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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  Great Car-But has problems. - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By danesh - October 25 - 12:03 am

  I have always been drawn to the unique style of Saab cars, so when the lease on my 9-5 2.3t ran out I fell in love with the aero after just one test drive. The car is zippy, handles very well, and has all the creature comforts anybody would need. Unfortunately I have had to spend a lot of money on this car despite that fact that it is still under warranty. For starters the 3 spoke wheels get bent very easily causing the car to wobble at speeds of over 70mph, the light bulbs need constant replacement, and the battery is very unreliable. If you buy this car make sure you have the warranty otherwise it is going to cost you a lot to keep around. A nice alternative to your run of the mill car.

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  Well rounded tourer - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Paul Guinnessy - October 24 - 1:13 pm

  The 9-3 sportcombi is an excellent tourer that keeps the driver well connected to the road without fatigue. The seats are great, the safety features are best in class, and the car is nimble in traffic. Currently averaging 26 mpg in city/highway driving. The interior could be improved, which apparently happened with the later versions of the car. The car also feels more balanced that the sedan version, because of the better weight ratio (52/48 instead of 60/40 in the sedan). This has an impact on the feel of the car and how the suspension performs. The reliability has been rock solid since we leased it. Its very likely we will keep the car when the lease is up.

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  Great car until 100k miles! - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By Donna B - October 14 - 9:33 pm

  I loved my Saab until the warranty ran out. Great space, comfortable and the size of the trunk is unmatched! After the 100k warranty was up, major mechanical problems... ABS brakes, gas tank corrosion, leaking gaskets, serpentine belt... trade before its too late!

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  Great car - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By moeman - September 28 - 12:26 pm

  I think this a great car--my second SAAB. The up side is that its a great blend of performance, handeling, ammenities, safety and fuel economy. Id recommend it to any friend. The down side is that you better not think about adults in the back seat except for a very short trip.

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  Mixed Bag - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By SAABer - September 15 - 7:36 am

  Excellent gas mileage. 34+mpg on long trip from FL to OH. Electronics seem to fail often: Check engine light for fuel cap, intermittant failure of traction control, poor explination and exceution of customizable features (door/truck lock options, etc.) Local dealer (ohio) very poor service. Great value considering GM Employee Pricing Event when purchased. Suspension too soft, handling plows a little.

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  2003 Saab 9-5 Aero - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Mr. B - September 7 - 2:06 pm

  It took a long time for me to decide to purchase my Aero. I always loved the styling and didnt ever really hear anything horrible about them. Now that Ive put about 6,000 miles on the car including some spirited road runs, stop and go Milwaukee driving, a 345 mile jaunt to the U.P of Michigan, and the late night trek to the grocery store, Ive found the car to be responsive, sure-footed, very smooth, comfortable, and suprisingly reliable. I take care of my autos and this one really seems to have a lot going for it. My only hang up with the car is the cost of parts and labor, when you need it. I havent run into any issues with my Aero yet, but I anticipate that when and if I do, its not gonna be pretty. Thank God for warranty work.

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  Questionable build quality - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Ken S. - September 7 - 10:00 am

  I bought a 1999 Saab 93SE two months ago. So far, the A/C has been charged three times and no one can figure out why it is blowing the freon out of the pressure reease valve. The engine started leaking coolant and oil from the head gasket. I get a sulfur smell from the tailpipe at times. The power antenna no longer goes down all the way. The dash turn signal indicators sometimes dont work. Or sometimes they stay on when the turn signal is off. The passenger side headlight wiper is coming loose. The car has way too many interior rattles and creaks for a car in this class. And it is out of warranty with 54K on it. I want my Acura back.

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  Bad Suspension noise - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Cobalt714 - September 4 - 10:00 am

  The suspension noise on my SAAB has made me CRAZY. SAAB has no fix for it yet. Its a Klunking noise upon suspension compression and de-compression. I was onced asked if there was something wrong with my transmission because of the noise!

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  9-5 areo - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By Wohlf - September 2 - 10:00 am

  The car has been perfect. Not a single thing has broken. I have not even had an adjustment for the dealer to make. The dealer experience is exceptional. I dont pay for anything when it come to regular maintenance every 10k. I get a loaner and the car is done when it is suppose to be. Lots of space and versatility.

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  Useful and fun! - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By sportsmom - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Replaced my Toyota Camry wagon with the smaller Saab last year. Very fun to drive and extremely comfortable - I spend a lot of time in my car between commuting 35 miles each way to/from work and driving two hockey playing kids all over New England. Have had no mechanical problems and car gets good mileage - over 27 mpg combination of highway and city driving.