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The Bottom Line:
The most powerful Saab 9-3 editions with all-wheel drive are satisfying performers, but it’s not quite a sport sedan.
Around The Web
“Achilles heel lies up front, as in front-wheel drive”
“middle-of-the-road driving dynamics”
“steering still feels overly light”
“solid, tight Eurosedan feel”
“healthy pull throughout their power bands”
COMFORT AND QUALITY | 8 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
Sufficiently spacious up front
ForbesAutos
Class-leading trunk space
ConsumerGuide
The instrument layout was clearly developed for easy and helpful reading
Kelley Blue Book
As with almost all convertibles reviewed by TheCarConnection.com, the Saab 9-3 2008 loses marks because of cramped accommodations for backseat passengers. Otherwise, it provides a comfortable and reasonably spacious ride with a well-designed cockpit.
According to ForbesAutos, the Saab 9-3 Convertible "is sufficiently spacious up front, though it offers less rear seat room than the sedan and wagon versions." Entering and exiting the small backseats can be difficult as well--especially with the top up. Cars.com notes that in the 9-3 Saab "backseat headroom and toe space are abundant, but legroom suffers if the front seat is adjusted rearward." ConsumerGuide agrees that the front seats are comfortable and provide good all-around support, but says that "the tallest drivers may wish for more rearward seat travel." Kelley Blue Book calls the new black leather seats well supported and bolstered, but "not excessively snug."
Cars.com praises the rather large cargo space available in the 9-3 Saab when the soft-top isn't retracted. With 12.4 cubic feet with the top up and 8.3 cubic feet with the top stowed, the Saab 9-3 Convertible wins kudos from ConsumerGuide for its "Class-leading trunk space."
As for the quality of interior components, ConsumerGuide reports, "Not all cabin plastics" in the 9-3 Saab "have the texturing and tactile feel that match class pacesetters." Motor Trend believes that the "cabin textures and tolerances are merely acceptable, not class leading."
The Saab 9-3 Convertible also trails the pack when it comes to providing a quiet ride, notes ConsumerGuide, which says "any 9-3 has more tire noise than the class norm." However, they proclaim the convertible to be "not uncomfortably loud, top up or down" and say that while engines in 9-3 Saabs are "always heard," they "never sound unrefined" and that at highway speeds "wind rush is apparent...but doesn't disturb conversation."
Conclusion
The 2008 Saab 9-3 Convertible is comfortable, and class-leading trunk space is a bonus; fit and finish could use another round of upgrades.
