DecodedCars2008 Saab 9-7
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Body styles
- X 4dr SUV AWD 4.2i/5.3i/Aero
- Engines
- 4.2L 6-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl, 6.0L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 16 combined · 14 city / 20 hwy
- Length
- 192.9 in
- Curb weight
- 4,720 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Few owner complaints14 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 104 for similar models.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 33 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Saab 9-7 is a SUV - offered with 3 engines (4.2L 6-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl and 6.0L 8-cyl) and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 193 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,720 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 16 MPG combined (14 city / 20 highway), 8% worse than the 2008 SUV - average of 17.4 MPG, for an estimated $4,200 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 14 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the exterior lighting.
What changed for 2008
- Engine added: 6.0L 8-cyl
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 9-7 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X 4dr SUV AWD 4.2i/5.3i/Aero | 192.9 in | 75.6 in | 70.5 in | 113 in | 62.6 / 62.2 in | 4,720 lb | 53/47 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9-7X AWD | 4.2L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | -8% | $4,200 | 555 |
| 9-7X AWD | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 19 / 16 | -8% | $4,200 | 555 |
| 9-7X AWD | 6.0L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 / 16 / 13 | -25% | $6,300 | 684 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Saab 9-7 under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Saab 9-7 (this car) | 16 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser | 15 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2008 Toyota 4Runner | 18 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2008 Toyota Highlander | 26 MPG | Not rated | 10 |
| 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 20 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 GMC Yukon | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (1)
Exterior Lighting › Headlights · Aug 14, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V519000 · 429,170 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix, 2006-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 2006-2007 Buick Rainier, Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT, GMC Envoy XL, 2006-2008 Isuzu Ascender, and Saab 9-7x vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the headlamp driver module (HDM) may overheat and fail, causing the headlamps and daytime running lights to not illuminate.
- Risk
- Headlamps that do not illuminate reduce the driver's ability to see the roadway and reduce the vehicle's visibility to oncoming vehicles, both of which increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the HDM, free of charge. The recall began on May 17, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. GM's number for this recall is 14291.
Not every 2008 Saab 9-7 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Saab 9-7 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Exterior Lighting — 8 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Air Bags — 2 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Engine — 2 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 82,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Saab 9-7. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other 9-7 years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Saab. How we calculate this →