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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  Back to Saab - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By SAAB 4 Life - August 8 - 8:50 pm

  This is a fantastic car. As a owner of 2000 Saab (that I still have) I wanted to purchase another one just like it. After making a mistake and buying a VW Jetta 2.0 turbo that burns oil (look up vw oil consumption on any search engine) I went to a fantastic dealership in Florida (jacksonville) and picked up my Laser Red 93. I am getting 33 mpg with 4 people and a trunk full of luggage running 80+. Cant say enough about this car. Its just like the old one fast, reliable, smooth. I could go on and on.

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  My fifth saab - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Brannen - August 8 - 6:50 pm

  Fast for a Saab new 6 speed auto is great. New duel exhaust sounds good. Need to see 1/4 mile time for this car with normal test temps not in the middle of a desert like Car and Driver tested this car two mo ago and gave a very poor review. This is my 5th Saab and my third Aero. Drive it and you will buy it! When the dealer delivers the car, do not use harsh wheel cleaner on Wheels as this discolors the break calipers. D

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  No Saab story - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By kirbster - August 8 - 4:46 am

  I purchased a new Saab 9-3 recently and all I can say is, why didnt I buy one of these along time ago. This car is everything it says it is and more. I drive 35 miles to and from work each day. At 75 mph, I get 34 mpg at 80 mph I get 32 mpg. I tried to do 70 mph but just couldnt, it was just too much fun going faster. The turbo acceleration is a blast. Going from 60 to 100 only takes about 5 seconds. As you can tell, Im in love with this car. Just drive one.

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  I love my ARC - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Potamus - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! Its so much fun to drive - handles like a dream! So much fun that the stability control has already kicked in once (oops!). Edmunds said it didnt have enough power - they are very WRONG - it has more than enough - especially with the sport feature. The zenon lights are very cool, I like the dimming mirrors too. Once I got used to it, I liked the back-up sensor. I feel very safe and it is a quiet ride. Overall though it rates a 9.9 out of 10!

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  Best In Class - 2008 Saab 9-7X
  By R.K. Bush - August 5 - 10:00 am

  Although built on the same platform as the Chevy Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Olds Bravada, Buick Rainier and Isuzu Ascender, this vehicle tops them all. The superior suspension alone (unique to the Saab) sets it apart in terms of ride. It is quieter, handles better and is nicer inside than the others (Ive test-driven both the Envoy Denali and the Rainier). It looks better, too. Saab got it right!

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  Fine car but not bullet proof - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By Robert Green - August 2 - 8:00 am

  My wife is the primary driver, but weve both logged enough miles to form an opinion. First, the good: handling, acceleration, brakes, ride comfort. Looks good in an understated way from all angles. Love that tight turning circle. Wife loves the turbo boost, cargo space and six-way seat. 26-28 mpg with manual transmission. The midnight blue, she found, is not invisible to police radar however. The not so good: ABS and water pumps failed, some headlight relay issues, rear ABS sensor/hub replaced. All under warranty. Road noise a bit high with Pirellis and replacement Bridgestone Potenzas. On balance were aiming for 200K, but expect it will not be a cheap ride.

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  Excellent chocie for comfort, fun, price - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By PattyK - July 26 - 2:00 am

  We are extremely satisfied with our SAAB. Considering trading in our other vehicle to get a second SAAB

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  First Time Saab Owner - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Deron - July 25 - 4:13 pm

  Waited a year for the V6 and so glad I did!! Power on demand, just press the gas and you are gone. Exterior styling is very sporty yet classy. Love the look of the Aero so much. Interior is first rate also. No cheap materials or cheap looking plastic. The leather seats are a dream! Driving is light on the steering, yet you feel the road. Steering response is quick and provides enough feedback without feeling it. Love the dash and the layout. DVD navigation is right on! Not a harsh ride at all and could actually be a bit tighter I think. Overall a refined ride, great looks, and excellent feel but has a wolf under the hood! Test drove a 06 BMW 330 and chose the Saab... nuff said!

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  Jet Performance - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Mark Bear - July 23 - 12:06 pm

  New owners of this vehicle will find themselves feeling as though they are in the cockpit of an airplane. One step on the pedal will then convince them as they find the car responding to twists and turns in reponsive fashion. The well appointed amenities inside the car remind the driver that all of his or her hard work has finally paid off. The Saab 9-3 is truly a symbol of status with its elegant curves and pampering aesthetics. Drivers finding themselves in situations requiring speed and response will have no regrets that they have purchased the car of their dreams. General Motors has built a car that allows drivers to feel as though they were flying without ever leaving the ground.

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  Fine Saab Properly Maintained - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By SPKorn - July 23 - 4:56 am

  Ive owned this Saab 9-3 since new. It has been trouble-free...and more trouble-free than our Acura. Have performed all factory maintenance and 3 oil changes a year. Great mileage with manual trans, and heated fabric seats is unique. Marvelous in snow. Timeless hatchback styling. Would buy again, but concerned whether Saab will be around. Too bad.