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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  FUN TO DRIVE CAR - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By seelos - July 13 - 2:00 am

  I am now 41,000 miles into my lease of 48 months @ 15,000 miles per year. My other car is a 2001 9-5 SAAB. I have had only SAABs in the last 12 years. The 9-3 model is the best SAAB yet. Earlier SAABs had many manufacturing defects and they were truly a saab(sob) story. General Motors has seemed to clean up their act however. I have had few mechanical problems and since my warranty goes to 45,000 miles, all have been fixed quickly. Also the no maintenance cost program is great. I paid for the 40,000 mile checkup but that has been all. Tires are a problem. I am now on my 3rd set. Only got 20,000 miles from original Michlems and 21,000 from Bridgestone.

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  Best Bang for the Buck - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By Wifes Car - July 10 - 12:10 am

  Comfortable on long trips with great gas mileage, 32 mpg. Interior controls are easy to understand and use. Surprising how many compliments we receive on the styling and appearance. My wife, who is not a car person, still comments on the high quality of the fit and finish and the fun factor. Truly a great car at a great price and fun to drive.

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  9-7X definitely a "sport" utility. - 2005 Saab 9-7X
  By Jeff - July 7 - 5:20 pm

  This car handles like you would expect a european car to handle, tight and responsive, doesnt feel like a truck at all. The inline six provides plenty of power and the four wheel disc brakes stop it effortlessly without a bit of fade. The interior is neat and clean without excess. The exterior styling is very clean also, the signature Saab front grille and headlight treatments distance it from its GM brethren. Overall great vehicle.

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  1999 Saab 9.3 - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Garth de Leon - July 3 - 10:00 am

  Purchased used @ 34,627 miles. Service and reliability has been superior to all other previously ownesd Saabs ... To date considered excellent overall!

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  Great car great ride. A good buy! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Stina and Michael - July 3 - 10:00 am

  We are very happy with our New Saab. It is a perfect entry level luxury sedan for the money. Solid handeling quiet cabin a joy to drive. Test drove and researched dozens of other cars and when we test drove this one we knew right away this was the car for us! People who test drive a Saab usually buy one. This will not be our last Saab.

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  Saab 9-3 - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By cjcypert - July 3 - 9:40 am

  Never thought about owning a Saab until I drove one. Fell in love with it the moment I drove it. Was comparing a Saab 9-3 to an Acura TSX and Mazda6. Saab won hands down.

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  Too many Saab snobs - 2007 Saab 9-7X
  By NNovesky - July 3 - 9:06 am

  For once we have a vehicle that is what it is supposed to be: an unpretentious upscale SUV. As an owner of four Saabs over the years, each met my expectation of what I thought it was supposed to be. This is one of Saabs strengths. I have loved each for what they were: sporty in some cases, practical in others. The 9-7x is a little of both. I truly enjoy the 9-7x for the space it provides, the smooth pleasant ride, great comfort, and a sense of size without being overwhelming to the driver. I test drove most other SUV types in this class (from a well equipped Honda Pilot to the Volvo, Acura, Mercedes, Mazda models) and found sometimes small, sometimes large disappointments with each. Try it.

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  New Saab SUV - 2005 Saab 9-7X
  By JC - July 3 - 4:36 am

  I need a 4 wheel drive vehicle and wanted something towards the top of the line within my price range. With the employee discount deal, the Saab met those requirements. Also liked the all- inclusive deal...You only can choose between a sunroof or a DVD player. I took the sunroof. The ride is OK, but a bit you do feel the road quite a bit. Bottom Line: good deal for the price.

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  Best alternative sports sedan - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By newsaaber - July 2 - 2:10 am

  Before driving the Saab 9-3, I tested the BMW 3 series, Audi A4, Acura TL, Lexus IS300, and Volvo V50. After driving the 9-3 with the manual transmision, I was sold. Most distinct personality of the group. This car deserves a test drive if you are shopping these cars.

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  Most reliable - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By YEO - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Despite friends disbelief that I can buy a GM, I have found the car to be one of the most reliable that Ive owned (VW Jetta, Volvo 850, Subaru Legacy). Poor resale value means much better value for money on a used vehicle.