power to have your fun and toodle around town. When you are not trying to be a boy racer and you shift at 3,500 or so rpms the power delivery drops off when you select a higher gear. This really emphasizes the turbo lag in the car; there’s a significant boost around the 3,000-plus rpm range. The revs also “hang” for a second or so when you release the throttle but I don’t really find it to be a problem.
The traction control system does an excellent job of keep the power in check and completely eliminates torque steer without noticeably hindering performance, and noise levels are pretty much nil in this vehicle. On the highway or in the city the Saab is extremely quiet, which numbs the driving experience slightly but the suspension, chassis and steering feel are enough to keep you coming back.
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One thing that irked me: the arm rest between the seats moves forward which is excellent but it does not lock in place, so I found myself constantly accidentally pushing it back.
The “Night Panel” mode for the dash lighting is a cool feature. It turns off half the speedometer (from 140km/h up), the rest of the gauge cluster and the radio lights. Having no fuel gauge could be slightly dangerous. If you use the Night Panel feature, remember to check fuel consumption every few hours.
On the topic of fuel consumption: the Saab 9-3 did very well for me, with an average of 10.3L/100km. I was pleased with this result; most vehicles with enough oomph to have fun do not do so well at the pumps, but the small turbo four in the Saab returns both performance and fuel economy.
*Rating out of 5:
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*Rating based on vehicle’s classification
2008 Saab 9-3 Sedan
MSRP as tested inc. destination & delivery: $42,630
For more information on Saab and the 9-3 visit GM Canada
to our site.
February 15, 2008, 01:12:56 pm US is only place in a whole world you can buy SAAB for cheap
February 15, 2008, 02:37:52 pm
How very un Saab interior wise.
Here's a very SAAB like interior...
February 15, 2008, 05:56:12 pm I loved driving my Saab convertible. I loved the torque steer, the explosive turbo acceleration, the great driver's seat and instrument panel, the key in the floor. It was a great car to drive. It was also a crappy car to own. I got it used and got a deal and that was good because I spent a lot of money repairing things. The dealer (Hyatt in Calgary) could not fix 2 small but very annoying problems. They had a special Swedish mechanic and he worked on the car for an hour and then admitted he couldn't fix a faulty high beam. He admitted it!!!
I loved the look of the last model - not the latest upswept headlight one in this review - and even with all the hassle I considered getting one. Reason prevailed and I got a new Eos which was $15,000 less and had the folding hard top and actually has a resale value.
I've had an Audi and a BMW.The Saab was a better driver's car than either of those. The Eos is powerful and smooth but some days I miss that wild ass torque steer and hang on to your hat turbo lag.
Saab has really blown a good thing. The brand has an inherent value - or else they wouldn't sell any cars - that they don't seem to be able to make much use of.
February 15, 2008, 06:03:21 pm Mitlov Says:
Today at 09:18:43 am
Quote from: JT816 on February 13, 2008, 11:16:38 am
I don't think you can sell a vehicle today when all you do every 4-7 years is a minor refresh look to the exterior while keeping just about everything else (engines, interior, etc.) relatively the same.
"2003: All-new-generation 9-3.
2005: Wagon body style added to sedan and convertible.
2007: Turbo V6 added to engine lineup.
2008: Aesthetic restyle. Optional AWD added. High-performance Turbo X model (280 horsepower) added.
While Saab is taking longer than typical to release the third-generation 9-3, they've done a LOT more than typical to update it throughout the second generation. The TSX, for example, between 2004 and 2008, received a 10-hp bump and a minor restyle in 2006. That's it."
What I meant was how this generation of 9-3 still looks like an updated refresh of the previous generation (both inside and out). You're right about the TSX but at the same time, why would Acura mess with success? At the very least, they have a brand new 2009 TSX coming out that is different than the current generation (including rumoured new engines choices for the 2010 models).
My aunt had a 2000 9-3 which I spent some time in and I must say, the interior and exterior are not that much different than the 2008 model. She had planned to lease to lease the vehicle for 36 months then buy back but the nuissance of constant problems/repairs even after less than 2 years made her change her mind and she was so glad to get rid of it after 36 months. Customer/maintenance service was terrible at 2 different Saab locations who charge at a premium but doesn't give back perks, quality, and services of a premium luxury brand. Funny thing is, even the Saab mechanics laugh at the stupidity of customers buying Saabs when they know reliability and quality is so poor. One of them actually told me he figures only about 1 in every 15 Saabs can make it in its first year without an unscheduled maintenance visit for something and that over 50% of them don't make it past 5 years.
February 15, 2008, 10:09:11 pm
But that's not what you said--you said "engines, interior, etc." And the second-generation 9-3 has had several significant engine changes during its run.
I agree that the first-generation 9-3 and the second-generation 9-3 look very similar inside. (Then again, Audis look very similar inside from generation to generation). I couldn't disagree more about the outside looks. They're not even the same body style! (Sedan versus hatch).
February 17, 2008, 12:48:20 pm I liked the 9-5 updated front end, but don't really like any of the updates to the 9-3. Time for a redo. XWD is welcome addition tho.
February 17, 2008, 01:57:59 pm
Really? I'm the opposite. I think that the new 9-3 looks great, but that the new 9-5 is the most hideous thing I've ever seen. I particularly hate the chrome surrounds on the headlights.
February 17, 2008, 09:43:44 pm
I am looking for a new 07-08 93SportCombi and found American list price or TMV price of 27000US$.
If Saab Canada sells at this price,I 'll bite.
But Saab US dealer refuses to sell a brand new Saab to a Canuck and assist with export procedure.
So bye bye Saab,hello Subaru
February 18, 2008, 12:38:23 am
Really? I'm the opposite. I think that the new 9-3 looks great, but that the new 9-5 is the most hideous thing I've ever seen. I particularly hate the chrome surrounds on the headlights.
With XWD and the turbo V6 (is a stick shift available in that combo?), it could be a very interesting car.
James, your concern about running out of fuel when using the Night Panel is unfounded. Unless things have changed, when using the Night Panel, if anything of 'concern' comes up (ie. running low in fuel), that warning light or guage will light up to notify you.
February 18, 2008, 12:44:14 am
With XWD and the turbo V6 (is a stick shift available in that combo?), it could be a very interesting car.
Yep. The Turbo X comes with either a manual or an automatic. I'm sure that the upcoming XWD Aero will also have a manual--Saab's much better about that than Volvo--though I don't think that the details have been published yet.
My main beef with the Turbo X is that it's overpriced, like most other limited-edition top-of-the-family-tree performance cars.
February 18, 2008, 12:55:09 am
February 18, 2008, 11:56:06 pm As a proud owner of 2003 9-3 Vector it never ceases to surprise me how equally brilliant and frustrating this car is. The engineers seemgingly overthought every ergonomic detail, expect for the fact that is takes a 3 step process to turn from AM to FM on the radio (
When you clean your windsheild (with 3 jets spraying 6 directions), the wipers will sweep a few times like any other car. But after it stops sweeping for 5 seconds, it will sweep one more time just to wipe off any residual fluid.
You can cutomise your radio volume and heater settings to default everytime you start the car. So if you left the volume on full blast when you shut the car, it will revert back to a default volume. If you leave your heated seat on, it'll shut off the next time you turn it on.
It's the little things that bring me so much joy with this car. Not to mention the smooth responsive turbo. Even with the GM-ization, the 93 is all swede. I have the impression that people who discuss this car have never driven and experienced day to day action in this gem. It's mostly hearsay and 3rd party conjecture. Example: Saabs are expensive to maintain. Truth: synthetic oil change recommended by the manufacturer every 10000 MILES, intermediate services less than once a year. (the last one cost me $320, at the stealer)
Sure it's not perfect... the suspension is prone to noises on cold days, the ride is a little harsh (with the aero package). It's not the fastest, sharpest, or rides the smoothest, but it's less tangible attributes make up for it's lack of impirical prowess. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this car to anyone.
On a side note, there's nothing dangerous about the night panel function. There's no need to check you gas every few hours. If you are running out of gas the fuel gauge will light up, in spite of the night panel being on, informing the driver that gas is low. Brilliant. Further to this, you can continue to check your trip computer or fiddle with the sound system as the car is in night mode. After you check your info, the lights on the trip computer will shut off again in 10 seconds. Brilliant.
February 19, 2008, 01:09:11 am Jochi--thanks for the first-hand feedback. I wonder if some of the "GM have ruined this car" crowds really understand that it's a platform-sharer, not a rebadge job.
It's a shame Saab has a nonexistent network where I live (nearest dealership is five hours away). Otherwise I'd love to test-drive one.
February 19, 2008, 07:46:54 am jochi good comments, yes I liked some of those features in buried in the settings having the heated seats turn on automatically in the morning as well as the rear defrost was nice.
Regarding the gauges, I love how people harp on one sentence in the entire review. Of course it will light up but when the fuel is low, but I'm thinking about the trip in the middle of nowhere when low is too late and 1 hour ago was probably "low enough." as you wooshed passed the last open gas station for miles. If you are in downtown Toronto, it's not an issue
February 20, 2008, 02:06:31 pm ...well then Wing, ya should've better planned your trip (like a Saab-driver would).
Jochi, thanks for the input. The little niceties you mentioned I think are more a function of playing in that market segment (my '04 Audi had the programmable radio volume features and the 'extra sweep' of the wipers) too.
Service isn't any more outrageous for the 9-3 than it is for any of the other cars in the segment (except for BMW and Audi who offer FREE service for 3-4 yrs); but the parts costs can be wacky. I remember my dad being both pleasantly suprised by some items costing less than those for my mom's Accord, while others were outrageously expensive.
February 24, 2008, 02:36:09 am While my saabaru was in for a rare service. We took out a 9-3 Sportcombi for a spin with my 6mth old in tow. It was the Aero V6 HPT version. Comfortable. Relax. Some of the interior trims weren't up to it's asking price standard. My wife thought the LCD digi-readouts reminded her of the 80s. One of the plastic piece by the handbrake came off during the test drive. Being the V6 version it had nice pickup despite a lag b/t the transmission and the engine. Hey Pistons pay attention! Handling was alright. I wasn't expecting much. Not as tossable as the saabaru though.
Jumping back in the 92x it felt more upbeat whereas the Sportcombi was more of a tourer. Certainly a good vehicle for trips to Okanagan or down Oregon.
Did you know that the V6 Turbo is from Holden? Aren't I the Saab Specialist now eh?
If only I can find that dang trunk release!
February 24, 2008, 05:26:30 am Which is from Holden - the engine, the turbo, or both?
February 24, 2008, 09:00:19 am Ghost, that same plastic piece fell off on my car .... when my g/f tugged on it. But yeah it is an odd piece of trim.
February 24, 2008, 12:57:07 pm When you clean your windsheild (with 3 jets spraying 6 directions), the wipers will sweep a few times like any other car. But after it stops sweeping for 5 seconds, it will sweep one more time just to wipe off any residual fluid.
That is one of the most annoying features I have experienced in any car. By the time the delayed wipe comes around it's only good for a dry smear because any residual fluid is already blown off. Drove me mad.
The hatch (best hatch in automotive history) and the seats, floor key, in that order, made the rest of the package some what bearable. Removal of the hatch makes Saabs lease only units, IMO.
February 26, 2008, 02:43:56 pm
It was mostly the hatch that made me buy my 900 in the first place... the salesman opened it, and my jaw dropped: Sold! But I could never put my finger on why it was so special. One feature of it that I did notice was lost in at least one subsequent Saab model was floor-level loading - they dropped the floor so you had to drop things over a ledge into the back. But most station wagons and SUVs (and the Rondo
As for the floor key, I can only explain its attraction in that it maybe appeals to the rebel in us all... although I do remember also hearing it made the car hard (impossible?) to steal. My husband hated it for the unstoppable accumulation of crumbs and dust (no, I don't vacuum often...).
February 26, 2008, 06:48:09 pm
It was mostly the hatch that made me buy my 900 in the first place... the salesman opened it, and my jaw dropped: Sold! But I could never put my finger on why it was so special. One feature of it that I did notice was lost in at least one subsequent Saab model was floor-level loading - they dropped the floor so you had to drop things over a ledge into the back. But most station wagons and SUVs (and the Rondo
As for the floor key, I can only explain its attraction in that it maybe appeals to the rebel in us all... although I do remember also hearing it made the car hard (impossible?) to steal. My husband hated it for the unstoppable accumulation of crumbs and dust (no, I don't vacuum often...).
February 26, 2008, 10:33:25 pm So why do you call it the best hatch ever?
The construction and operation of the rear seat backrest which of course folded down. Bearing in mind that to really utilize a hatch one will need to fold down the rear seat.
Need a pic to fully explain. But the rear seat back was completely re-enforced by a wide steel plate that ran the width of the rear seat back. This plate then attached itself to both sides of the body. It was the most secure system for a folding seat I have ever seen. Usually, and not mentioning particular manufacturers
In addition, the hatch itself was very large.
February 27, 2008, 03:15:06 pm
February 28, 2008, 08:36:02 am Just for you .... and Saf
March 04, 2008, 12:03:48 pm Just a belated thanks for answering my question, tpl and Steve. I don't think I'd appreciated the underlying structure.
I did also think the slanted opening also made for more dignified access than most wagons.