DecodedCars2009 Saleen Performance S281 Family
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2009 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Engines
- 5.0L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 14 combined · 11 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, 35% below the 2009 subcompact car average of 21.6 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 3 similar 2009 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2009 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 (11 city / 18 highway), 35% worse than the 2009 subcompact car average of 21.6 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.
What changed for 2009
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2008 S281 Family — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2008; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2008 S281 Family →
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 | 11 / 18 / 14 | -35% | $5,850 | 635 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2009 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2009 Saleen Performance S281 Family under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2009 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Saleen Performance S281 Family (this car) | 14 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2009 Ford Mustang | 20 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2009 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2009 Roush Performance Mustang | 17 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2009 Saleen Performance S281 Family.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2009 Saleen Performance S281 Family is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2009 Saleen Performance S281 Family in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2009 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 2009 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 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 →