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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  love my new saab - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By sponz - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I have been driving the 9-5 Arc for one week and love it. Great handling with a lot of power. I drove them all and this car doesnt have all the features of some luxury cars but it beats them all with ride and handling.

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  One of the best looking vertables - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By gp - May 1 - 11:00 pm

  Went from an 04 Audi S4 to this car, and although I miss the kick off the line, I realize I went with this car for a totally differant mindset. The car does have good passing power, but the turbo doesnt kick in right off the line. Steering wheel feels like a GM. Little loose, but can get used to it. Quick quiet drop top. beautiful dash with green night lights. 2 semi useful cupholders.

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  9-3 turbo hatch, irresistible - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By baxter10 - April 27 - 4:20 pm

  I had one of these for 4 years. Bought it at 45k miles when it was 4 years old. It had all the reliability issues everyone talks about, including the sump oil problem. It was totaled last month when someone hit it while it was parked. I looked at other cars, and ended up buying the exact same car again (except stick instead of auto), now at 80k miles. Theyre as spacious as a small wagon, very quick and great handling, heated leather seats, premium sound, climate control, sunroof, power everything, 30+ mpg, and the style of a classic suit from a vintage store. All for under $6,000. Irresistible.

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  Great vehicle - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By Saab turbo - April 26 - 11:30 am

  The car has around 45,000 miles on it and there are no creaks from inside. The ride is very quiet. The performance of the Aero is great and its a lot fun with the turbo. The 9-5 has a lot of neat features like park assist, pockets in the front seats, cooled glove box, etc. It is very AEROdynamic and is still quirky compared to a BMW or MB. It has been very reliable and was much less that the competitors cars. Has more style and character than any Lexus.

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  One with the auto.... - 2006 Saab 9-2X
  By Chris Shuba - April 25 - 4:10 am

  I just bought this car a bit ago, and decided to go with the 2.5 linear simply because of cost and fuel economy. They both get relatively similar mileage, but the aero takes premium. Aside from that the car is a dream. Though the engine does lag a bit when the petals fully down, this thing is quick. The "cock-pit" flawlessly integrates the driver into the vehicle. The most attractive feature is the suspension. The car glides silently and smoothly over any road abnormality. Its a clean, simple, beautiful automobile. Quirky and different it may be, but its solid and practical as well. I look forward to errands... nough said.

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  The key just flies into the ignition - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By mbest - April 23 - 10:00 am

  For years I have been searching for an automobile that was as much fun to drive as my first BMW2002 in 1967. I tested the new 325 and the Audi and the 9-3. Two years and over 50,000 miles later I am still excited driving my 9-3!

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  First new Saab - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Angelo - April 23 - 10:00 am

  Leased this car for my wife in Feb. 2003. She is in love with this car. It has every bell and whistle for her and looks awesome. We had room to negotiate with our dealer and came away very satisfied. The car handles as well as any car Ive ever been in. This is a keeper when the lease is up.

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  Pretty nice car if you dont pay retail - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By oddity2 - April 17 - 2:00 am

  My second Saab and a step up from the 9-3 with manual 5-speed. The interior is roomier and more thoughtfully designed and the exterior design is much more attractive than the 9-3, which resembles a cockroach. I chose the V6 because of turbo lag with the 4-banger. The V6 is quick, especially in sport mode. It cruises effortlessly at supralegal speeds. On regular gas it gets 22 mpg in mixed city driving, rising to 32 mpg on the freeway. The car was a sweet lease deal; various incentives brought the cap cost $8500 below MSRP. Having driven the car for 2.5 years though, I really think of it as a $32K car.

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  Performance/Design Yes, Build Quality No - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By peco - April 17 - 2:00 am

  I have put 1,000 miles/month on my 9-3 since the end of April 2003. It is a joy to drive. I love the exterior and interior design. It offers the best balance of performance, design and features for $30,000. My only reservation is the apparently spotty build quality. In my car, this has manifested itself in my car as squeaks and rattles in the front doors and the dashboard (where it meets the firewall). I have also had a few instances of cold engine stall on startup (I live outside of Chicago). However, I enjoy driving this car so much that I would be willing to take a chance on a 2004 9-3 convertible because it is built in Austria, not Sweden.

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  Saab defeats BMW hands down - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By car nut - April 15 - 7:13 am

  My past two cars have been BMWs, this car blows them away! Fast, fun and roomy. Seats very comfortable, convertable top is a gem. Car enthusiasts and mags are negative on front wheel drive, BUT I live in the northeast, their is virtually no torque steer and I am much more likely to drive in inclimate weather than take a turn at 90 mph. The car is distinctive and a blast to drive.