Saab 9-3 Saab 9-3 2008

We are 103,000+ car owners sharing real-world car information.

Join Us

Saab 9-3 Specs at TrueDelta: Powertrains and tires by trim level (2008)

How powerful is the engine? How much room is in the back seat? Get the 2008 Saab 9-3 specs.

2008 Saab 9-3 Specs - Exterior and Interior Dimensions

Body 4dr Sedan 2dr Convertible 4dr Wagon
Wheelbase 105.3 in 105.3 in 105.3 in
Length 182.5 in 182.4 in 183.2 in
Width 69.0 in 69.3 in 69.4 in
Height 56.8 in 56.4 in 60.6 in
Curb Weight 3230 lb. 3530 lb. 3320 lb.
Fuel Capacity 16.4 gal. 16.4 gal. 16.4 gal.
Headroom, Row 1 38.9 in 38.1 in 38.9 in
Shoulder Room, Row 1 56.3 in 55.9 in 56.3 in
Legroom, Row 1 42.3 in 41.4 in 42.3 in
Headroom, Row 2 37.0 in 37.0 in 37.0 in
Shoulder Room, Row 2 55.1 in 44.7 in 55.1 in
Legroom, Row 2 35.1 in 32.3 in 35.1 in
Total Legroom 77.4 in (over 2 rows) 73.7 in (over 2 rows) 77.4 in (over 2 rows)
Cargo Volume, Minimum 15.0 ft3 12.4 ft3 29.7 ft3
Cargo Volume, Maximum 15.0 ft3 12.4 ft3 72.3 ft3

Return to top

What Our Members Are Saying about the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2008 Saab 9-3

2008 Saab 9-3 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2009 4dr Sedan turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Great seats! see full Saab 9-3 review
2008 4dr Sedan turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
Great seats. Very supportive of back and upper thighs. Don't have tightness in shoulders and neck anymore on long drives. see full Saab 9-3 review
2007 4dr Wagon turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
I can drive this car further than any other car I have driven and still be comfortable see full Saab 9-3 review
2007 4dr Sedan turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Very, very confortable seats. see full Saab 9-3 review
2007 4dr Sedan turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Front seat was firm and comfortable in recent 3 hour rides. see full Saab 9-3 review
2007 4dr Wagon turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Particularly comfortable for tall drivers see full Saab 9-3 review
2007 4dr Wagon turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Plenty of shoulder and leg room. Seats are deep enough. see full Saab 9-3 review
2007 4dr Sedan turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Saabs have had great seats forever. Nothing has changed... nice and firm, perfect bolstering. see full Saab 9-3 review
2007 4dr Sedan turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Big seats that support long legged people, and comfortable on long drives. see full Saab 9-3 review
2008 Saab 9-3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2009 4dr Sedan turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Limited knee room in front with rear facing car seat behind. see full Saab 9-3 review
2008 4dr Sedan turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
The seats are very comfortable, but those with longer legs (especially thighs) might have trouble getting in a comfortable position. Tall drivers may find some awkwardness with all around reach. I.E. The steering wheel doesn't telescope far enough f see full Saab 9-3 review
2008 4dr Sedan turbocharged 280hp 2.8L V6
6-speed manual AWD
No space. see full Saab 9-3 review
2007 2dr Convertible turbocharged 250hp 2.8L V6
6-speed manual FWD
not bad for a convertible but if you regularly have more than 2 passengers rear seat is tight to get in and out with top up. see full Saab 9-3 review
2007 4dr Sedan turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Seemed narrow and cramped. see full Saab 9-3 review
 

2008 Saab 9-3 4-door Sedan Specs - Powertrains and Tire Sizes

Trim 2.0T Aero TurboX
Standard Engineturbocharged
2.0L I4
DOHC-4v
210 hp@5500
221 lb-ft@2500
turbocharged
2.8L V6
DOHC-4v
255 hp@5000
258 lb-ft@1900
turbocharged
2.8L V6
DOHC-4v
280 hp@5500
295 lb-ft@2150
Optional Engine(s) turbocharged
2.8L V6
DOHC-4v
280 hp@5500
295 lb-ft@2150
 
Standard Transmission6-speed manual6-speed manual6-speed manual
Optional Transmission(s)5-speed manually-shiftable automatic6-speed manually-shiftable automatic6-speed manually-shiftable automatic
Standard DrivetrainFWDFWDAWD
Optional Drivetrain(s) AWD 
Standard Tires215/55HR16 tires235/45VR17 tires235/45YR18 tires
Optional Tires235/45VR17 tires235/50VR17 tires 

Return to top

2008 Saab 9-3 2-door Convertible Specs - Powertrains and Tire Sizes

Trim 2.0T Aero
Standard Engineturbocharged
2.0L I4
DOHC-4v
210 hp@5500
221 lb-ft@2500
turbocharged
2.8L V6
DOHC-4v
255 hp@5000
258 lb-ft@1900
Standard Transmission6-speed manual6-speed manual
Optional Transmission(s)5-speed manually-shiftable automatic6-speed manually-shiftable automatic
Standard DrivetrainFWDFWD
Standard Tires215/55HR16 tires235/45VR17 tires
Optional Tires235/45VR17 tires 

Return to top

2008 Saab 9-3 4-door Wagon Specs - Powertrains and Tire Sizes

Trim SportCombi 2.0T SportCombi Aero SportCombi TurboX
Standard Engineturbocharged
2.0L I4
DOHC-4v
210 hp@5500
221 lb-ft@2500
turbocharged
2.8L V6
DOHC-4v
255 hp@5000
258 lb-ft@1900
turbocharged
2.8L V6
DOHC-4v
280 hp@5500
295 lb-ft@2150
Optional Engine(s) turbocharged
2.8L V6
DOHC-4v
280 hp@5500
295 lb-ft@2150
 
Standard Transmission6-speed manual6-speed manual6-speed manual
Optional Transmission(s)5-speed manually-shiftable automatic6-speed manually-shiftable automatic6-speed manually-shiftable automatic
Standard DrivetrainFWDFWDAWD
Optional Drivetrain(s) AWD 
Standard Tires215/55HR16 tires235/45VR17 tires235/45YR18 tires
Optional Tires235/45VR17 tires235/50VR17 tires 

Return to top

What Our Members Are Saying about the Powertrain of the 2008 Saab 9-3

2008 Saab 9-3 Powertrain: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2009 4dr Sedan turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
200 hp turbo 2.0 4 cylinder and a decent auto transmission = fun. see full Saab 9-3 review
2008 4dr Wagon turbocharged 280hp 2.8L V6
6-speed manual AWD
With 280 HP and lots of torque, my Aero XWD has performance to spare. I love the 6 speed manual transmission. The XWD kept me going in the New England snow last winter. see full Saab 9-3 review
2008 4dr Wagon turbocharged 255hp 2.8L V6
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
smooth, quiet, powerful though a bit thirsty. see full Saab 9-3 review
2008 4dr Sedan turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
There is a reason modern luxury and performance car manfacturers like BMW are abandoning their 6 cyclinder naturally aspirated powerplants and moving to turbocharged 4 cylinder motors. The reason is the unparalleled performance with economy and that these engines afford. They are easy to maintain and work on too. The turbocharger increases volumetric efficiency enabling them to produce greater than 100 hp per litre of displacement. As well, Saab's Trionic 8 engine management system makes them not just powerful, but reliable. Combined with a manual 6 speed transmission, these cars provide an exhilarating and economical driving experience. see full Saab 9-3 review
2008 4dr Sedan turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
The turbo lag isn't as noticeable as it is on other cars I have driven. Faster than most V6 engines. Fuel economy isn't bad for the power either. see full Saab 9-3 review
2008 4dr Sedan turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
Good power once the turbo starts to rev up. see full Saab 9-3 review
2008 4dr Wagon turbocharged 180hp 1.9L I4 Diesel
6-speed manual FWD
180 bhp diesel and great torxs and still a comfortably and relaxed driving see full Saab 9-3 review
2008 4dr Wagon turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
One of the best 4cyl powertrains ever. Smooth, quiet, powerful enough, but very efficient. see full Saab 9-3 review
2008 4dr Sedan turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Engine does not feel at all like a 4-cylinder, except for the excellent fuel economy (30+ MPG on the highway). Quick off the line, and you always have the power you need for passing or merging. Auto Transmission is smooth and responsive. see full Saab 9-3 review
2008 2dr Convertible turbocharged 255hp 2.8L V6
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Very quick and the automatic trans does is the best one they have produced. see full Saab 9-3 review
 

What Our Members Are Saying about the Tires of the 2008 Saab 9-3

2008 Saab 9-3 Tires: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2008 4dr Wagon turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
Last subject: Tires are always critical for a car. I know it's money, more money, but having good tires makes a world of difference. Cheap Eastern tires will change the ride, negatively. You get what you pay for. It's better having an ordinary car with good tires, that a wonderfull car with crappy tires. see full Saab 9-3 review
 

2008 Saab 9-3 MSRP and Invoice Prices

Body Trim Base Price Invoice Destination
4dr Sedan 2.0T 28,445 27,108 745
4dr Sedan Aero 35,215 33,560 745
4dr Sedan TurboX 41,765 40,011 745
2dr Convertible 2.0T 39,955 38,077 745
2dr Convertible Aero 45,640 43,495 745
4dr Wagon SportCombi 2.0T 29,615 28,223 745
4dr Wagon SportCombi Aero 36,250 34,546 745
4dr Wagon SportCombi TurboX 42,565 40,777 745

Return to top

See TrueDelta's information for all Sedans, Convertibles, and Wagons.
See TrueDelta's information for all Saab models.