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:

• 

  Drive The Rest Then,,,,,,, - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By Dennis Parton - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I have an extensive automotive background. Cert. tech, shop foreman, service advisor, with BMW, Rolls , Porsche, Mercedes, etc. I have owned several of the aforementioned vehicles. Ok, my first Saab. What a surprise! This automobile, averaged out, drives, handles, feels, comnpletely unique. Without getting too much into specifics, You dont get this with any other car! Exellent Luxury, Power, feel, handling, and oh yes harmon Kardon Sound, like never heard in a BMW. Ok,, Engine lets you know when its accelerating. aka growl if you will. If Jag, they would call it the Purrr

• 

  Less than expected - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By Sboc - May 4 - 10:00 am

  The only way to drive this car is in the Sport Mode. - without it, its just a regular car. Body integrity is less than expected for this $$, has squeaks and rattles. Cars electronics are weak, Check Engine light comes on and Ive already had to replace Oxygen sensors

• 

  2nd time 9-5 Buyer - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By Kevin Ztrem - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased my second Saab 9-5. This is a great car. I have ordered with the 5 speed manual transmisison. Its fun to drive. I always take the long route. There is more then enough power and the gas mileage is great. The cars are very reliable and Saab is a very customer friendy company. I recomend this car to anyone.

• 

  2000 Saab 9-3 Turbo 4DR Hatchback - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By bellari - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Drives like a small sports car, but is roomy & comfortable inside. I once packed an armoire in the back! Visibility and handling are excellent.

• 

  (I thought) its what I wanted. - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By BV - May 3 - 11:00 am

  I dont mean to be a spoiler to all the positive reviews - this is a nice car. I guess the problem is I had my last Saab (89 900T) way too long. It was the newer (after 2003) body style that really attracted me - I think its a great looking car. However, Im not into the white & chrome tail lights that came in 2008. It drives very well, power comes on quickly, quietly and before you know it your over the speed limit. But the seats are too wide and I slide around in corners. Most dissapointing it that it seems to be more GM than a Saab. Flimsy cup holders and console lid. On a recent business trip, I noticed my Chevy Cobalt rental car has the exact same radio as my $25K Saab. Uhh!

• 

  awesome - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Robert Pelton - May 2 - 10:00 am

  new styling and very fast. I love the way this car performs.

• 

  Underestimated - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By oyebon - May 2 - 7:18 am

  Bought this car with 22K miles and now have just over 100K. Overall the car provided great value for the money spent, under 20K. Over the span of 6 years, had to replace 1 crank shift sensor 300$, 1 power window 300$, and a brake line 200$; rotors with brakes with run 500$ for a pair. One dealership tried to con me out of a radiator for another 1K, so careful where you take it. But if you can find a reliable place that does good maintenance work, you are in for a pleasant daily commute.

• 

  Unique but at a cost - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By JMcN - April 30 - 5:50 pm

  I had read the reviews - kind of all over the place. I decided to have at it and buy a 9-3 as a daily driver. I bought a high mileage 99 base model for a steal. Since ownership, beyond routine maintenance Ive had to do quite a bit of unexpected repairs. The heat stopped working, the fuel pump went, stalling issue due to a clogged fuel check valve. Overall not a very satisfying ownership experience. We just leased a Mazda and will be moving on from this experience. If you like to tinker with cars and have the time and a warm place to fix things when they break in the dead of winter then go right ahead. Otherwise I would caution any family member of mine considering this vehicle.

• 

  Fabulous Aero - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By dcarmstrong - April 29 - 1:50 pm

  This 9-5 was our 7th Saab. We upgraded to this and have loved it from day ONE. The ventilated seats for the summer cooling are a great asset and my husband absolutely loves them.

• 

  miles of smiles - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By magicmarker - April 25 - 2:00 am

  First Saab I ever owned. Love the styling, interior, engine. I do a lot of highway driving and this 4 cylinder car hauls ass. I can run 80-90 and still get 25mpg, brakes very well, launch option has moon roof, lights,ect.So far very impressed.