Overview & Reviews

Originally known as Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget (Svenska Aircraft Company), Saab is a Swedish company that began manufacturing automobiles in 1949. The company's early designs placed an emphasis on aerodynamics that is reflective of its history as an aircraft manufacturer.

The first production Saab, the 92, boasted a lower coefficient of drag than many modern cars. The 93, unveiled in 1955, was powered by a three-cylinder, 33-horsepower engine, and featured the distinctive fastback profile that made early Saabs among the most recognizable cars on the road. By the time the '50s drew to a close, Saab's lineup had grown to include the 95 wagon (capable of seating up to seven) and the 93 750 Gran Turismo, the automaker's first series-built sports car.

The marque started the '60s with the introduction of its successful Saab 96. With a production run of 20 years, this was the car that made Saab a recognized presence in the international market. The decade also saw the launch of the Saab Sport coupe. Scoring numerous wins on the rally circuit, the coupe marked Saab as a force to be reckoned with. The Sport's success on the track inspired a name change; it later came to be known as the Saab Monte Carlo 850. The Saab Sonett II sports car, with its body of fiberglass-reinforced plastic, also made its debut during the '60s, as did the Saab 99, which was the first Saab to feature the manufacturer's trademark wraparound windshield.

In 1973, Saab gave birth to the 99 Combi Coupe. The car came to define the Saab brand; with its hatchback and fold-down rear seat it offered remarkable utility. By the end of the decade, Saab had rolled out the 99 Turbo, which was a forerunner in harnessing turbo technology for use in production cars. The company also introduced the Saab 900, which held the distinction of being the first car to offer a cabin air filter.

During the 1980s, Saab cars (especially the Turbo models) gained American popularity as young urban professionals (yuppies) sought them out. The decade saw the launch of the 900 Turbo, the 900 Turbo Aero (the world's first car to offer a 16-valve turbo engine), the 900 convertible and the Saab 9000, a larger four-door car available in hatchback, and later on, sedan body styles.

In 1990, General Motors bought half of Saab's automotive division. The decade saw the launch of a revamped 900; the car offered a bevy of cutting-edge safety features, including three rear three-point seatbelts and rear side-impact protection. By the time the '90s drew to a close, Saab had also unveiled the 9-5, a larger, premium four-door sedan that essentially replaced the 9000. The 9-5 offered a host of new technologies such as ventilated seats. It was also the first to offer Saab's active head restraints, a system designed to prevent whiplash injuries.

By the 2000s, General Motors had bought the other half of Saab Automobile. Despite the brand's position on the leading edge of safety technology, Saab's popularity in the U.S. and around the world waned as its product portfolio grew increasingly stale and reliant on GM for parts, platforms and design. New models like the 9-2X and the 9-7X were based on platforms borrowed from other brands -- Subaru and Chevrolet, respectively. Meanwhile, the 9-5 soldiered on and the second-generation 9-3 ditched its quirky hatchback body style in favor of a mainstream sedan design. The hope was to make the 9-3 more appealing to American car buyers, but ultimately it only served to remove the car's unique personality.

In the midst of General Motors' financial difficulties and eventual bankruptcy, Saab was viewed as a disposable, troubled asset and essentially cast away. With the financial assistance of a European bank and the Swedish government, Swedish supercar maker Koenigsegg intended to purchase Saab with the promise of restructuring the brand and keeping production within Sweden. That deal fell through when Koenigsegg changed its mind about becoming involved with such a troubled company. Another niche-market supercar company, Spyker Cars, pursued the purchase of Saab. But that venture eventually failed as well and ultimately, at the end of 2011, Saab went into "wind-down" mode, filing for bankruptcy. In other words, Saab's future is still very much in limbo.

User Reviews:

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  worst car ever! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By c - March 6 - 7:40 am

  This car has been to 3 different Saab dealerships 39 times in 2 years! It has had 2 computers, 2 transmissions, a crankshaft even a new engine! The car quickly became very uncomfortable and Saab is the worst manufacturer to admit that they have very poor design and build quality. If someone wants to sell you a Saab or even give you one, run, even a free one would end up costing a fortune! They have had to tow this car and loan or rent us one more often than we have driven ours!

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  BUY IT AND REGRET IT - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Matthew Allascanina - September 7 - 2:00 am

  As an opulent consumer I have purchased the 9-3 for my 17 y/o son. Made the mistake by letting him choose out of the cars we tested. Car has a classy look but thatsthe only good thing. GM cant make luxury cars, Cadillac is the most dangerous luxury car on the road. Saab was a great car but GM has ruined that. Want real luxury and style look at one of the two best made luxury marques small sedans, Volvo S60 or Mercedes C240. The prices of Volvo and Mercedes maybe more but it is worth it. Odd when an engine and drivers seat has to be replaced on a brand new car. Mercedes had a few problems with the 4.3 liter engine but at least they handle the problem.

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  Call it a GM, not a Saab - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By BernieS - December 17 - 2:00 am

  This is a cheaply made GM product..NOT a Saab. Its even built on the Pontiac Grand AM platform. The interior is cheap-looking and full of plastic. Worse, it has none of the Saab individuality or the wonderful, unique silhouette that made the hatchback synonymous with Saab for decades. GM has the ability to ruin anything. Unfortunately it has its clutches on this once-terrific company. Save your money and buy a Pontiac if thats what you want.

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  Poor Poor Quality, Do not recommend!!! - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By kelley5 - January 19 - 2:26 am

  Have had it at the saab service center for several electrical issues, windows, radio controls on steering wheels. Brakes and Rotors service. Coolant Reservoir has had to be replaced 3 times in 1 year! Now the suspension or something is wrong with front end contributing to wear on both front tires. Im back to the Saab Service center!

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  Bar car. - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Saab driver - June 16 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car for people who want originality because there are so few on the road. Cheap quality and too much inspiration from cheapskate GM cars. Not worth the money.

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  STAY AWAY - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By tiffm - June 6 - 8:58 pm

  Listen to the warnings before purchasing this car! This car is not worth the headaches you will more then likely endure. I purchased this car with 85K miles in March of 2011. I was carpooling with a group of peers so I drove the car for ONE full week during that first month. On day 34, my engine seized. I replaced that engine. Since then, I have also replaced numerous belts, sensors, pumps. Every 3-4 weeks this car was in the shop and needed a new overpriced part that was impossible to find. Engine failure is a common problem with this year as I have learned the hard way. The engine I purchased to replace the original one seized on us recently as well. Please save your $$ and think twice!!