DecodedCars2008 Saleen Performance S281 Family
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Engines
- 5.0L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 14 combined · 12 city / 18 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 14 MPG combined, 34% below the 2008 subcompact car average of 21.1 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 4 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Saleen Performance S281 Family is a subcompact car offered with a 5.0L 8-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 14 MPG combined (12 city / 18 highway), 34% worse than the 2008 subcompact car average of 21.1 MPG, for an estimated $5,850 a year in fuel.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S281 Family | 5.0L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 / 18 / 14 | -34% | $5,850 | 635 |
| S281 Family | 5.0L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 / 18 / 14 | -34% | $5,850 | 635 |
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 Saleen Performance S281 Family under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Saleen Performance S281 Family (this car) | 14 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Ford Mustang | 20 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2008 Volkswagen Eos | 24 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Hyundai Tiburon | 23 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 Roush Performance Mustang | 17 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Saleen Performance S281 Family.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2008 Saleen Performance S281 Family is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2008 Saleen Performance S281 Family in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2008 Saleen Performance S281 Family buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Saleen Performance S281 Family. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other S281 Family years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 S281 Family | 14 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Saleen Performance. How we calculate this →