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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  Too bad - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By JDR - July 31 - 8:20 am

  Good looks and safe car. The best seats for comfort hands down. The sad part, I have to boost the car every 6 weeks or so. Gone several times back to dealership, changed battery 3 times, changed steering lock mechanism, headlight bulbs burn every 4 months. Of course it never starts when I need it most! I.e., leaving on a trip to Florida with car fully packed with luggage and family, turn the key. No start! Call AAA for boost. What a pity. Cannot trust that the car will start! Fuel consumption in city driving is high for a 4 cyl, on the other hand highway fuel consumption is really good! I since sold the car as I will not pay premium price for a car that will leave me stranded!

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  My 2006 Saab 9-3 - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Michelle - July 29 - 10:43 am

  When I selected the Saab, I drove a lot of different cars in the 25K-35K price range (Infiniti G35, Volvo S40 & S60, BMW 325, Accord & Solara). My Saab is great for driving country roads & highways. I get an average of 26mpg and on the highway I get up to 32mgp. Great acceleration when passing other cars. You feel like your only doing 70, but when you look at to speedometer you realize that your cruising at 110, oops! I find the 9-3 to be very comfortable. But my boyfriend, who is 62 finds that there is not enough legroom widthwise across the car. When driving his right leg rests against the console. The only problem I have had is that you really need to slam the doors to shut them.

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  Disappointment - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By DiAnn - July 28 - 10:00 am

  Im a VW convertible owner,until purchasing the 9-3.What a disappointment.I have definitely discovered that the Germans are better engineers than the Swedes.The ride is rough; the air-conditioning is poor and the interior convenience is non- existent.The interior is cramped; options are inconvenient. The cup holder is horrible unless you like hot coffee spilled on your radio controls.The window controls located in the console are right where they can be bumped several times during any ride, a window suddenly going down as you drive.The pick-up of the turbo 4 cyl. is very good and the braking is superior.Other than that,my purchase has been an expensive mi

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  Excellent performance - 2005 Saab 9-7X
  By jjones - July 27 - 7:33 am

  The driving experience this car provides is awesome. I was surprised by the tremendous amount of power generated by the lineup of engines.

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  Great high mileage car - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By Randy - July 26 - 7:40 am

  Purchased new and 40k miles per year average. 28-ish MPG highway (I drive fast). Ive had no repairs except something in front suspension. Have followed Saabs maintenance schedule. Still runs like new. Aero with manual tranny.

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  Saab 9-3 > Acura TSX - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By Dave - July 23 - 1:30 pm

  I was debating between the Saab 9-3 or Acura TSX. The Acura advanced in technology, but it seemed as if the car didnt have any soul, and it felt as if it was a Honda over an Accura. I bought the Saab with the stick shift, cold weather package, and the bi- xenon headlamps in silver with black leather. Build quality remains pleasing for the past couple of months I have owned it, reliability has been great, fit and finish can use some work, but suits my high standards. This car is worth looking at if you are looking at the Lexus IS and Acura TSX.

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  Saab Fun to look at but... - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By pup1966 - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I really like the styling of the 9-3 but unfortunately I dont get much of a chance to drive it. My 9-3 is equipped with the tire pressure monitoring system. It has been in the shop 3 times in 2 months for a recurring problem with this system. Ive tried to work with Saab regarding the problem but they are very uncooperative. Either deactivate the system or get me a new vehicle. They are unwilling to do either. So, everytime I drive it I dont know if I will make it to my destination or if I will end up back at the Saab dealership. Very frustrating for owning a new vehicle.

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  200,000 and going strong - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By thartz - July 18 - 9:01 am

  This is my 2nd Saab and its just as bullet proof as the first. I picked this ARC with the 6 speed manual because of the motor. They are amazing. I average 27 mpg and 31-33 on the highway. I got the car with 92k on it because I was so comfortable with the drive train and its not disappointed. Im just below 200k now and put on over 700 miles this weekend. Sure there are little issues but its 10 model years old and I paid under $7,000 for it 5 years ago so i cant possibly complain. The rear main seal has a slow leak that the gasket sealers cant quite stop. The gas cap doesnt seal properly so the check engine light is on but all in all, its been great.

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  The 9-7X Saab Story - 2006 Saab 9-7X
  By dtrotter - July 13 - 10:50 am

  While looking for a replacement lease vehicle I was interested in the value proposition of getting an SUV with the most luxury and perfomance possible for the price. The Saab 9-7X absolutely delivered. Admittedly, its not the best luxury SUV available, but with a full option list and V8 performance it beat comparably equipped competitors by $10,000. And while the Saab faithful might not embrace it, it made someone who never would have considered a Saab a convert. The 9-7X provides a solid integration of performance, luxury, ride, braking, handling, and ergonomics, and does so while looking great as well.

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  Fun to drive luxury car ! - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By Marilyn - July 13 - 4:33 am

  The car has been an excellent family "sports" sedan. Dashboard layout, comfortable seats, large trunk, xenon headlights and 5-speed auto transmission w/ paddle shifters on the steering wheel are features that make this car very enjoyable. The standard Pirelli tires are not the quietest or best performing but adequate for most driving styles.