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2008 Saab 9-3 Features Review

August 19, 2008

FEATURES | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

all-wheel drive system should have more people talking
Kelley Blue Book

plenty of…cool stuff
Popular Mechanics

XWD…was compelling
Autoblog

a killer Bose stereo
Popular Mechanics

A host of features that both coddle and improve safety make the 2008 Saab 9-3 a smart buy where amenities are concerned.

Mechanically, even the base 2.0T model comes well equipped for its intended mission. Kelley Blue Book likes the sport button on the automatic transmission, finding that it “keeps the transmission in each gear long enough to boost responses smartly,” but discovers it works better with the base engine. “Rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a built-in tire-pressure monitoring system,” comments MyRide.com, round out the mechanically useful features of the 9-3.

Widely praised is the optional XWD system that goes for $2,000. A system designed by Haldex, it normally “sends more than 90 percent of engine power to the front wheels. Under acceleration or in low-grip situations, the system's electronic brain sends torque rearward to enhance traction,” states Edmunds. Calling the system’s operation “compelling,” Autoblog remarks that “the genius is that the system does all this in 80 milliseconds, long before the rear wheel on the low-grip side even hits the icy patch.” The system may also be combined with an eLSD (electronic limited slip differential) for the rear, which increases the 9-3’s abilities in poor traction even further.

In the realm of convenience and electronics, XM Satellite Radio and GM’s OnStar have been made standard for 2008. MyRide.com notes that “a hot Bose 11-speaker sound system will be optional on late-2008 models,” and they mention the optional Profiler system, which “consists of a set of steering wheel-mounted controls and a 6.5-inch-wide color display screen at the top center of the instrument panel” that has readings for most functions such as climate control, clock, and vehicle speed. This option, as well as the rest of the dash lighting, may be turned off completely with the exception of the speedometer, a feature that Saab has offered for years.

Also optional are a DVD-based navigation system and a moonroof.

Conclusion

The 2008 Saab 9-3 offers competitive, intelligently designed features for your entertainment.

FEATURES | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:all-wheel drive system should have more people talkingKelley Blue Bookplenty of…cool stuffPopular MechanicsXWD…was compellingAutobloga killer Bose stereoPopular Mechanics A host of features that both coddle and improve safety make the 2008 Saab 9-3 a smart buy where amenities are concerned. Mechanically, even the base 2.0T model comes well equipped for its intended mission. Kelley Blue Book likes the sport button on the automatic transmission, finding that it “keeps the transmission in each gear long enough to boost responses smartly,” but discovers it works better with the base engine. “Rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a built-in tire-pressure monitoring system,” comments MyRide.com, round out the mechanically useful features of the 9-3. Widely praised is the optional XWD system that goes for $2,000. A system designed by Haldex, it normally “sends more than 90 percent of engine power to the front wheels. Under acceleration or in low-grip situations, the system's electronic brain sends torque rearward to enhance traction,” states Edmunds. Calling the system’s operation “compelling,” Autoblog remarks that “the genius is that the system does all this in 80 milliseconds, long before the rear wheel on the low-grip side even hits the icy patch.” The system may also be combined with an eLSD (electronic limited slip differential) for the rear, which increases the 9-3’s abilities in poor traction even further. In the realm of convenience and electronics, XM Satellite Radio and GM’s OnStar have been made standard for 2008. MyRide.com notes that “a hot Bose 11-speaker sound system will be optional on late-2008 models,” and they mention the optional Profiler system, which “consists of a set of steering wheel-mounted controls and a 6.5-inch-wide color display screen at the top center of the instrument panel” that has readings for most functions such as climate control, clock, and vehicle speed. This option, as well as the rest of the dash lighting, may be turned off completely with the exception of the speedometer, a feature that Saab has offered for years. Also optional are a DVD-based navigation system and a moonroof. ConclusionThe 2008 Saab 9-3 offers competitive, intelligently designed features for your entertainment.  2008 SAAB 9-3 STYLING | [7 out of 10] Edmunds: “distinct Scandinavian charm - refreshing break from the mainline aesthetic” Motor Trend: “inspired by the sleek Aero X concept” MyRide.com: “bold new nose” Autoblog: “a mid-cycle enhancement” New York Times: “radical new front and ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

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.

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See the Saab 9-3 in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999

Comments (1 total)

  1. By geek #1, Posted: 10/23/2009

    I own a Saab 93 Convertible and have been highly satisfied with everything about it. I am mystified by many reviews that seem to look at some feature and stress the negative thus not providing objective analysis.
    The Saab convertible is comfortable to ride and great to drive. The front seats rival any car for comfort regardless of price. Once you decide you want a convertible then you need to understand what is different from a sedan. Comparing a sedan to a convertible is different then reviewing the virtues of each.
    The competition is the Audi A4, the Volvo C70 and the BMW.
    I bought the Saab and happy I did

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