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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  03 9-3, 4th Saab in 20 yrs - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By rgc2200 - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Best built, handling Saab ever. How was torque steer and turbo lag finally eliminated? Very cool looking in 16"launch/touring + 5 speed manual. Not a rocket, but plenty fast, and will keep you out of trouble. Larger then expected inside, head room galore (im 64") and with ease of seat fold down/ski pass through, dont miss the hatch back. Unsure why they arent selling! Waiting for 2nd key, onstar installation and fixing one minor defect (source button on steering wheel upside down). after 3 weeks, I love the car and value, and unique look. I happily pass scores of A-4s and 3 series bmws each morning!

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  Fit for me and fun to drive - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By sagebrush - January 28 - 9:13 pm

  I choose this car for fit to my driving style, safety and fun to drive. I like a manual, compact car and the styling suited my step up from traditional GM cars. I knew it was a Saaburu - but for someone who wanted a manual 5 sp with AWD, and didnt look like a boys car (Im middle-aged professional woman), the 9-2X is a kick to drive. I feel safe with some fun power. I hit a deer doing 50 mph and the car didnt even quiver (the windshield didnt fare too well - but held). While I dont disagree with the reviews - I still love my car - and that is what counts.

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  Y not WRX - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Awdride - January 27 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car but for alot less you can find a nice cheap used WRX wagon on ebay. Actually Subaru designed the 9-2x for saab thats why they look exactly the same. great car.

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  Im in love - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By odie6789 - January 27 - 2:26 am

  Bought my first Saab, and I cant believe what I was missing! This machine just cruises. I keep jackets in the trunk so I can keep the top down, even when it gets cool out. After about 3 weeks though, I brought it back to the dealer and had him reprogram the computer to defeat the daytime running lights (betcha didnt know they could do that, huh?). Now, off means off and on means on when the vehicle is on. I was even brave enough to put a Bubba cup in the dash cup holder. One gripe, I am having issues with the car reporting bulb failures that arent there. Multiple trips to the dealer has not fixed this problem yet.

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  Change this seat - 2011 Saab 9-5
  By euro53 - January 26 - 3:28 pm

  Ive been waiting 10 years for this car. I drove 3 premiums and 2 Aeros. Ive been Saab owner of 4 cars since 1982. I love them especially for the best seat ever in any automobile.GM managed to stick this car with a Buick Lacrosse seat. There was no comfortable position to get the lumbar out of my back. Ive spent 2 hours total in this car. The fan and instrument controls are tiny, and could be hard to see while driving.Rear view is not good.Trunk opening ala GM, huge lip in back, hard to put in bags. The 2 liter 4 cylinder is quick enough, and should save gas, while the Aero AWD seems heavy. If they fix the seat, I would buy one Dealer said TOO BAD, as I stuck the check back in my pocket.

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  The road less traveled - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By ChrisN - January 24 - 2:00 am

  I always admired Saabs for their unique appearance. You dont see too many of them on the road so they always stood out and caught my eye. After several test drives and reading lots of reviews, I finally bit the bullet and drove out of the dealer with a 2002 9-3 SE last January. Ive had the car just over a year now and have never regretted my decision, I love this car.

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  Sporty Fun - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By TL09 - January 24 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle. Very fun to drive. Handles extremely well.

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  premium-class SAAB!!! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By CBK - January 24 - 2:00 am

  Best handling car Ive ever driven, beats its German competitors. A true premium entry level luxury sedan.

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  Electrical Problems - beware - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Disgruntled Saab Man - January 23 - 9:06 am

  I had heard Saab was reliable and the new models did have pazazz and class. Wrong. Uncomfortable seats, and from the first I had problems with electrical. After setting for 3-4 days, the battery was completely dead. Then it would be fine for a month or so; then repeat the problem. The dealer was clueless. They replaced the battery and the alternator, which I told them was not the problem. I had a Jeep once with same problem. It was a wiring problem that drained the system. But, they knew best. Finally they offered me an insulting trade down to a used VW with outrageous payments. I took it to Carmax and got a Honda. Carmax is where I now buy all of my cars (Hondas). Great place.

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  Love - Hate My Saab - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By Lisa - January 21 - 7:10 pm

  My main objective for purchasing the 2000 Saab convertible (new) was the safety features and reliability reputation, having been stranded with previous used cars numerous times. Sadly, I have been stranded 6 times in this car, the first after owning it less than a year. In addition to normal regular maintenance, the DI cassette has gone twice, seat belt replaced, water pump broke, AC compressor (broke again within 4 months) to name just a few items. I love the look of the car and used to enjoy driving it but no longer have the confidence that I will get to where I am going safely. I would not buy another Saab after my experience. My repair shop jokes about how frequently they see me each year