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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  Like A Swedish Model! - 2007 Saab 9-7X
  By Pharmadude - September 17 - 6:23 am

  Excellent handling and steering, very good brakes, high level of standard equipments, good fit and finish, tons of power (5.3 V8) acceptable gas mileage, free 3 years scheduled maintenance, 4 years bumper-to-bumper warranty

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  Best Car I have ever owned...awesome - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By Saab2001 - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Great Car! It is the best car I have ever owwned. Trully awesome.

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  first Saab - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By Keith - Michigan - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Had not intent to buy a Saab. Took the 95 for a ride and that was it. Very impressed with the smoothness of the performance of the turbo. Would recommend one to anyone.

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  I Love my Saab 9-5 - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By Saab forever - September 1 - 5:23 pm

  This is my first "nice" car and I love the performance, comfort, and gas mileage I get (consistently 27-28 MPG). The Turbo engine is something I cant live without. Im looking forward to it handling the snow this winter!!!

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  Beemers are as common as mosquitos!!!! - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Get the SAAB!!!! - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Driving the Saab for 1 month now and couldnt say a bad thing about it. Gas mileage is better then expected. With todays gas prices, this was very important to me. Good power and great gas mileage. Classy car with lots of standard features which you will pay extra for in competitors. Ex.. Leather, ABS, Stability + Traction Control.

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  I love my Saab 92X except it takes premi - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By KK - August 23 - 6:36 pm

  The 92X is zippy and handles well in all weather conditions. The mileage could be better...I get 21 miles to a gallon of premium gas - Highway driving. I didnt know it took premium until after I paid for the upgraded turbo car. Originally I was going to buy the less expensive model.) My dealership did not explain the covered service features to me until after I had the vehicle serviced for the first time and had to pay for the oil change.

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  Saab 93...With GM Warranty - 2009 Saab 9-3
  By rtp_owner - August 21 - 12:00 pm

  First (and Im guessing last SAAB). Very happy with this car. Purchased a "stripped down" model at the going out of business sale - did not get the BIG deals that others claimed to have gotten, but I did get a 0.0% loan!! 6 speed manual - overall car is very good. Its comfortable and good on long trips. I average 30 MPG COMBINED in the real world - pretty psyched about that - I will generally be in the high 30s on the highway. Thats great mileage. I dont play boy racer, and generally only go about 5 MPS above posted limits on the highway which probably helps my mileage. Back seat is tight. Fold down rear seats nice. Rear air vents are nice. GM warranty is nice.

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  Love My First Ever SAAB - 2011 Saab 9-3
  By jbrtp - August 18 - 2:16 am

  Disagree with reviewers - know the new one is coming but a great deal with 0.0 financing sold me. First interior - yep - radio is a generation old and was plucked from the Suburban but sound quality is good and there is a jack. No gaps in my interior - all tolerances are close and materials are good quality. Car is quick with little torque steer - steering is spot on and ride is comfortable. Brakes are superb. Gas mileage is GREAT much better than expected. I have some trips with 35+ on the highway. Would have liked power seats on the passenger side. Bluetooth is basic but works well with android phone. Headlights are good as well. Manual 6 speed can be a little notchy.

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  Saab did real good! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Detroit Diesel - August 18 - 2:00 am

  This car is great! Second Saab I have owned and this car kills the hatchback in every single category. smooth ride, handles nice, looks better than a BMW. This is the best new car you can buy for 30k. I looked at 3 series, a4, volvo, and a loaded Saab is the way to go.

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  20 years and getting better - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By normb359 - August 13 - 12:13 am

  This is my 5th Saab. I just have driven nothing but saabs since 1980. This car is by far the best yet. I am getting 30 mpg on hte highway and the preformance is great. Remembering this is a midsize car and not a sports car. Drives and handles very well.