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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  2002 9-5t - Owner Review - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By TJ - January 13 - 6:36 pm

  I spend a great deal of time in my car - average 30,000+ miles per year. Its comfortable, fun to drive, and gets great gas mileage (about 27.5 - 28 mpg, if I stay out of the turbo charger!). Solid performance, sticks to the road nicely -- I love the Michelin Pilot Sport tires (just bought another set for it). Ive had only one bad experience with my car (related to a recall on the headlamp assemblies that was not completed correctly - some difficulty with a dealer - but the factory eventually responded to my call and took care of the issue.

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  hot to trot !! - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By kellee - January 12 - 2:10 pm

  This car is an absolute dream!! People comment on the beautiful lines, especially with the top down. Peppy, fabulous European design, interior is very functional and roomy. Drove the BMW M3, Audi A-4 convert., Volvo and more. This is the best, for the money, that I drove. Sporty, peppy and a real cutie. The A/C takes NO time to cool down and that is key in Texas!!

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  Still in love - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Phil - January 12 - 1:20 am

  More than 9 months and 10,000 miles later, and I still love my 92X. Great pickup (couldnt stand the lag on the Aero version, so I bought the Linear). Handles very well. It has more room for cargo than youd expect, especially with the seats down. Just took it skiing in WV, and it handled the snowy hills without a single problem. And all my friends are impressed by it.

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  Very fun to drive. - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By hbueain - January 11 - 3:53 pm

  Got the car with red metallic paint, looks great on the road. Very fun to drive, its 4 cylinder feels faster then my V6 Mercedes. Back seat is a bit too stiff, not very comfortable. Very neat interior finish, and the new dash is very easy to use. All the controls including the radio are very easy to reach and easy to read as well. The wide-angle rear view mirror really helps. Overall a great car.

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  Bang for the Buck - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By EBG - January 6 - 5:00 am

  The 2005 9-5 Arc is a whole lot for a rather moderate price, compared to competitors. Reliability is first on the list and, although not the reason for purchasing the vehicle, gas economy is phenominal at 28+ MPG (combined city and highway). Road feel is superb and the way that saab manages to squeeze power out of a 4 cylinder engine in unbelievable. With the "sport" feature that comes standard, you can get the feel of driving a much more expensive sports car, although your fuel economy will suffer just a bit. I am pleased as can be with the vehicle!

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  Fun meets function - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By MOMAMIA - December 30 - 10:00 am

  This car impresses you from the test drive. We looked at BMWs and the like and they were lacking compared to the Saab. You must smile when you drive this car - its impossible not to. You have a superhuman feeling of control. Its sharp in every way. We love this car. Test drive and fall in love. The 9-5 is the only way to go. Best in class.

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  Incredible sedan ! - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Santanu - December 27 - 6:23 pm

  I tend to buy cars that are uncommon, Saab was a natural choice, knowing their history also made me curious. When I test drove a Saab 9-3, I couldnt believe people havent "found" this car yet. Saab 9-3 is the most ergonomically designed car around. Extremely well designed car, so beautiful and stylish outside and inside... my friends (having M3, 5 series, Merc etc) were wanting to get rides in it for a month! You will feel the difference the moment you sit in the drivers seat. You feel euphoria when "turbo" kicks in. Incredible dash, controls, cool features and very comfortable seats. Huge trunk and glovebox. Officially safest (not Volvo) vehicle on road today... sidebags galore. Just love it.

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  fantastic car - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By kdmmat - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Best luxury car for the money. This car is a blast to drive. Have not had to take it back to the dealership for any problems after a year of driving. The car still amazes me every time I drive it. The turbo is incredible, the gas mileage fantastic, and those seats are so comfortable. This car corners like it is on rails. I had a BMW 7 series try to stay up with me on a on ramp to the freeway: I flat blew him away. The passing acceleration is among the best of any car that I have ever driven.

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  Blast to Drive - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By Garry Neel - December 19 - 6:50 pm

  Ive owned a 9.5 Areo in the past (which I loved), but this is like nothing Saab has ever offered. Quality is outstanding, not one problem so far; performance is amazing, especially for the price. The six speed manual transmission really adds to the true sports car feel and driving experience/control.

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  Frequent Car Buyer - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By Frequent buyer - December 16 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car for my wife replacing a 4 years old BMW 328i. We feel we have lost 10% in peformance and gained 35% in styling and pleasure. The Viggen convertable is a fun car that can well please both my wife and myself. Also drove a 9-3 converatble (not Viggen). There is a world of difference. I would not have traded my BMW for a regular 9-3.