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2008 Saab 9-3 Quality Review

August 19, 2008

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

excelled in its ability to be average at everything
Autoblog

dynamically capable premium compacts
ConsumerGuide

the 9-3 rides quietly and lets you listen to the music
MyRide.com

Subpar interior materials
Edmunds

The 2008 Saab 9-3 delivers a refined experience overall but misses the mark on some finer details.

Up front, ConsumerGuide appreciates that “comfortable seats provide good all-around support. The 9-3's standard tilt and telescopic steering column helps tailor a comfortable driving position, though the tallest drivers might want it to go higher and may wish for more rearward seat travel.” Edmunds concurs, stating “the Saab 9-3's cabin offers decent ergonomics and very comfortable front seats.” Kelley Blue Book describes the seats in Aero models as “seriously sporty.”

In the rear, ConsumerGuide notes “good head clearance” but warns that “knee space in sedans…is disappointingly tight if the front seats are set far back. The same goes for foot space if the front seats aren't elevated.” “Backseat headroom and toe space are abundant,” offers Cars.com, “but legroom suffers if the front seat is adjusted rearward. The center occupant must endure a high, hard perch and straddle a tall floor hump.”

Ergonomics and space efficiency generally garner respect, but materials, fit, and finish drew some jeers, as did overall levels of refinement. “Any 9-3 has more tire noise than the class norm,” points out ConsumerGuide. Edmunds contends “the cabin is attractive at a glance, particularly with the two-tone leather option, but closer inspection reveals low-quality plastics and inconsistent fit and finish.” All seem to like the Saab’s unique center-mounted ignition key, and Kelley Blue Book admires the instrument cluster, which they feel “was clearly developed for easy and helpful reading.” ConsumerGuide judges sedans to have “a tall trunk with considerable volume.”

Conclusion

Good ergonomics and great seats are tempered with mediocre materials and some noise in the 2008 Saab 9-3.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:excelled in its ability to be average at everythingAutoblogdynamically capable premium compactsConsumerGuidethe 9-3 rides quietly and lets you listen to the musicMyRide.comSubpar interior materialsEdmunds The 2008 Saab 9-3 delivers a refined experience overall but misses the mark on some finer details. Up front, ConsumerGuide appreciates that “comfortable seats provide good all-around support. The 9-3's standard tilt and telescopic steering column helps tailor a comfortable driving position, though the tallest drivers might want it to go higher and may wish for more rearward seat travel.” Edmunds concurs, stating “the Saab 9-3's cabin offers decent ergonomics and very comfortable front seats.” Kelley Blue Book describes the seats in Aero models as “seriously sporty.” In the rear, ConsumerGuide notes “good head clearance” but warns that “knee space in sedans…is disappointingly tight if the front seats are set far back. The same goes for foot space if the front seats aren't elevated.” “Backseat headroom and toe space are abundant,” offers Cars.com, “but legroom suffers if the front seat is adjusted rearward. The center occupant must endure a high, hard perch and straddle a tall floor hump.” Ergonomics and space efficiency generally garner respect, but materials, fit, and finish drew some jeers, as did overall levels of refinement. “Any 9-3 has more tire noise than the class norm,” points out ConsumerGuide. Edmunds contends “the cabin is attractive at a glance, particularly with the two-tone leather option, but closer inspection reveals low-quality plastics and inconsistent fit and finish.” All seem to like the Saab’s unique center-mounted ignition key, and Kelley Blue Book admires the instrument cluster, which they feel “was clearly developed for easy and helpful reading.” ConsumerGuide judges sedans to have “a tall trunk with considerable volume.” ConclusionGood ergonomics and great seats are tempered with mediocre materials and some noise in the 2008 Saab 9-3.  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:

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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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