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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  Caught the Swedish Bug - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By VW to Saab - August 26 - 2:43 am

  When my daughter needed a car for school, reluctantly I gave her my beloved Jetta and purchased a used Saab 93 convertible. Its now my beloved Saab. Amazing car!! Purchased with 46K miles already on it, the Saab performs beautifully. A heavier car than the Jetta, the steering is only slightly less responsive, but you can feel the weight of this car. Its solid. Comfy and sexy! The mileage - near 30 mpg highway. The car has its quirks - a wonky gas gauge and that damn SID that reads like Braille - but these are easy to overlook when you hit that turbo and the car responds without a hiccup. No maintenance woes to date. Amazing since the car was in a flood 4 years ago. So far, fantastic!

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  best in it class - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By kolp - August 25 - 10:00 am

  this vehicle is fabulous top of the class even better than lexus ES300 or Is300 its a sporty sedan to offer plenty and its playful fun to ride and own it too.

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  Love It! - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Scott - August 24 - 2:30 am

  I had an accident in my Saab. Since then I have sworn that I will never drive anything less! A guy did 35 MPH into my back end - never hit the brakes! I have two young children, who were not with me at the time, but had they been, they would have been ok!

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  Happy Driver of this 6000 lber - 2006 Saab 9-7X
  By MangoOTK - August 23 - 5:36 pm

  The primary motivation for this end of year purchase was that it met certain tax write-off requirements of 6000lbs. We were considering the RX330 from Lexus pretty seriously, but it wasnt heavy enough. Were more than satisfied with the power and ruggedness of the drivetrain. We havent had it in the mud yet, but hope to see some late-season (calif) skiing. The vehicle turns a lot of heads and generates much interest in a sea of BMW X5s, Lexus and Navigators from people who are amazed that it is a Saab. The cons: Gas mileage is below average at about 14MPG. But hey, we can tow a boat or trailor. Fit and finish were a little rough on the interior, but Im a detail guy.

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  Excellent car - 2008 Saab 9-5
  By smb - August 22 - 10:50 am

  This is a great car I got one with 5 spd manual and it is a blast to drive. Aero package is awesome while twisting and turning at speeds. Turbo is great, turbo lug almost non-existent. It is the best value for a station wagon under 40K.

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  Great Convertible - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By Andrew - August 22 - 12:56 am

  I purchaced my SAAB in 2006 with 50000 miles. The car now has 85000 and has had few problems besides routine repairs (front brakes, new battery, tires) the only problem I have had is the digits burning out on the Saab Information Display (SID). I sent the unit away for inexpensive repair and have had no further problems. I change the oil regularly and use synthetic. The car is fun to drive, convertible hood works well. Great engine. Sufficient power from the turbo. The suspension is not as good as the 3 series BMW but on the whole I am very pleasd. The car depreciates rapidly intitially making it a great used car bet.

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  A lot of car for the money - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By Believer - August 21 - 5:40 pm

  I bought our Linear Wagon Saab CPOed from a local dealer with low mileage and warranty remaining. I have been very impressed by the fuel economy (30- 34 mpg) and reliability. Immensely more reliable to the Audis and Bimmers owned in the past.

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  Saab 9-3 Auto - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Robertsc - August 21 - 10:00 am

  JUst leased a saab 9-3. The computer system is a bit confusing, and the ventilation system is not quite as good as the one on my 98 outback. Overall I enjoy driving it, auto is smooth, sound system is great. Small rattle in passenger side door. overall a pretty good car.

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  Stay away - horrible piece of junk - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By Bill Wolf - August 20 - 5:50 am

  Stay away from this junk. A $40,000 dollars car that has 11,000 miles has been in the shop 13 times for different repairs. The latest one - transmission failed!!!. The dealer will have to install a brand new transmission after only 11,000 miles. I would not come even close to another Saab car.

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  2003 Saab 9-3 - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Conrad - August 19 - 1:26 am

  My daily commute is just over 2 hours per day. I couldnt think of a more enjoyable car to use! The car is a blast to drive, while getting very reasonable fuel economy (I average about 31mpg on my commute) Insurance rates cant be beat, I was shocked at how low my premiums were. Saab certainly has developed a reputation for saftey and the proof is in its insurance rates. If you are looking for understated elegance packed into a peppy, safe and fuel effiecent vehicle, do yourself a favor and look into a 9-3. I have had it for 2 1/2 trouble free years and will certainly buy Saab again!