Saab 9-3

Name: 2008 Saab 9-3
Brand: Saab

EPA MPG: 18 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 18 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

This iteration of Saab's 9-3 offers secure handling and impressive crash-test results. Additionally, some of its quirky controls have been improved since its introduction. Its size and price tag place it in the upscale sport-sedan class, but the 9-3 doesn't measure up to tough competition. Our top-of-the-line turbocharged V6 Aero model has quick and smooth acceleration, but lacks the refinement of the best sport sedans. The ride is stiff, the cabin is noisy and cramped, and fit and finish aren’t as good as buyers expect in this segment.

2008 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

No Data Available

Crash and Rollover Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash and Rollover Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Crash and Rollover Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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2008 Luxury compact cars Ratings

2008 Saab 9-3

$4,625 - $5,975

EPA MPG 18 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Acura TSX

$6,650 - $7,325

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Audi A4

$4,800 - $7,075

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 BMW 3 Series

$5,650 - $8,000

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Infiniti G

$6,650 - $6,725

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Lexus IS

$7,375 - $18,175

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

$5,800 - $11,600

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Volvo S60

$5,425 - $5,800

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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Features & Specs

wagon

convertible

sedan

2 front, 3 rear

AWD, Front

2-liter 4 turbo (210 hp)
2.8-liter V6 turbo (255 hp)
2.8-liter V6 turbo (280 hp)

6-speed automatic
5-speed automatic
6-speed manual

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

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Model History

2007-

Current Generation

For 2007, the car was freshened with revised styling, better interior controls, an available AWD model and a turbocharged six-cylinder engine. While boasting impressive crash test scores and secure handling, the upscale European sport sedan category in which it competed was bristling with more capable offerings. The ride is stiff, the cabin is noisy and cramped, and fit and finish aren't as good as buyers expect in this segment.

2003-2006

2003 Redesign Year

The original 9-3 had secure handling, a large and versatile hatchback, and a full complement of safety features. However, it rode stiffly, was noisy, and had a cramped interior. For 2003, the hatchback was discontinued, leaving a four-door sedan, convertible, or wagon with a choice of turbo four-cylinder engines. Good points were sporty and capable handling, along with good braking. The front seats are well-sculpted, but the rear seat is tight. Some controls are overly complex and the 9-3 isn't as comfortable as some competitors.

1999-2002

1999 Redesign Year

The Saab 900 was renamed the 9-3 for 1999. The turbo Four and automatic transmission made for a lethargic takeoff. The V6 was dropped, and a high-performance, 230-hp Viggen model was added. A stiff ride, narrow cockpit, and cramped rear seat remained.