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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  Power in your seat - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By SAABTX - April 14 - 11:43 am

  I have been a SAAB guy for 6 years now & I simply love these machines. I just bought the SAAB Turbo X only 600 out of 2,000 made it to the States & what a car. Hands down AMAZING!! I have to say the ONLY thing GM helped SAAB with was their electrical systems that are much better. And the dealer was willing to let this baby go at more then $12,000.00 off the sticker!! $32,000.00 out the door with tinted windows and front clear rock chip protection at no charge, and they went for it!! Now IS the time to buy...they are hungry. The XWD system is rock on.....I could not break this one off the road. SOLID CAR ALL AROUND!!

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  Sweet Car / Good Value - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By jackpinewi - April 13 - 8:53 am

  Weve only had the car for a short- time so take this review with grain of salt. Really like the vehicle. Nice power off the line that gets better as the turbo kicks in. Very solid on the road with nice road manners. Nice look to 9-3 Aero. Interior comfort is good. Seats are supportive and comfortable. Headrests are functional and lower back support of the seats is excellent. Back seat is usable even with decent sized adult in front (6- 0). HIDs are excellent. Finish and fit of the car are very good. No annoying rattles or other noises. Car makes commute more enjoyable. Daughter thinks the car is cool!

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  Been a good car... - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By Jony T Bone - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I just rolled 30k miles and I still love this car...Ive swapped out the stock springs with some B&G and installed the sport exhaust...The springs really toned down both body roll and the way the car reacts during acceleration...You know the push, pull sway...Im sure it has a name... A few more mods and Ill be screaming when Im on the gas (from 185 to almost 250hp/300+flbs)...And getting 30+ mpg on the highway...Crazy... I have to agree with a bunch of the

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  Great Car - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By Sedona - April 10 - 2:00 am

  All Round Best car I ever drove. Have had MB BMW . Best for the money.

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  Saab 9-3 Trumps BMW, Audi, Acura - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By TNSaab9-3 - April 10 - 2:00 am

  The Saab 9-3 is a fun car. It handles well and is really quick. The car is well designed and there are few on the road. You see so many BMWs that it gets old after a while. Very comfortable car too.

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  Tight Car!!! - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Mr. Lover - April 10 - 2:00 am

  This is my third week owning a Saab Linear. It has been wonderful. Handles great, nice power especially at the 2nd and 3rd gear. I like it as much as my old Beamer. Nice car overall.

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  210,000 MILES AND STILL GOING!! - 1996 Saab 900
  By KayCee - April 6 - 1:20 am

  My Saab is really the energizer bunny. I bought this car used at an auction for $1,000. It had 170K miles then. I now have over 210K miles and this car still runs strong. The only thing I have had to do is change the original clutch at 200k miles. I truly love this car and I have owned plenty of cars. I also have a 2000 BMW 3 series which is fun but my SAAB is my baby. It is my daily driver at about 35 miles to work each day. If you are concerned about a high mileage saab, dont be. Just make sure it wasnt dogged (carfax) and you will be fine. My car will go for another 100K miles easily. If you see a green saab on I95 doing 90mph in northern Virginia, just smile and envy me in it.

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  A great car - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Jgeno - April 5 - 10:00 am

  A great car for the price. Fun to drive. Very smooth ride all speeds. I was at 110 and it felt like I was going 60 mph! Great acceleration on the Linear. You must get the upgrade wheels. (16" Pirellis with the 10 spoke rims) They make a huge difference.

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  Aero XWD: deffinately born from jets - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By Aero XWD - April 5 - 2:00 am

  I had been waiting for so long for Saab to produce an all-wheel drive sedan. Here was my opportunity. I had a 2007 2.0t 60th anniversary, but I was rear-ended at high speed by a Toyota Highlander. My 9-3 was totaled. (100 % not my fault). I went to the dealer expecting to buy another normal 2.0, then I saw the new Aero XWD. It was the first one the dealer had received and it was the color I loved so much on my old 9-3 (Titan Gray). I drove it. And picked it up the following day. The 285 horsepower / 295 lb/ft of torque with the six speed manual is a terrific combo. No turbo lag and its fast as hell. Handles seamlessly thanks to the haldex xwd. I average 25 mpg city/highway. I love it!

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  Great first car - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By dipper94 - April 1 - 5:43 am

  Its a blast to drive. I highly recommend it, however a few words of caution. Youre going to have some problems with the electric lock system, but other than that it will perform really well. Its incredibly safe and incredibly reliable. Before you get behind the wheel of this car though, make sure you understand how a turbocharger works and how to mantain one. More importantly know how to drive a car equipped with one, they drive differently than naturally aspirated cars (Cars without turbochargers or superchargers). Its a great first car for your teen. Its my first car, go it used for 5.5 grand with 50k miles on it. Its driven me reliably for the past year. It also looks great.