CTC Review: 2008 Saab 9-3 Sedan

[CD_Editor]

Day 1:

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It never ceases to amaze me how many different brands and models of vehicles there are out there these days.  This is the first time I have reviewed a Saab, and I've been doing this for close to two years now. There are other brands and many models out there I haven't reviewed, but this week the Saab 9-3 is my focus.  More...

[Mitlov]

I love the design of the new 9-3, inside and out.  And the turbo four is a decent price for what you get (the turbo six is up against some stiff competition, though, with its much higher price tag).  I look forward to reading more.

Could you be sure to comment on steering feel and shift action in the next few days?

[gottarondo]

I drove a Saab 900 for ten years and still love the cars and the marque - I guess I relate too well to "quirky" and got too attached, although the cost of being attached to it - what was it again that broke every year like clockwork - was pretty high.  But what I really want to know is, is that a retractable rear compartment cover in the picture?  What, Saab has abandoned plywood as a vehicle construction material?

[tpl]

Those thick plywood covers were a great thing.  A hatchback in which one could load a chest freezer was a great thing as well.

[Marc_]

With my 9-3 (it's a 2002, pre-GM style hatch), I like the 'night panel' feature.  Ya ya, I know it is a little gimmicky, but when driving at night, down a dark unlit highway or road, and you darken out the entire cabin, it creates a unique driving environment.

You don't see a lot of Saab's (and trust me, I know the reasons why), which makes them stand out that much more.

[Spheric]

It my be just me but do I see a disproportionate number of Saab reviews on auto website/newspaper car sections (incl.Globe & Mail/Toronto Star etc) ? An alien from Planet Zog in the Delta quadrant of the Alpha Centauri system would conclude that Saabs are in the top 5 sellers on Earth.

[JT816]

I just don't understand Saabs. GM loses money every year on them, they know what the problem is and why no one buys them yet the refuse to correct the problems or invest money in them. I don't think you can sell a vehicle today when all you do every 4-7 years is a minor refresh look to the exterior while keeping just about everything else (engines, interior, etc.) relatively the same. At the same time, their vehicles are priced for the most part higher (not less) than their comparably equipped competition (TSX, C230, 323, A4, IS250, etc.)

[TopGun]

We'll see what James says - I found the steering to be OK...but the gear changer to be notchy and it didn't feel it was connected to anything mechanical.  I really liked the engine...and I know it delivers good economy.

I test drove one about a month ago.  It was an "OK car...but I didn't find it special AT ALL...which is what I'd be prepared to shell out for.  The exhaust was muted...and I could barely hear the turbo waste-gate.

As an airplane lover, I've really wanted to like these cars...

[sailor723]

It my be just me but do I see a disproportionate number of Saab reviews on auto website/newspaper car sections (incl.Globe & Mail/Toronto Star etc) ? An alien from Planet Zog in the Delta quadrant of the Alpha Centauri system would conclude that Saabs are in the top 5 sellers on Earth.

Seems to run in cycles....A few months ago I would have said the same thing about Subaru. A small,also ran manufacruer that seemed to have as many reviews as Honda or Toyota for awhile.

Maybe it depends on what manufacturer is pushing cars on reviewers at any particular time?

[Blueprint]

End-of-year '07s were incentived down to 29,975$.  I really like the look and package of the current 9-3, and SAABs look oh-so-good in black.  A black 2.0t with stick is on my wish list... if the budget is there in two years.  Looking forward to your comments !

[Cortina]

How very un Saab interior wise. 



I don't like the white looking lights at the back.

I wonder if it is like, back in the 80's, say if you drove a Saab really fast for a while, then stop and open up the bonnet you would see it glowing red at night. Mmmm pretty.

Anyway, Saabs are really nice to drive regardless of how they look sometimes, their is something  about a Saab.

[Spheric]

then stop and open up the bonnet you would see it glowing red at night. Mmmm pretty.

..and I thought I was the only one who says 'bonnet'... 

I need to check if I have a spare shovel in the 'boot' tonight. 

[Railton]

Nice car and refreshingly with personality in a sea of Japanese product.
Just make sure you lease it and hand the keys back when the lease is up.
How long GM can afford to float this brand on their dismal sales is a whole other story.
Railton

[The Mighty Duck]

I still think Subaru needs to buy Saab and turn it into their luxury marque. 

There is something about Saab.  I'm not sure I'd ever buy one, as they seem a little pricey, but they've always interested me in a way few other cars do.

[TopGun]

We'll see what James says - I found the steering to be OK...but the gear changer to be notchy and it didn't feel it was connected to anything mechanical.  I really liked the engine...and I know it delivers good economy.

Quotes from the James:

...the shifter has a good solid feel to it, although it’s perhaps a little numb as you do not feel the mechanical connection. Steering is sharp and precise and has just the right amount of weight to it...The engine pulls strongly and it certainly feels like more than enough power

I drive a lot...throw me some keys to stuff and I'll help with the reviews!!

[Mitlov]

I still think Subaru needs to buy Saab and turn it into their luxury marquee. 

Marque=car company; marquee=a large billboard advertising for a theatre. 

I don't think that Subaru should buy Saab.  They're a niche manufacturer, and boxer engines just don't mix with Saabs in my mind.  I think that Saab faces a bright future at GM if the next 9-3 receives the same sort of attention that the Malibu and CTS received.  And I have high hopes for the upcoming Astra-based 9-1.

[lfg]

I to have always been interested in SAABs.  In my opinnion, GM made two mistakes when they acquired SAAB.  First in Canada they messed around with the dealers, revoking some long time SAAB dealers, then trying to combine them into ill-fated Passport dealers (remember that badge), then combining them into SAAB/SAtURN/ISUZU dealers.  In all respect, up until recently SATURN stood for cars for people who don't like cars, and here you are trying to flog an enthusiat product in the same space.  Globally, GM closed down SAAB's design and engineering a few years after buying them, and combined that into their european opel/vauxhill.  I think this was a mistake and FORD learned from it when they acquired Volvo and kept the Volvo engineering centres intact.  Alot of a brand's DNA (if you can call it that) comes from seperating the engineering and design from other brands.  I think thats why smaller brands that have resisted the wave of consolidation the industry saw in the 90's have done so well (BMW, Honda, even FIAT now).

I think SAABs make a good used car buy since they get savaged by depreciation more than other European makes (just keep a cash kitty for repairs). 

I have generally recommended people stay away from them as new car purchases.
I also think the 9-2 subaru/saab and the chevy tahoe saab were definately bad steps.   

The best thing for SAAB would be GM give up and sell them.  I'd love to see a company like Peugeot/citreon take them over and use them as a springboard back into north america. 

[safristi]

Saab would be better as a luxury Marquee.........................

[Mitlov]

I don't think you can sell a vehicle today when all you do every 4-7 years is a minor refresh look to the exterior while keeping just about everything else (engines, interior, etc.) relatively the same.

2003: All-new-generation 9-3.
2005: Wagon body style added to sedan and convertible.
2007: Turbo V6 added to engine lineup.
2008: Aesthetic restyle.  Optional AWD added.  High-performance Turbo X model (280 horsepower) added.

While Saab is taking longer than typical to release the third-generation 9-3, they've done a LOT more than typical to update it throughout the second generation.  The TSX, for example, between 2004 and 2008, received a 10-hp bump and a minor restyle in 2006.  That's it.

[lfg]

 SAAB should aim more at the volkswagen and japanese brands.  About $25k price point and rebuilt its image.  SAAB began as an affordable and intelligent car for people who wanted something different.  I still think there is market for that.  The current 9-3 loads up quickly to $50,000.  As volkswagen has discovered,  there is a certain price point that people do not accept the brand regardless of how much equipment (example the toureg versus the cayenne).  SAAB has hit that wall.  They should stop going after BMW and mercedes in their marketing.

Hoping the day comes they are freed from the clutches of GM. 

Oh by the way i think GM made a third mistake when they took over SAAB. AT that time, SAAB cult car the 900 was getting really old, SAAB was taking alot of time getting a replacement done.  GM rushed the development using a opel platform.  Even GM admitted that the car had too many quality problems which really soured the brands reputation.