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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  keep looking - 1996 Saab 900
  By stuie445 - November 19 - 10:00 am

  too much torque steer makes this car no fun to drive

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  I love it! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By lindasmith3 - November 19 - 10:00 am

  All the luxury features available on the more expensive 9-5 on a brand new platform. Outstanding safety features (5 star European safety rating), luxurious interior, highly computerized with customized "profiler" settings, convenient location of computer read-out, plus a lot of "quirky" but fun features. The zippy turbo engine on the Arc,improved audio system along with more options makes it a definite step up from the Linear 9-3.

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  Finally got it - Saab Aero Sportcombi - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Jerry - November 17 - 3:43 pm

  When I first saw the pictures in the 2005 Geneva Auto Show, I knew this was the Saab I had been waiting for. The SportCombi provides the utility I need, the luxury appointments I desire, and exclusivity that flies in the face of homogenized convention. I finally picked up my vehicle Jan 2007 and feel safe, secure, and proud.

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  Best little car around! - 1996 Saab 900
  By Susannah - November 16 - 10:00 pm

  I needed a car that was safe, reliable, and fun. I am very pleased to say that the Saab SE Turbo fits all those catagories. It is quite reliable (and it has 75,000 miles). It always performs flawlessly. It is REALLY fun to drive (without busting your wallet in gas money)! Put the top down, find a nice back road, and prepare to have mucho fun! Luckily I havent tested its safety but I have no doubt that, due to how its performance so far, it would keep me safe in the event of an accident. I highly recommend this car!

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  Disappointment - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Philadelphia girl - November 16 - 12:03 am

  I have been very disappointed with my SAAB. It has had one serious problem after another - malfunctioning electrical systems, computerized keys wouldnt start the car and had to be replaced two separate times etc. The CD player comes on when I enter the car, trunk pops open for no good reason, and the brake lights stay on. The engine light is frequently illuminated on the dash - apparently for no good reason. The electric seat lever allowing access to the backseat broke off and had to be replaced. The car handles well (except in snow), accelerates quickly it is great fun to have a convertible. However, for the price of this car I would have expected greater reliability after one year

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  Its pretty, its fun, its unreliable - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By Broke in RI - November 14 - 5:36 pm

  I bought my Saab wagon used in 2005. I drive less than 12,000 miles a year, and it has spent way more time in the shop than I care to tally. Oil leak, timing belt pulley, water pump, gas line recall, turbo, wouldnt start when the seasons changed, hatchback handle, drivers side window, passenger window, broken shift cover, seriously too many to list. And the cost to fix is way more than anything Ive ever owned! It was love at first drive, but I cross my fingers every time I go to start it, and every time I hear a rattle. Im far too friendly with my local mechanic. He knows my voice when I call on the telephone before I even identify myself. Do not be lured in by the fun ride!

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  What a Lemon - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Ali - November 14 - 1:06 pm

  I could not be more unhappy with a car. I had a 2003 which was fine. I traded it for a new 2004. You name it, and it has gone wrong. I spend more time at the dealership than at work. The dealership has been awful, Saab corporate has been awful, and the car itself - even worse. I cannot believe companies can get away with selling such a piece of trash. The transmission does not perform properly, parts keeping breaking inside the car, the windshield wiper motor has blown, the oil pressure sensor has been replaced (and other major mechanical issues). I will never, ever buy another Saab, and probably will never by another GM vehicle because of my experience with this car.

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  Very Expensive after Warranty - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Robert - November 13 - 12:00 am

  The car has been a great driving machine. Thats the good. The bad... right off the start, the car was in the shop numerous times for electrical issues. The sunroof would not close properly, the windows would not go up, and other misc. electrical issues. At least they were covered by warranty. Now, out of warranty, I have the car in the shop at this very moment for the belt and tensioner to be replaced, the solenoid, the filter, and to check the coolent system. $1200. Now they just called me and said that the radiator needs replacement at a cost of $1100. The car has been disappointing in the repairs area. I have also had to have the brakes and rotors replaced at 40,000 miles.

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  Great car - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Mark - November 12 - 3:10 am

  I got my 9-3 SportWagon Aero (2.8L) two weeks ago. The car is very sharp - accelerates great, handles great. Interior quality is not Lexus level, but beats my other car (Honda Accord).

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  My 2nd one in 4 years - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By danncas - November 11 - 6:56 am

  This is my 2nd Saab 9-3 in the past four years. I really love the new combi with the V6 turbo. Both of my Saabs are loaded Aeros. This is one fun car to drive and very comfortable. I find that the rear set is roomier then Volvo S60, BMW 3, and Audi A4. The Saab has more features that are not even offered in the others.