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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  Big Sporty European Cruiser - 2011 Saab 9-5
  By sambub - September 11 - 5:28 am

  My black 9-5 with the Turbo4 premium 18" wheels is just beautiful. Much better looking than the A6 or the new 5 series. And, unlike the A6, 9-5 can be had with a 6 speed manual. Its a big, rock-solid car with lots of sport: firm suspension, good steering. It drives much smaller than it is. On the highway the car is buttoned down and whisper quiet. Saab offers a factory authorized power upgrade that brings torque to 300 ft/lbs. Also, car has tons of tech in cabin and engine has the fancy upgrades: direct injection and twin scroll turbo, so 33 mpg HWY so far. Needless to say I am extremely happy!

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  Love the Saab Sport Combi - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By DonRobinsonRealtor - September 10 - 7:03 am

  I flew up to Cape Cod the day after Christmas from Austin Texas to pick up my car. Left the next day in the rain and fog and drove back to Austin Texas. Drove 20 hours straight the first day I was having so much fun. Hit the Smokey Mountains about 3 in the morning, drove like a dream. I love the ergonomics and simplicity of the car. I am a driver and dont like too much power stuff. So far I am very happy with the car and think it is better than the write ups it gets. I agree with some of the criticism but still think it it much better value than many cars on the market especially if you buy certified used like I did.

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  Wifes first new cabrio - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By seanandmari - September 8 - 10:00 am

  We bought this car for my wife to drive while we are in Germany. The car is solid, fast, powerful, and a heck of a lot of fun to drive. Looked at Audi, Volvo, and BMW, and all seemed to lack the style of the Saab, plus everyone has a BMW or AUDI here. We live in the mountains and this car brings new life to the curvy roads. Great way to start and end a commute. That low-end torque and the Saab turbo beats the heck out of the competition on the flats/curves. The car handles corners, literally like it is on rails. The 6 speed manual is amazing and that extra gear helps on the Autobahns. Stereo sound is awesome, seats are confortable, quiet up to 100MPH

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  Thank goodness for my S60 - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By luvmys60 - September 8 - 10:00 am

  I bought a brand-new 04 Saab 9-3 Arc in May and I was happy with my decision. Sadly, too many problems arose including a bad fuel pump - which had to be replaced. Because of the lemon law, Saab bought it back and I switched to a new S60 2.5T which feels better inside, drives the same, and has slightly more comfortable seats.

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  9-5 Aero - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By bacdoc - September 8 - 8:16 am

  Traded in my 2000 A6 after a year of staring at the check engine light. I previously owned a 2001 9-5 v6 which I enjoyed, I like this a lot more. Overall best bang for the buck, fast, comfortable, nice ride, and good gas mileage. I recently took it on a 2000 mi trip, at 70-75 mph I averaged 32.5 mpg!! I always look foward to driving this car.

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  Fun to drive - pain to service - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By spidaman - September 7 - 2:30 pm

  Fun to drive, but this car has had some significant service issues. The engine was replaced because coolant was leaking out the tailpipe. The car went into "limp home" mode because of a problem with the transmission. Both of the above were fixed gratis under the warranty (with loaner Saabs included). Beyond the reliability issues, the car is a dream to drive - fun, responsive and handles all weather and road conditions with aplomb. The seats are not as comfortable as past Saabs I have owned, but still a cut above most other cars I have driven.

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  Update to 10/28/2006 Review - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By jyerka - September 7 - 1:16 pm

  Follow up to original review. Saab 2006 93 SportCombi Aero 25K miles- Still fun to drive, no major problems. No changes in acceleration, steering or braking. Warrantied service included tightening some bolts on rear door (after driving over road construction for three months, lots of vibration). Cargo space is very useful, the folding seats have saved me many times. I actually use the retractable cargo cover, when leaving valuables in the car or groceries in the sun. Everyone loves the seats, very comfortable (I am 63") I also have the Thule roof rack- low profile aero bars mounted on factory rails and Big Mouth bike racks, excellent.

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  My Swedish Souvenir - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By topdownarc - September 6 - 1:33 pm

  I love driving my 9-3 Arc! It handles with ease the secondary, curving roads I drive on daily. (and I like to drive it fast...) It averages 26 MPG on my rural roads. Ive had the car almost a year and havent had any problems with it. It was our second European Delivery purchase and well certainly purchase future cars in the same manner.

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  Beautiful Car - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By Rob Murray - September 6 - 7:43 am

  I purchased this Saab 9-3 the day before Saab was bought by Spyker. A Saab Sonnet was the first car I really appreciated when I was in High School and college and I always wanted one. When I thought they might be going out of business I thought it was now or never. Car is beautiful, quiet, quick, and solid compared to the 6cylinder mustang, camaro, and infiniti G20 I previously owned. Nice car.

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  Mylst car was a BM wthout the W - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Tooth Dr - September 6 - 2:00 am

  After suffering with a 5 series BMw fo what seemed like a lifetime I can tell you stop and tst drive a 9-5. I leased mine and it has been so much fun I am sick I didnt do this sooner. As far as fun this car flies and shifts smooth as silk. The radio Harmon Kardon sounds incredible. I have the touring package, and I reccomend this for anyone with two eyes who drives at night. ot only does the rear view dim but so dothe side mirrors. Should be standard on all cars. . Imust say though Ihave only jut got the car ths month so ifthings change I will update this review. Ohand the paddle shifters on the triptronic trany is a blast.