2008 Saab 9-3 Bottom Line

By  Bengt Halvorson, Editor

In putting together this review regarding the Saab 9-3 SportCombi, the experts at TheCarConnection.com looked to some of the Web’s most respected review sources. To help make this information especially useful, TheCarConnection.com’s editors have incorporated their own experience driving the 9-3.

With the discontinuation of the 9-2X, the 2008 Saab 9-3 becomes once again the smallest model in Saab’s lineup; actually a roomy model that borders on mid-size, the 9-3 comes in sedan and versatile SportCombi (wagon) body styles as well as a Convertible. The sedan and convertible are covered under separate reviews.

The 2008 Saab 9-3 comes in two main models: base and Aero. A 210-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine powers the base model, while the high-performance Aero model gets a 255-horsepower, 2.8-liter turbocharged V-6 engine. Both 9-3 models come with a six-speed manual transmission, with an automatic transmission optional on each: five-speed for the base, six-speed for the Aero. At the top of the range is the Turbo X model, a limited-edition model for 2008 that brings a brawnier 280-horsepower version of the turbo V-6 and an all-wheel-drive system.

A sport-tuned suspension helps take advantage of the added power in the 2008 Saab 9-3 Aero models, and the Turbo X gets an even more aggressive setup, along with upgraded brakes, Y-rated tires, and rear body leveling. The Turbo X model’s electronic limited-slip differential manages power from side to side to help maintain grip and poise in very enthusiastic on-the-road driving. Inside, it also gets carbon-fiber trim and a different steering-wheel design, and it only comes in Jet Black Metallic.

Base 2008 Saab 9-3 SportCombi models offer plenty of performance from their 210-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which is remarkably refined and composed, and it works well with the automatic transmission. The turbo V-6 feels especially fast from a standing start, though torque steer (a pulling of the steering wheel to the side) can be an issue with either engine on hard acceleration, so the Turbo X model’s all-wheel drive is welcome.

The base 9-3 SportCombi model has a firm ride that’s absorbent enough for driving on rough, urban highways, but the Aero models have a stiffer tuning that’s less comfortable and transmits coarser surfaces as road noise. Handling is a strong suit; the 2008 Saab 9-3 has better steering than most front-wheel-drive sport sedans, with good road feel, and the 9-3 feels more agile and tossable than most cars its size.

Inside, the 9-3 SportCombi bears Saab’s trademark stark appearance, which was spiced up a bit with an interior redesign for 2007. Nice, well-bolstered seats bring an upright driving position with a good view outward, but the backseat is very cramped and lacks the legroom adults would find acceptable.

In the 2008 Saab 9-3 SportCombi, the 60/40-split backseats fold forward to create a large, continuous space for cargo. A hidden, underfloor storage area provides added room for valuables.

Even the base 9-3 SportCombi comes with most of the features commonly expected in luxury cars. Aero models add upgraded leather sport seats, xenon cornering headlamps, a moonroof, fog lamps, and a Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system. The options list is quite short but includes a navigation system and a Cold Weather Package of headlamp washers and heated seats.

Electronic stability control is standard on all 2008 Saab 9-3 models, as are active head restraints, front side airbags, and side curtain bags for outboard passengers. The 9-3 achieved only middle-of-the-road four-star results for frontal and side impact in the federal government’s tests. It was, however, rated "good" in all of the insurance-affiliated IIHS tests.

In base form, the 2008 Saab 9-3 SportCombi is easy to compare with the Audi A4 Avant 2.0T, which also comes with a torquey turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Next to the 9-3, the A4 has an especially upscale interior, and though starker, the Saab’s cabin feels pleasantly different than other cars in its class. The Saab’s Swedish rival, the Volvo V50, is a smaller model that also comes with available all-wheel drive in top T5 trim and is especially agile and fun to drive. But the V50 is considerably smaller than the SportCombi. The BMW 3 Series Sport Wagon isn’t offered in the sedan’s top, 300-horsepower 335 trim—just as a 328i or 328xi (all-wheel-drive) model. Outside of the much pricier Audi S4 Avant, the very rapid Aero or Turbo X SportCombi might just be the fastest wagon its size.