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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  Great Car! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Jack C - March 21 - 10:30 am

  I moved to this from a 200SX Nissan RWD Turbo Coupe. I was at first apprehensive about getting a FWD but I was pleasantly surprised once I got behind the wheel. While its still a tad not as fun as my previous ride, it surprisingly comes close to it, for the heavy car that it is! Fuel economy is miles better than my ex and its way more comfy. Not sure about the reliability though. After a month the passenger side window stopped working and I had to get the entire rail changed. Other than that, its been sweet but its been only 5 months. Very good boot space and spacious at the back. The worst thing about this car is the stereo system, my 150 dollar self installed HU in my ex is WAY better.

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  This is a superb vehicle! - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By BFLdesign1 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Love this car for comfort, for safety, getting 28 mpg on long trips, typically 22 mpg around town. Lots of space.

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  SAABA - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By FRANK BAKER - March 19 - 2:00 am

  BEST VEHICLE FOR FAMILY. WE BOUGHT FOR WIFE BUT I DRIVE MORE THAN SHE DOES. VERY QUICK AND HANDLES WELL. IM 6-2" A LITTLE DIFFICULT GETTING IN BUT ONCE IN VERY COMFORTABLE. TURBO REPLACED AT 40,000-WARRANTY COVERED. I USUALLY DRIVE GMC TRUCK 2500HD.

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  My Favorite Car Yet! - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Joey Salemi - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I recentley bought my 2004 Saab 9-3 Cabriolet! I have always had Saab Convertibles. I am now 25, and got my license when I was 16 so, as you can see, I have had quite a few. This one, is my favorite one yet! I love the ride, room, and design. I love watching the top go up/down. It is quick & quiet. It is fun to frive around with the top down cruisin round town!

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  We Cleaned Out the Garage for Our Saab - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By mkgw824 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Who knew a Saab could be so fun to drive? Although we have had our Saab only a month, I can attest that we are extremely pleased with our purchase. I love the design of the car (I really did not before this body style). Gas mileage has been great, and the trunk is gigantic. I am sold on Saab.

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  Love it! - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By dlflyboy - March 19 - 1:03 am

  I actually have a 2003 9-5 Aero. I have put between 16000-17000 miles on it. I bought it new in May of 2003. I havent had any problems with it other than taking it into dealer for service to have a flood light (light bulb went out) in the door replaced. I have a manual. And since I do more driving in the city I wish I had gotten the auto.

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  SAAB Certified 9-5se Wagon - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By strentky - March 14 - 10:00 am

  My Wife and I purchased this untitled, program car with 7000 miles and have driven it to 55,000 (mostly) trouble free miles. Saab has provided excellent service and this has kept us coming back to them for regular maintenance items and oil changes. I believe that this car will indeed last well beyond the 100,000 mile, 7yr. warranty that is provided as part of the certification process. The two things that have given us problems are the Trip Computer (which will fail in any 9-5 eventually), and the transmission linkage. Both were replaced under warranty (no charge).

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  Excellence - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By tank96 - March 10 - 8:33 pm

  This is the best car that I can think of. Has styling elements of a BMW without the cost. It can hold its own against V6 competitors while saving gas with a V4. This is my first car that I bought and am very pleased with what I got. I am in college and was still able to pay for it in cash. I have the nicest looking car of anyone I know. Saab is easily the best value car on the market. I can compete with other sports cars and save gas. I got 28MPG when I first started out while driving Very aggressively the whole time. The interior is spacious enough to fit larger people (Im 63")and is very well designed. Saab does its job making you feel like youre in an airplane cockpit. Comfortable car!

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  More bang for your buck - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Alexander - March 8 - 11:10 am

  After one year I still in love with this car. Quick,stylish,secure and handsome. The only thing that bothers me. The navigation system is available now and last year that was not an option.

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  a very special car - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By K28 - March 7 - 10:33 am

  I never though id own a Saab in my life, until one day when i randomly decided to drop by the dealer and take a look at the 9-3. After taking a test drive i was sold and bought one with the turbo 6...Ive been very happy ever since, i am always fascinated when i get behind the wheel, its really fast, fun to drive and at the same time its the most comfortable car ive ever driven. No car has ever made me feel this good!