The 2008 Saab 9-3 is the prettiest, sportiest Saab ever built. It offers a great combination of performance, comfort, and space, and real-world gas mileage that won't break the family piggybank. The 9-3 does business in a crowded part of the market, the $35,000 near-luxury segment, and it's a worthy competitor, with lots of built-in value and a long-standing reputation for active and passive safety.
NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Jim McCraw filed this report from Washington.
leather upholstery, air conditioning, power steering, power disc brakes, keyless entry, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, console, cruise control, floor shift, driving lights, AM/FM/CD
Options as tested (MSRP):
none
Destination charge:
N/A
Gas guzzler tax:
N/A
Price as tested (MSRP):
$35,365
Layout:
front-wheel drive
Engine:
2.8-liter dohc 24-valve V6
Horsepower (hp @ rpm):
255 @ 6250
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):
258 @ 2000
Transmission:
6-speed automatic
EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:
16/26 mpg
Wheelbase:
105.3 in.
Length/width/height:
182.5/69.0/56.4 in.
Track, f/r:
59.9/59.3 in.
Turning circle:
39 ft.
Seating capacity:
5
Head/hip/leg room, f:
39.6/56.3/41.4 in.
Head/hip/leg room, m:
N/A
Head/hip/leg room, r:
38.9/55.1/35.1 in.
Cargo volume:
15.0 cu. ft.
Payload:
N/A
Towing capacity:
1000 Lbs.
Suspension, f:
independent, MacPherson struts, coil springs, gas shocks. stabilizer bar
Suspension, r:
independent, 4-link, coil springs, gas shocks, stabilizer bar
Ground clearance:
6.1 in.
Curb weight:
3285 lbs.
Tires:
P235/45R17
Brakes, f/r:
disc/disc with ABS, EBD
Fuel capacity:
16.4 gal.
Unless otherwise indicated, specifications refer to test vehicle.
All prices are manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) effective as of August 31, 2007.
Prices do not include manufacturer's destination and delivery charges.
N/A: Information not available or not applicable.
Manufacturer Info Sources:
1-800-SAAB-USA -
www.gm.com/saab
