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:

• 

  First Saab - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By HCP - October 17 - 10:00 am

  This is our first Saab and boy are we impressed. I can usually drive 5-6 hours and I tire out .... took this on a 450 mile trip and I never tired and Im not small either - 61" and 220. I previously did a lot of braking on the PA Turnpike with our SUV but not with this 9-3 which handled the curves excellently. Ran this first trip fairly hard at 75 mph thru the mountains and still averaged 33-34 mpg. Were so satisfied with the car and the dealership that my wife and I have decided to trade in our loaded Chevy SUV and get a 9-5 so weve really become a Saab family.

• 

  I feel the need--The need for speed - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By telrod - October 13 - 6:36 am

  Ive had Porsches, Bmws, et al, ad nauseum but this is the first manual Ive had that I need to check the tach to see what gear Im in. Its that quiet and that smooth. When I first bought it Id be going along the freeway at 60 and notice that the tach was at 5000 and I was in 2nd gear. The gears are VERY long in this car. The Viggen drivers seat is the best, most comfortable seat anywhere including Buster chairs and couches at home. Ive gotten used to the torque steer which adds a quirky challenge to stay earthbound. It reminds me of the fishtailing 1980s Porsches Ive had, about which the reviewers used to say, "Fishtailing off a cliff is part of the 911s charm"

• 

  Great car at Great Value - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By tk421 - October 12 - 10:00 am

  The car get 30 mpg at 100 mph. I love the turbo and zero torque steer. The value is great and the interior is fun. I like the safety and the sporty feel.

• 

  You need to drive it. - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By Frank - October 9 - 5:50 am

  As one who has owned many cars, the Saab 9-3 2.0t is by far the best car Ive owned. As stated the steering is so tight, I can almost make a turn with my knee. The acceleration for a 2L I4 is wonderful, as my first ticket would attest. The Getrag transmission is slick and smooth. I laugh as I see yet another Camry, Accord or Maxima as they are seen everywhere. This is unique, different and that makes it even more palatable. The front-end and rear-end style is dramatic without being off-the- charts. If you’re well over 6’ (I am 6’5”, you will fit nicely and that says a lot about their engineering. YOU need to drive one; its the only way to fully appreciate it.

• 

  Best SAAB ive owned - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By jaydee61 - October 6 - 10:48 pm

  I owned 4 Saab (all 9-3) and must say that the 9-5 is solid and very reliable. City driving is so-so but highway is superb. My wife would not trade this car for anything. She test droves several SUVs and feels safer in the SAAB!

• 

  Faabulous - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Bigun - October 6 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Saab. I was hesitant to lease a new car, but so far the experience has been great. The car gets lots of 2nd looks as it is not common. My dealership has been fantastic so far. Excellent pep & good milage from the 4 cyl turbo, the interior is completely new for 03 and takes some getting used to but is driver friendly.

• 

  Fun & isnt a "Break My Wallet" clone - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By willpower - October 5 - 1:20 am

  My SAAB 9-3 Aero is an exciting turbo- charged sport sedan I find appealing since I enjoy cars that are more unique & exciting than just one of a bland flurry of Euro-Japanese yuppie BMW-clones. The 9-3 Aero carries-forth the SAAB tradition of providing many unique but valued features that the others havent copied...yet...such as an instrument panel "Blackout" button, 4- wheel steering, an ignition lock between the front seats that also serves to lock both the break & gearshift levers, self-leveling xenon headlights and other subtle but cool features.

• 

  Saab safety - 2009 Saab 9-3
  By wendy cordrey - October 4 - 10:00 am

  Lucky for me I purchased my 2009 SAAB when they were clearing them out. I love it and I must say that it has kept me safe. It has definitely stopped me from getting into 2 accidents within a 1 month period. Today, I was hit in the rear end by a SUV and the car and I did very well. I expected the rear-end to be crushed when I got out of the car. It was minimally damaged and I was shocked. Very impressive! I will buy another Saab in the future because I cannot put a price on my families safety.

• 

  Consider this car - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By Bluewater42 - September 30 - 2:00 am

  Im very happy with my 2001 SE V-6 Saab. After two A-6s, Im enjoying the reliabilty (zero problems), great dealer support and what I feel is a great performing car. Plenty of power, esp. with S mode on, very comfy ride and seats, great stereo, lots on nice amenities. Given what these vehicles go for used, I think they are a great buy, but I would skip 1999 year.

• 

  Arc: the best buy - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By ZZ - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I never thought I would own a SAAB until I test-drove the Arc the very same day I drove Acura TL/Infiniti G35/Volve V70. I was impressed most for the Arc due to the superbo response and handling. It is the best combination of performace and safety with the best standard equipments and features for the class although a touring package is a big plus. It is an outstanding car!