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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  the best of the best - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By cr92290 - April 6 - 2:00 am

  This feels so fast. It is the best long distance car you can get other than a Bently. very good MPG

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  Saabaru? - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Paul - April 5 - 5:23 pm

  Nice car. Drives nice, roomy, comfortable, AWD, economical, and great price. Good warranty and it is a Subaru (Subaru, known for its reliability, made the car -base on Impreza- GM worked on quieter and upscale interior look.) Many people asked me what kind of car was it and if I ordered it from Europe

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  9 Kick Butt 5 - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By JDSOlds - April 4 - 10:00 am

  I bought a 2002 Nissan Altima with everything. You know what it cost? $29K out the door. You know what it was put together like? A $18K Altima model with a higher sticker. So, I said life is too short and took my wifes Chrysler Sebring convertible ... AND my brand new Nissan Altima 3.5 SE and traded both in... For a 9-3 Turbo Convertible and a stunning black, Saab 9-5 ARC 3.0t. The SAAB is way faster than the 240HP Nissan with only 200HP and get this.. The sticker read $39K (SAAB incentives lowered it to $34K) and it is screwed together better than my fathers Lexus 430LS... Saab.....way to go. The best car I have ever owned.

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  BEST CONVERTIBLE CAR! - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By JEAN - April 1 - 10:00 am

  JUST PUT A SMILE IN YOUR FACE! GREAT CAR,NICE STYLE,ROOMI,PEPPY,A LOT FUTURES FOR YOUR BUCKS!

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  Very good and very pleased - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By Guintama - March 31 - 5:46 am

  Now, I am not saying that there are not better vehicles out there, because there are. Yet this does not deign the 9-3 of its distinction of being a great if not superb near-luxury vehicle. I have own(ed) VWs, BMW, Cadillacs, and none of them have performed as well as the Saab for the price point, nor, being owned by GM. I am very pleased with the interior finish, if it is a little watered down unlike the older, more genuine Saab, this one should still function in a few years. The engine is great, a lot of fun to drive with its tight steering and great cornering. Highly recommend it over all other cars for under $30,000.

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  Great Car and Fun! - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By GJSPINELLA - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Throttle response especially at low rpm is amazing, handling and braking is also most most impressive. Communting fuel economy often is 30 mpg plus.

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  stus saab - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By stueat - March 21 - 10:00 am

  great pick up, fun to drive,

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  Best Saab yet - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By passat902 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3d Saab, first 9-5. My black beauty, love at first sight. I get compliments on its appearance all the time. Whether on the turnpike or winding roads or in town, it never fails to delight. Its price is a bargain, compared to its competition.

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  The Rodney Dangerfield of Cars - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By Paul Perry - March 21 - 10:00 am

  This car never seems to get any respect from reviewers. However, after pooring over the road and track reviews of this particular class of cars the Saab 9.5 aero was the best value. Saab had a $5,000 sticker writeoff incentive at the time. Saab builds some of the safest cars on the road today. This car is flat out the most enjoyable car to drive I have ever owned. The list includes Lexux, Volvo, and BMWs. The Aero with a stick makes you want to take the car for a drive out in the country just to exercise the car. On long trips the car is great because it has the most luggage space of any of the cars in its class. To nit pick, I would have to say the cup holder is not "elegant."

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  Cant wait to get it in convertible! - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By SaidNoori, LA, CA - March 21 - 10:00 am

  At first I hated it because I didnt know how to drive stick shift; the dealership didnt have it automatic in the color I wanted. Took me almost 3 months to master the manual and now I LOVE IT! My previous car was a C class MBZ and had constant electronical problems and had to take it for service literally every month. My Saab is truely reliable, very sporty, fun to drive, unique looking, and I just love it. I cant wait till my lease is over in 2 years so I can get it in convertible. I was always intrigued by Saab and people who never drove a Saab discouraged me to get one. Im happy with my choice and Ill be driving Saab for many years to come.