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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  Swedish Solution - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By ernst - September 29 - 10:00 am

  this is the car for the 21st century blahs!..its exciting to drive because it hugs the road and wants to be driven! Its exciting to look at as it has its own unique styling unlike all the rest!..people take notice of it immediately ..they know quality when they see it!..with the top down you can be a kid again!..its all there and its made in Europe by persons who still care for design and quality and workmanship!..what more could you ask for?.....

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  Love my Saab! - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Russw - September 29 - 10:00 am

  I could not be happier with this car! It fits all of my needs including golf clubs! The performance is outstanding... more than I need... and has great road handling ability! There is a little bit of tourque steer... but after about a week of driving... its not even noticable.

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  SAAB not BMW - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By sway - September 29 - 10:00 am

  people with class drive SAABs. I love mine, the sales people are great and treat you with the respect you deserve after dropping 40 grand. Plus, BMWs you see everyday, Ive never scene a replica of my car. I like the idea of having something different. So dont buy one!!!

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  Better than the best! - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By thecarguy112 - September 28 - 10:12 pm

  This is one of the best cars out there! I have the automatic transmission, and this car flys down the road!! it is very fast and has excellent handling. On the exterior, there is a very sleek and modern design (Black) that looks fantastic! The interior even though its old looks well done and seems to wear very little. let me talk a little about comfort, THIS CAR IS COMFY! The front seats are very high quality and are very supportive and hug you in. (drove non stop from my town to a town near by, which is a 100 mile round trip, 4 times in a row!) the seats have held up very well! Also, the cargo room is very impressive! (moved into a 2 bedroom with this car only.) So obviously I luv this car!

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  Great Family Car - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By godango - September 23 - 11:56 pm

  When shopping for a new car, we knew we wanted a wagon for economy, easy of use and sporty drive (cross-overs are still bulky SUVs in sheeps clothing). Among wagons, the Saab really stood out. Great style and hands down the most comfortable seats bar none. We used the new Saab on our drive to Florida from Ohio. The Saab rocked - excellent acceleration on the highway and great handling through the West Virginia mountains in heavy rain. The car felt safe and secure on the road. The turbo 4 had plenty of juice for passing and climbing - the V6 complaint is just silly. The car also has done really well with all the snow this winter with the traction control doing its job.

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  60th Anniversary--Great Car - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By grw - September 23 - 3:46 am

  Great pickup, comfortable seats and nice service plan. I commute about 50 highway miles a day and love the ride. The mileage is definitely better than listed. I moved from an AWD and was worried about winters but it chews up snow with no problem, even moving in close to a foot this past winter. The whole car just has a solid feel to it.

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  Love It - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By sheehbr - September 19 - 10:00 am

  So far so good. Great car that seems to get better with age. Real head turner. Style is great.

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  9-2x Aer-Ohhhhh!!! - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By chills23 - September 19 - 7:33 am

  What a steal! Quick, nimble, stylish, handles well, reliable, roomy, & solid. Everything the WRX is and wishes it could be. Price is better than a WRX, ride is better, interior is much nicer, exterior sleeker (WRX is fugly IMHO). Handles better and is faster than my former modd Audi A4 and costs 30% less. Never thought the car would turn heads, but in Brilliant Red, the car is intimidating and striking. There isnt a car out there that can compare at this price range. Being an avid car mag reader, enthusiast, and motorcycle rider I can honestly tell you this is the car deal of a lifetime if you seek performance, reliability, and all weather utility in an affordable but stylish package.

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  Pretty awesome - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Sanjay - September 17 - 10:00 am

  Just bought a 2006 9-3 sedan two weeks ago. Everytime I drive it I end up going over 90 mph because I can hardly tell how fast the car is moving. I am going twice the speed limit on on and off ramps to the highway just to feel the car handle. It is an incredible ride. My only comments on improvement are: (1) the radio is terrible, and I have the premium package with an "upgraded" radio; (2) road noise - for a luxury sedan, it is a bit loud on the highway, even when youre only going 55 mph; (3) the steering wheel should be wrapped in leather, not the plasic/rubber material; and (4) the bottom of the front seats are too squishy. Otherwise, I am in love with my new car.

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  A fun grocery-getter - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By MC - September 14 - 6:26 pm

  I bought this car because I wanted somthing to replace my old Volvo wagon, but I wanted somthing that could pass a cadillac in the mountains. This car fit the bill. 32 MPG at 80 MPH, hauling tons of camping gear for two people. A reliable car. Only left me stranded once when the serpentine belt came off at mile 102000. Too bad Saab did away with the hatchback design - this style of car is the most utilitarian (huge storage, great handling, fast, nice looking, and good fwy gas mileage). Because of the turbo and vehicle weight, the city mileage is poor, though.