The 2008 Saab 9-3 Convertible is a well-engineered body that offers generous cargo space and agility in the entry-level luxury car segment. The redesigned two-door, four-passenger Convertible offers solid sports handling and low levels of noise.

The new Saab 9-3 Convertible is available in two trim levels: 2.0T and Aero. Both come with front-wheel drive and turbo-charged engine. The 2.0T trim is powered by a 210-horsepower, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine paired with either a five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission. The 2.0T trim gives 23 miles per gallon in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The Aero trim features a 250-horsepower, 2.8-liter V-6 coupled to a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The Aero trim rides on a sport-tuned suspension.

The Saab 9-3 Convertible offers driver-seat lumbar adjustment and 12.4 cubic feet of trunk space. The 2.0T is equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels; leather seating; wood-grain interior trim; eight-way power driver seat; dual-zone automatic climate control; and a premium audio system with seven speakers. The Aero comes with two-tone leather seating and a 300-watt system with 10 speakers. It comes with 17-inch alloy wheels; firmer suspension tuning; adaptive bi-xenon headlights; front sport seats; and metallic interior trim. A DVD-based navigation system is optional on both body styles.

Important safety equipment includes anti-brake system; traction control; anti-skid system; front side air bags; curtain side air bags; power-folding soft top with heated glass rear window; whiplash-reducing head restraints; stability control; and tire-pressure monitor. In the side impact category, the 9-3 received five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for front occupant safety and four stars for the rear. It received the Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety based on its ratings (the highest possible) in the institute's frontal-offset crash tests, side-impact crash tests and head-restraint effectiveness tests.