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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  What a fantastic power plant - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By John - August 21 - 10:50 pm

  We have had our Saab for 2 years and 45k miles now. The car has performed flawlessly. The reliability has been fantastic. Love dealing with my dealer for parts and the free service. Would look at Saab again, especially now that they have their ownership issues under control.

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  Fun to drive all year round - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By Mark17171 - August 18 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle used, with about 80,000 KM and have logged about 15,000 KM over the past year. I also purchased a 3 year bumper to bumper warrentee to cover off any incidental breakdowns. Zero so far. Did the brakes at a local discount shop and will do the plugs myself. Overall I am very pleased with this vehicle, and consider it a great used purchase @ 40% of original sticker price. However I also have piece of mind with the 3 year war. and would not go without one, as I suspect repair costs would be through the roof.

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  great car - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By bob greatly - August 18 - 10:00 am

  smooth ride responsive turbo power

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  I "heart" my Saab - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Siona - August 18 - 10:00 am

  I love my Saab! This is my first new car, even though my family and I have been driving Saabs since the 80s. My Aunt still has her 1988 Saab. I had previously had a 1999 SE Convertible, which I bought used. Living in Chicago I was concerned about the snow. It went right through my unplowed parking lot all through winter! My new Saab is amazing. The updated styling and the new computer display on the dash. I believe I am racing around with 210 hp. The car feels and looks high end. With the 4 cyl engine, I save on gas. The dealership had a neighborhood feel to it. I worked with a female saleperson, and she made me feel very comfortable about the whole process.

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  OK so far on 2003 rag top - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Stafford VA - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Not as good on gas mileage as I had hoped. Does much better on extended trip. Can use mid-level gas with no problem--regular might be OK too, but I havent tried it. Recommend the leather arm rest--gave it to me at purchase. Paid $32,400 in October, 2003. Car does shake over any type of rough road--but has good pick up and excellent braking. The hand brake is the strongest I have ever experienced. The car will not move when it is engaged. Top works well--no leaks.

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  Back to Saab - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Ted Pusey - August 17 - 11:16 pm

  This is my first Saab since my I owned a 1984 900 Turbo and I can only say theyve gotten better. I traded-in a Mini Cooper S for my 9-3 SportCombi Aero and my new Saab is more fun to drive. The performance of the new 2.8L V-6 is all I could ever want. This car measures and stacks up favorably with the competition at much less cost

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  My best car ever - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By kkits - August 17 - 10:06 pm

  I have owned my car for 8 months and is still a big smile each time i use it. It has an superb engine with more torque than most ever need, and its handling is sharp and precise. The only drawback is the fuel consumption which is to high at todays standards.

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  High Value Alternative - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By IL Owner - August 17 - 3:50 am

  Recently bought the car, with just a couple hundred miles in, I really like it. Low torque steer, good cornering stability, quiet ride, and decent economy.

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  Disappointing - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By psbob - August 17 - 2:26 am

  I have had three SAABs and am currently still driving my 89 900S. What an utter disappointment. I know on paper this car is much better than previous models. Sitting down in the car, my first impression was that I had lost my best friend. The car has none of the charm that my other SAABs have had. It felt like a gussied up cavalier. None of the materials in the car seemed first rate. With the current financial problems (and I see why, it doesnt feel like a SAAB SAAB) coupled with the not so nice feel of the car, guess I wont be bringing home the next one. I drove the new S60 and it felt more like a SAAB than this car.

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  2007 anniversary edition - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By yellow_dog - August 15 - 2:30 pm

  Bought the car a few weeks ago with 22K miles on it with 100K CPO warranty. Excellent value given the purchase price, the warranty, the low miles and the fact that it is loaded with options. The anniversary edition is fully loaded and handles well, surprising picking and response for a 4 cyl. I came very close to purchasing the MB 280 instead of this, so glad that I didnt. This car has personality. Gets 32 MPG on the highway with regular gas.