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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  Linear 9-3 Saab with Touring Package - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Saabnewbie - March 21 - 10:00 am

  New to Saab family and so far loving it. Former Volvo S70 owner and glad that got rid of it. We looked at BMW, VW and Volvo, but nothing came close to the performance and look of the car. I love the fact that there are not many out there. Unlike BMWs. This Saab is great to drive especially when cornering. Exterior is beautiful and smooth. The door handles can be painted or made of non-fading plastic. My 9-3 has the Touring Package upgrade with the 17" wheels which should be a must! I do have the clunking noise when backing of the driveway or just starting to roll when starting the car, according to Saab technician, the noise is due to the self adjusting brake and anti-lock brake system.

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  Safety First - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By ThreeSaabs - March 20 - 2:36 pm

  Bought new in 2004 for my teen-aged daughter. Car has been great; economical, fun, very few problems. Dealer service has been superb. Car was in an accident this week; car totaled, but my daughter walked away uninjured. Passenger compartment was completely intact. Crumple zone at engine compartment absorbed all impact. All airbags deployed. I am incredibly impressed and thank the Lord she was driving a Saab.

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  mmmmmmm - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By mainecliffdweller - March 19 - 3:33 pm

  Just took delivery three weeks ago and have already put 3000k on my new Saab 9- 3 sport combi. With two 100lb dogs and me over 66" I was worried that the wagon wouldnt be big enough, but it fits me like a glove! There is certainly enough room and it is so much more fun to drive than an SUV. Im a big back road driver and this car is perfect for that. Love it!

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  The un-SAAB SUV - 2008 Saab 9-7X
  By D & D - March 17 - 10:03 pm

  we had test drove an 08 4.2 before leasing a cx-7 as wife wanted a saab but 9-4x wasnt out (and still isnt) Now we need to replace the lease (still no 9-4x). As disappointing as the 4.2 was the Aero is incredible. great suspension & acceleration. The glove soft leather &french stitched door trim combined w/ the 9-5 cup holder & corvette engine & buick ranier laminated glass, olds bravada d- pillar & envoy interior door trim w/blazer bits & pieces make this the best of the ladder-on-frame suv rebadges. Like a tuxedo clad rugged SUV. Coming off lease the SAAB is less than a trailblazer SS w items you cant get on the Chevy. GREAT VALUE, reminds wife of the GMC Typhoon/cyclone when we were kids

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  Cheers to SAAB! - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By big john - March 17 - 5:06 pm

  I only have 649 miles on the car. I am 6 foot 7 inches tall and fit comfortably in the driver and passenger seats. The car grips the autobahn. This car is not common. Beware, people will stare at your car (because it is a beautiful car!) especially in Germany, that is if they can catch it parked. I was able to get 27 miles to the gallon at 90 miles an hour on a Sally Saab dusted the doors off of an Audi A6 and a BMW 335i. The turbo will throw you back in your seat. No torque steer nor body roll was ever noticed. Great warranty for 2008 model year. Treat yourself to a great car and save some cash in the process!

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  Cold feet - 1996 Saab 900
  By Paul H. - March 17 - 2:00 am

  So far Im satisfied with the car but am worried about the poor reviews.Im afraid that I made a huge mistake!

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  Great, fun car - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Thom - March 9 - 12:56 am

  Great car, from the service at the dealership to its scheduled maintenance. Ive only had one problem and it was with the emergency brake. The dealership towed it for free and fixed it over night. They even provided me with a Saab loaner car. The car is quite quick for its price range and is always fun to drive, especially on open, twisty roads (saab fixed torque steer!). The cars interior seems complex at first, but becomes easy to use after 10 minutes. Next to BMWs iDrive, this is like coloring in the lines. The tall stack design of the cockpit makes you think youre in an airplane, which sometimes brings you to the speed of one...minus 1 mach level of course. Outstanding car.

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  Third time is the charm - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By santasaab - March 7 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Saab and definitely the best. My other two, a 78 EMS and 84 900s both had their strengths but the 9-5 wagon has it all. This car offers an incredibly smooth ride. More low-end power than our 98 Maxima and features that are usually found only in cars at least $10,000 more than we paid. We also love the sporty styling and handling. My wife originally wanted and SUV but fell in love with the Saab during a test drive and has been happy ever since.

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  Beautiful balance in the Arc sedan - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By Lon Sherer - February 22 - 10:30 pm

  Performance is extraordinarily balanced in this car. Handling, accelleration, and highway cruising are simply excellent. The icing on the cake--and never seems to be mentioned in professional reviews--is its mileage! Over 30 mpg 70+ I dont know of a viable competitor with that combination of virtues.

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  Fun and Fast - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By Seanc - February 21 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd Saab purchased in one year. Although the design is older (8 years), this car still has soul and class. Very fast, sure handling and practical for a convertible (trunk is a good size, 4 usable seats, 30 mpg). I leased the car, but if all goes well, this is a keeper for many years.