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2008 Saab 9-3 Convertible
Vehicle Summary: 2008 Saab 9-3 Convertible
The Saab 9-3 Convertible is a quick and nimble four-seat ragtop. In terms of sportiness, it falls somewhere in between the Audi A4 (less sporty than the Saab) and the BMW 3 Series (more). The 9-3 Convertible shares platforms with the Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura, but the Saab carries distinctive styling and many unique components. A peppy, 2.2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is standard. A stronger, 2.8-liter turbocharged V6 engine is included with the more performance-oriented Aero version. For many years, Saab's Swedish engineers insisted that a turbocharged four-cylinder engine was the ideal compromise of power and fuel consumption - to have more cylinders was overkill, almost sinful, they believed. Meanwhile, most American customers thought the more cylinders, the better. Under the ownership of General Motors, Saab eventually accepted bigger engines.
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Fair and Foul-Weather Friend
Recast with a more-aggressive appearance, the Saab 9-3 Convertible remains one of the rare ragtops that can be just as accommodating and fun to drive in the winter as it is in the summer.
Highs
- Convertible top is well finished
- Standard six-speed manual transmission
- Sporty handling with a composed ride
- Cleanly designed and comfortable interior
- Quick acceleration, especially with the V6
Lows
- Saab is steadily losing its Swedishness
- Lacks the brand cachet of Audi, BMW and Mercedes
- Unlike the sedan and wagon, all-wheel drive is not offered on the convertible
What's New
- Redesigned for 2008
- Improved cupholder design
- 2.8-liter turbocharged V6 engine now generates 255 hp
- Reworked exterior features freshen the styling with new grille, front and rear bumpers, front fenders, hood and headlamps and taillights
- New Parchment-color convertible top headliner
- OnStar, XM satellite radio, tire pressure monitor, integrated front fog lights and rain-sensing wipers newly standard
- High-intensity cornering headlamps standard on Aero
- Black interior replaces gray, with semi-aniline leather upholstery available
- New wheel designs
- New exterior colors: Snow Silver Metallic and Saffron Yellow
Specs at a Glance:
2008 Saab 9-3 Convertible
New-Car Pricing
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