2008 Saab 9-3: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2008 Saab 9-3 gets freshened styling and, for the first time, is available with all-wheel drive. This premium compact car seats up to five and is available as a 4-door sedan, 2-door convertible, and SportCombi 4-door wagon. All are offered as the 2.0T with a 210-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and as the Aero with a 255-hp 2.8-liter V6. Aero and 2.0T are front-wheel drive. The new Turbo X trim level marks the debut of all-wheel drive for the 9-3. Offered as a sedan or wagon, the Turbo X has a 280-hp 2.8-liter V6. AWD and the 280-hp engine are also optional on the Aero sedan and wagon. All three engines are turbocharged and come with manual or automatic transmission. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Convertibles have a power-folding soft top with heated glass rear window. Saab is owned by General Motors, and the 9-3 lends its basic design to the Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6, and Saturn Aura.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Compact Cars are similar in size but more expensive than Compact Cars. Premium Compacts have more standard equipment and an upscale image when compared to Compact Cars.

Our Best Buys in the Premium Compact Car class are the Audi A4 and BMW 3-Series. Our Recommended picks are the Audi A3 and Saab 9-3.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the Volvo C30.