Picture Gallery: 2008 Saab 9-3 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Discuss
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The new AWD system is a Haldex-based system called cross-wheel-drive (XWD). According to Saab, this system is more than your typical slip-and-grip type all-wheel drive system. It is dubbed as a pre-emptive system that is constantly engaged and monitored by the electronics on board. This allows Saab to use the system for not only grip on acceleration but for stability control as well, with the ability to move power (up to 40 per cent) between the front and rear axles.
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Out of curiosity, I was able to price out my test model on the GM USA website, and the total came out to $42,000 — but of course in Canada we get a $6,000 rebate if purchasing with cash, while the other $6,000 goes to help GM keep the workers on the assembly line.
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So what do you get for your $54,000? Well, the Saab 9-3 Aero automatic is listed at $45,490, the XWD system adds another $2,340 and my tester also adds: DVD-based navigation system for $1,995; the Aero touring package for $1,050, and finally, premium leather trim for $1,850.
Essentially, my tester is fully loaded. This certainly is a car that is dressed to impress; even from the outside, the striking Laser Red paint and aluminum trim accents shout “look at me!” to everyone on the road. Let’s give it a good going over this week and see if I still want to be in it after 7 days.
2008 Saab 9-3 Aero X
MSRP as tested (including destination): $54,225
For more information on Saab and the 9-3 visit GM Canada
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I like the interior as a whole: soft touch plastics on the dash, leather-wrapped door panels and leather seating. Of course, at the price this comes in at, I expect these things. The steering wheel is the only downside to the interior from a visual and feel perspective; I find it is a little on the large side and the hard accent plastics on the wheel make it less comfortable to hold than an all-leather wheel would be.
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The driver’s seating position is slightly odd at first as well. It feels a little too close to the roof and rear view mirror, but after a few days I seem to have adjusted to this.
The navigation and audio system in the Saab Aero is easy to use and intuitive, and it is also voice command operated, although I haven’t really tested this out fully. I did use the navigation system and it quickly found my destination. I went off route a few times and it calculated a new route in short order and changed the directions. I did, however, find the prompts and directions slightly lacking (hence my wrong turns).
Although visibility around the vehicle for parking (my tester also has rear park assist) is good, I can’t help but complain about the mirrors on the Saab. They are just way too small, and while the passenger mirror as a separate portion on the outside to give a much appreciated wide angle view, the entire mirror surface is too small to make practical use of the feature.
What can I say about the key? It still goes in the centre console and I still reach for it by the steering column every time I want to start and stop the car — old habits die hard.
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First, let’s start with the engine. Perhaps not the most powerful of engines, this 2.8-litre (small displacement) V6 with a turbocharger. This engine is a dream: it is extremely smooth throughout the entire rev-band, turbo lag is virtually non-existent — so it has good power before the turbo kicks in up high — and the engine is quiet as mouse.
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Now the handling: wow! This car seems to stick like glue. I have been whipping around corners at unreasonable speeds and it has hung on every time. I did have it slide out and understeer in the rain, but it was gradual and the car behaved as I would have expected it to.
The all-wheel drive system is seamless. It would take snow or ice for me to tell you if I could detect slip because in the very wet and very dry I cannot detect any slip whether I’m powering out of a corner or hammering the throttle off the line. And of course, torque steer — something Saabs have been known for — is completely non-existent.
If you really don’t care about any of those performance aspects, I can also say the Saab feels extremely solid and planted on the road. It may be small inside, like an economy car, but it feels larger and more sophisticated.
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With so many great vehicles available in the $50,000 price range, it makes the Saab a tough sell. When most shoppers would be thinking of brands such as Lexus, BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Cadillac and Infiniti, will they remember to put Saab on their list of dealerships to visit?
I averaged 11.5L/100km over the week, which is not too bad, although I noticed the 9-3 really sucked back fuel in city driving. While it was running in the low 8L/100km range on the highway, any stop and go traffic boosted consumption figures. Overall, I enjoyed my week with the 9-3; when it comes down to it, there really isn’t much here not to like.
*Rating out of 5:
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*Rating based on vehicle’s classification
2008 Saab 9-3 Aero XWD
MSRP as tested (including destination): $54,225
For more information on Saab and the 9-3 visit GM Canada
to our site.
July 30, 2008, 12:10:43 pm Well,
As one of the FEW Saab owners on this board I will chime in. Mine is a 2002 9-3 anniversary edition, and is a quarky and great little car to drive. As mentioned before I actually LIKE torque steer, I see it as 'feedback'
On most forums you always hear people reccomending leasing Saabs, due to reliability etc, and now with no lease somebody is going to get hurt real bad. (Russel Peters quote). Assuming GM's lease cancellation applies to Saab, this could hurt.
The resale on Saab's is VERY bad, hence why I bought a used one.
But, you see few of them on the road, and to some people (like me) that is a good thing, helps me be a little different. Some Saab owners still waive to eachother, usually when leaving/arriving at the mechanic
July 30, 2008, 12:49:38 pm
Can you please back this up with some facts.
Yes these cars are related as far as sharing a platform but for your information "The 9-3 and the Opel Vectra were the first of the global GM Epsilon platform, which was then lengthened to accommodate four new cousins, the Chevrolet Malibu/Malibu Maxx, the Pontiac G6, and the Saturn Aura. Even so, this platform was heavily re-engineered by SAAB, making it 60% exclusive and rendering it impossible to build outside its Trollhättan plant. An auto-directional rear axle, a proprietary optical fiber electric/electronic system, and the possibility of AWD (to be exploited in 2008) are some of the SAAB exclusive features
My main point is that this car is over priced compared to the competition, especially given that the SAAB 9-3 is derived from the models I listed. $54,000 for the same vehicle that can be had in the States for $42,000 is a tough sell. AFAIK the Infiniti and Lexus are not derivatives of regular Nissan and Toyota stock and are selling at about $10,000 less.
I don't hate the SAAB, I think its a very handsome car....however, my main point here is that I feel it is over priced.
July 30, 2008, 01:17:10 pm
Can you please back this up with some facts.
Yes these cars are related as far as sharing a platform but for your information "The 9-3 and the Opel Vectra were the first of the global GM Epsilon platform, which was then lengthened to accommodate four new cousins, the Chevrolet Malibu/Malibu Maxx, the Pontiac G6, and the Saturn Aura. Even so, this platform was heavily re-engineered by SAAB, making it 60% exclusive and rendering it impossible to build outside its Trollhättan plant. An auto-directional rear axle, a proprietary optical fiber electric/electronic system, and the possibility of AWD (to be exploited in 2008) are some of the SAAB exclusive features
My main point is that this car is over priced compared to the competition, especially given that the SAAB 9-3 is derived from the models I listed.
The models you listed use a modified version of the same platform "Epsilon platform", which the 9-3 was the first to use.
The models you listed used this platform after the 9-3 so it would be impossible for the 9-3 to be derived from the models you listed.
July 30, 2008, 01:48:35 pm
My main point is that this car is over priced compared to the competition, especially given that the SAAB 9-3 is derived from the models I listed. $54,000 for the same vehicle that can be had in the States for $42,000 is a tough sell. AFAIK the Infiniti and Lexus are not derivatives of regular Nissan and Toyota stock and are selling at about $10,000 less.
Lexus ES350 is an expensive Camry, is it not? We could also get really silly and point out how the same essential platform that lies beneath the $49000 Audi A3 3.2 is also the same as the $20000 VW Rabbit. Or the Volvo S40 versus the Ford Focus and Mazda3. Hell, the same radio that was in my Audi A4 looked awfully familiar in the Gallardo I was in last year too.
Platform/ component sharing all over the place and does not automatically suggest an inferior (or even very similar) end product is the result.
July 30, 2008, 02:03:30 pm
** There was a entry after Swade by Corina that has vanished. The message was that 54K seemed too much to pay for this vehicle **
I felt I was being too negative.
This car is simply symptomatic of GM's greater problem, in that it really has no idea what to do, and if it can't figure that out the company will be out of business within five years. It's stock is at a 50 year low. Buy a Lexus IS250 instead.
July 30, 2008, 02:08:05 pm If memory serves me right the Epsilon platform was used first on the European Vauxhall (GM) Vectra... it was then adapted by Saab for the 9-3.
M.
July 30, 2008, 08:47:31 pm
Can you please back this up with some facts.
Yes these cars are related as far as sharing a platform but for your information "The 9-3 and the Opel Vectra were the first of the global GM Epsilon platform, which was then lengthened to accommodate four new cousins, the Chevrolet Malibu/Malibu Maxx, the Pontiac G6, and the Saturn Aura. Even so, this platform was heavily re-engineered by SAAB, making it 60% exclusive and rendering it impossible to build outside its Trollhättan plant. An auto-directional rear axle, a proprietary optical fiber electric/electronic system, and the possibility of AWD (to be exploited in 2008) are some of the SAAB exclusive features
My main point is that this car is over priced compared to the competition, especially given that the SAAB 9-3 is derived from the models I listed.
The models you listed use a modified version of the same platform "Epsilon platform", which the 9-3 was the first to use.
The models you listed used this platform after the 9-3 so it would be impossible for the 9-3 to be derived from the models you listed.
MKII,
Point taken.....I have no problem admitting I was probably a bit hasty in drawing comparisons, although I do still believe its main disadvantage is its price. As I said, I think the SAAB is a handsome car and I admire all the quirkiness that SAAB offers, but pricing has always stopped me from going in that direction.
Would I consider it at 40,000? Yes, I think I would......at 50,000? I don't think so.
July 30, 2008, 10:43:32 pm
That's assuming someone actually buys a 9-3 Aero XWD right now... :/ Is this car available with a manual transmission? It sounds like it would be a stellar used buy if one managed to find a MT, AWD version...
July 31, 2008, 09:11:26 am
Great point...
Available with 6 speed MT...with XWD package - 280hp and 290 lb-ft....Laser Red...Tan leather interior...17" wheels...stability control...moonroof...active head rests...$39,000 US...
July 31, 2008, 02:43:34 pm I would like to say that it is very easy to notice in the comments mentioned from all the "experts" how many have never really driven a modern SAAB 9-3 and have had to rely on others opinions to form their own. Driving impressions, derivitives of platforms, pricing for what you get etc... Some of the comments are rather strange for those who know what they are talking about based on hands on experience.
As for pricing an apples to apples product. Not forgetting optional equipment.
If you take into account 0% interest rates plus a $6,000 discount which are the current Canadian programs. A Canadian purchasing a SAAB in Canada will spend about the same or less per month depending on additional discounts for people who qualifiy compared to an American purchasing in the US, if you go for upto a 60 month term. For 72 months Canadians have much lower payment which is roughly the same as the lease payments were before. If someone was to go to the US to pay cash because you cannot finance in the US and factored in the low interest rates here in Canada for the overall cost (not having to take money out of investments or use a line of credit); purchasing in the US is much more expensive than purchasing in Canada.
It's cost, not price that matters.
August 01, 2008, 09:42:15 am
That's assuming someone actually buys a 9-3 Aero XWD right now... :/ Is this car available with a manual transmission? It sounds like it would be a stellar used buy if one managed to find a MT, AWD version...
Once all the depreciation is out of the way it would make a good choice. But, at $54K and depreciation no thanks. Love the car but GM needs to deep discount all the SAAB product line (Say $14Kon this car) or they might as well pull the plug now.
Railton
August 01, 2008, 05:27:36 pm
I think the Turbo X has a true limited slip from side-to-side or something extra.
August 02, 2008, 08:45:42 am Vote of confidence?
Well GM has decided to cut back the warranty on the 2009 Saabs from five years to four which they feel is in line with other similar brands.
And the reason - it was costing them too much money in claims!
August 02, 2008, 01:25:21 pm
I think the Turbo X has a true limited slip from side-to-side or something extra.
Turbo X eLSD, the first application of an electronically-controlled , rear limited slip differential in this segment of the market(outside the rally/supercar segment). It uses inputs from the rear wheel speed sensors and can transfer up to 40 percent of torque between the drive shafts, to whichever wheel has more grip. When cornering hard, this yaw damping effect helps the rear of the car more closely follow the direction of the front wheels. The Saab setup differs from SH-AWD in that it uses a single wet clutch pack for rear-wheel torque distribution instead of a pair of clutches on each side of the rear differential.
August 02, 2008, 06:47:06 pm Sorry Saab, but there are WAY too many great AWD sedans for less/same money that offer as much, or more, and won't be worth $14.99 in four years.
Lexus IS250AWD
Infinity G35X
BMW 328ix
Subaru Legacy GT
That four alone offer great choices that range from the refined luxo machine to the power-house...
August 03, 2008, 03:51:22 am
Lexus IS250AWD
Infinity G35X
BMW 328ix
Subaru Legacy GT
That four alone offer great choices that range from the refined luxo machine to the power-house...
...and add the S60 2.5T AWD to that list at $41,395.
August 03, 2008, 02:00:54 pm
I think the Turbo X has a true limited slip from side-to-side or something extra.
Turbo X eLSD, the first application of an electronically-controlled , rear limited slip differential in this segment of the market(outside the rally/supercar segment). It uses inputs from the rear wheel speed sensors and can transfer up to 40 percent of torque between the drive shafts, to whichever wheel has more grip. When cornering hard, this yaw damping effect helps the rear of the car more closely follow the direction of the front wheels. The Saab setup differs from SH-AWD in that it uses a single wet clutch pack for rear-wheel torque distribution instead of a pair of clutches on each side of the rear differential.
So only the Turbo X has XWD with eLSD.
August 04, 2008, 04:47:56 am
I think the Turbo X has a true limited slip from side-to-side or something extra.
Turbo X eLSD, the first application of an electronically-controlled , rear limited slip differential in this segment of the market(outside the rally/supercar segment). It uses inputs from the rear wheel speed sensors and can transfer up to 40 percent of torque between the drive shafts, to whichever wheel has more grip. When cornering hard, this yaw damping effect helps the rear of the car more closely follow the direction of the front wheels. The Saab setup differs from SH-AWD in that it uses a single wet clutch pack for rear-wheel torque distribution instead of a pair of clutches on each side of the rear differential.
So only the Turbo X has XWD with eLSD.
Standard on the Turbo X, and optional on the Aero X
August 06, 2008, 12:57:42 am True story. I have a saab 9-3 (2004) which I was getting ready to trade in for a new aero with all wheel drive. I've had relatively few problems with my car. This past weekend i was driving from Ohio to Kentucky for a quick vacation. After about two hours of driving I stopped at a rest stop turned of the car. When I returned it wouldnt start. Had to be towed to the nearest dealership (cost a fortune). Was told the battery was dead. How the battery could go from fine at the start of the trip to dead after driving two hours i don't know. Dealer says it happens all the time. No warning of battery failure on these cars. In 30 years of driving I have never been stranded before. My wife has a BMW which costs less than the new Aero. Its a much nicer car. Needless to say, Im looking at another BMW rather than the Saab
James
August 06, 2008, 10:23:57 pm
Lexus IS250AWD
Infinity G35X
BMW 328ix
Subaru Legacy GT
That four alone offer great choices that range from the refined luxo machine to the power-house...
The Lexus and G35 are not available with a manual transmission...so they are off my list.
The 328xi similarly equipped will run you $51 easily without the eLSD...ya, ya, ya...I know about the resale...I also know I see a hundred of them every day.
EDIT - The Subaru is an interesting choice as I "built" a Spec B. Pretty limiting on the colour choices...if anyone cares about that sort of thing.
August 07, 2008, 12:19:45 am Cars from sweden ( Volvo,Saab) seem to have the same problems: way overpriced (Volvo S60R was about 63k) ,they depreciate a lot, bad reliability reputation( the S60R has an awful reputation)). But you cannot compare the saab with the Volvo S60 2.5T AWD that has only 208hp vs 280hp for the saab. Saab are also usually much more fun to drive than a Volvo. $41,395 is a STARTING PRICE for the Volvo S60 2,5T AWD. It usually gets much higher with few options.I think I would choose between the subaru legacy gt, infinity G35X and maybe the VW Passat 3.6 4MOTION
August 07, 2008, 12:03:31 pm Where's day 4?
August 07, 2008, 12:05:32 pm Whoa! What happened? I posted day4.... I'll put it back!
August 07, 2008, 09:14:30 pm
Since your rating for this Saab is quite high, i thought you just stole the car and run away.......
August 07, 2008, 09:34:21 pm It was a great car, fun to drive, powerful, etc etc. "Value" isn't part of my wheels it would be very low.