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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  Hot Hatchback - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Aaron Moore - November 10 - 6:01 pm

  I have the 4 door standard transmission version. It is a very powerful car for the price I paid and climate control works great. There are a few interior problems though. The pixels on the head unit have virtually faded away so you cant make out the time and radio stations. Not a big deal though. One other problem is that the driver side door lock made a terrible noise when it locks and sometimes wont even lock when it is cold out. The alarm system works great after learning first hand. Overall no major engine or other mechanical problems.

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  Good Value - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By KCE - November 10 - 2:50 pm

  Bought my 9-3 Aero 4 years ago with 9k miles on the speedo. Now have 81k and Im very surprised at how much I like this car. Its been very dependable, drives great and gets amazing gas mileage. I average 28 miles to the gallon and easily get 33 on the highway. I think these cars make a good value on the used market. Buy a used one with an extended warranty and you wont be disappointed.

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  Terribly disappointed - 2006 Saab 9-7X
  By Terribly disappointe - November 7 - 11:30 pm

  I have been a Saab fan for years and have really never heard anything bad said about them. I bought mine used in June, 2009. It only had 38,000 miles on it. I had it in the service repair shop 4 times in the first month of ownership. Twice for suspension problems and twice for door seals. The suspension seems to be ok now but the seals obviously are not. It still sounds like the windows are down when riding above 45mph. The MPG is HORRIBLE! It gets 12, sometimes 13 MPG around town (not heavy traffic either). It has only gotten 16 on the highway. I will not fault Saab. I fault GM for trying to tweak a normal American SUV into a Saab. Maybe I just got a bad one.

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  A Good Safe Used Car Value - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By saabsrok - November 6 - 6:10 pm

  5 Sp Aero; My 4th Saab, 3rd Aero. Bought used on ebay w/43K miles and saved big. Now at 110K, even came with a 3 yr warranty. Car has been trouble free for the most part, stranded me once when gas line broke which was later part of a recall. I cant suggest buying new as Saabs depreciate like a rock. Easily get +31 MPG & +500 per tank during mostly highway miles. In the winter these cars really rock especially with 16" Toyo winters. This is one of the best FWD Sport Utility Vehicles out there!

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  Great car for money - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By TennisMan - November 6 - 1:36 am

  Great car to drive, powerful 4-cylinder engine, nice fit and finish, terrible audio system. We leased our 2.0T automatic for 2 years and so far it is great fun to drive. Wish it had memory seats standard, though. Stereo is crap, with poor sound quality and aggravating RDS scrolling which is hard to fix. Gets about 30 mpg on hwy, 21 around town. Auto-stick works well with the 4-cylinder turbo. A little tight in the rear seat quarters for adults.

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  2003 Aero - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Trebla - November 4 - 12:13 pm

  Best car Ive owned (of 12 in 42 years of driving). Fast, fun, comfy but not floating, gets 26-31 mpg and easily does 110 mph on highway. Astonishing acceleration 40 to100, which is where most of us actually use it.

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  Stay Away Unless You Won the Lottery! - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By danducati - November 2 - 6:16 pm

  OMG, what a piece of junk. Bought with 40K miles on it and had the check engine light go on after about 3 months. Cost $2,100 to fix it. Nice. Then the grill flew off as I was driving down the highway. Then it began leaking antifreeze like a sieve. Another $400 fix. I have had enough and will never ever buy a Saab again! Traded that sucka in today for a Lexus and am now super happy.

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  Wow - Great Deal on Great Car - 2009 Saab 9-3
  By RTP Econo Driver - November 2 - 1:36 pm

  Took advantage of SAABs troubles to purchase a 9-3 at 0.0% financing. Got the stripper model - no roof - manual passenger seat - 6 speed manual. Bright red. Great car. Downside - no heated seats - no fog lights. Upside - roomy. No matter what Consumer Reports said, build quality is top notch. Shifter little balky, but no worse than previous Audis. Clutch very easy. Turbo took a week to get used too, but concerns over torque steer overblown. Gas mileage is really good - surprisingly so. Went from a Cad CTS to a Mazda6 to cut payments and get more gas mileage - after 1 year - went to SAAB with - lower payments and better gas mileage!

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  The best choice - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By 2000ATL_Viggen - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Bought used because I cant afford new. Drove all the competitors; BMW 330, Lexus IS, Volvo C-70, Mercedes. This car is for the driver who does not stay in the status quo lane. The Viggens handling is great. Front wheel drive takes some getting used to. Torque steer? Educate yourself about what torque steer really is. This car doesnt suffer from it. Theres a little turbo lag but when you finally adjust to the clutch its minor. I love the quirkiness of the Saab. Allows me to break out of the norm (and blow away the Beamers).

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  I love my Saab, but you must maintain - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By COASUTX - October 29 - 12:56 am

  This is the 3rd Saab I have owned. Not only do I feel extremely safe in the vehicle, I also love driving it. However, if you are looking for a low maintenance vehicle, this is not a good buy for you. Saabs are great cars for people who do not mind spending a little TLC (and money) on their car. Provided you fix things when they start to break (and the car will let you know when something funny starts happening), most repairs are manageable. I love my Saab, and would recommend it for any parents who are looking to purchase it for a safe car for a more experienced driver (18+)! Love your Saab and it will love you back!