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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  Disappointing Experience - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Seb1 - December 7 - 10:00 am

  While this car is unique and generally fun to drive. SAAB did not get it all right by any stretch. Very annoying turbo lag makes normal city driving tedious. Interior finish is poor. Cup holders dont work. Nobs and controls tend to come off. Visibility is not good. Suspension is very soft for a car that pretends to be high performance. Would not recommend this car. But dont take my word for it look at the depreciation that these cars suffer! We bought ours for $28k in 1998 it is now worth $11k as per Blue Book in private party transaction. In any case take advantage of the lease offers.

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  What a great car - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By Scott Miller - December 6 - 11:46 am

  I have owned several European Cars and this one is my favorite. The car drives great. The service from my dealership is great. Theyve even come to my house to replace a battery when I left the door open overnight. This car is excellent on back roads and the highway. I especially enjoy the top down with the Wind Deflector in place. I get a lot of comments from people when Im driving. Overall, I couldnt be happier with my purchase. People say that GM has put too much into this car. I think GM has made some good refinements when it comes to overall quality and reliability. Ive owned 3 Saabs and this one by far is my favorite. Free service for 4 years. You just cant beat it.

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  SPAAB 9-5 Sport-Combi - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By BeefaBoy - December 2 - 5:50 am

  We call this thing the Spaab, its like being at a day spa. Ive been interested in Saabs since the early 80s when I was stationed in Germany, always loved their quirky styling. This is my first and its an incredibly comfortable and capable vehicle. Fantastic acceleration and handling. Very roomy and well designed interior. Theres a bit of acceleration steer when you really jump on it, but this car inspires you to just take it easy and enjoy the ride so not much of that anyway. I have however had it up over 110 MPH and you would never know unless you gazed at the speedometer. I have thought about getting rid of all my other cars and getting another Saab, maybe the 9-3 convertible!

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  Impressed for Now - 2005 Saab 9-7X
  By Phillip - November 30 - 1:53 am

  Very pleased with the purchase so far. You can really notice the change made to the handling by GM. However, a close family memeber has a GMC Envoy and you really see a lot of the same characteristics in the Saab. With GMs history I can only guess that how durable the 9-7 will be. Although, you cant go wrong with the factory offered 4 year bumper to bumper warranty and 3 year service warranty. These were very appealing at purchase. In all, I would recommend the Saab, because I do not beleive you will find anything better for your money.

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  Underrated - 2008 Saab 9-5
  By Artic White - November 29 - 4:13 am

  Had the car for 2 months now. Live in a snowy area, and theres just something about solid driving in snow while rear-wheel drive BMWs are sliding all around you. To me, theres something about a saab where it can be a drivers car and a passengers car at the same time. I think thats a unique quality. A blast to drive, but doesnt make my passengers get headaches like in cars with really stiff suspensions.

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  A well-rounded car - 2009 Saab 9-3
  By Steve - November 27 - 7:06 am

  The 2009 9-3 performs well in every category. Excellent handing meaning just the right feedback from steering and feel of the road. The steering wheel is thick with thumb support that adds to the sense of control. A sense of control of the car in every situation - even in snow storms and driving rain. Comfortable seats that are appreciated more on longer driving trips. Easy to reach and understand dashboard - nothing too fancy like most higher end cars. Good views of the road. A safety record unmatched by most cars - check out the insurance loss chart on the IIHS site - Saab is either the safest or the top two or three safest cars on the road. Why? Re-read my comments.

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  Great Rag Top - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Lazzlo Potts - November 19 - 2:00 am

  This is my third Saab (um GM) in a row. I am one of those SAAB enthusiasts that has not had a lemon yet. A great improvement over the last 98 900SE convertible I leased. This car will grow on you as you drive it more.

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  11 Months and still loving my 9-3 Linear - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By BrianCA - November 17 - 1:10 am

  Ive had my Linear with the Cold Weather and Touring Packages for 11 months. I love it. The ride is great, it handles like its on rails, and the car turns heads. The auto climate control works very well, and the heated seats are great. I love the auto stick shift. A real thrill to drive. The major problem with this car is the sound system. The base system is simply terrible. I upgraded to the premium system (13 speakers, 350 watts), and it is simply awesome. Saab shouldnt waste time on that terrible base system. Ive had no problems so far, and love this car as much today as the moment I drove it off the lot.

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  I love this car !!! - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By ACS - November 15 - 10:46 pm

  This care is great! Id very much like to upgrade to a Viggen when my lease is up on this car. For those of you who like Saabs - this is the car for you.

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  2nd look at Saab 9-7x - 2006 Saab 9-7X
  By Smitty - November 15 - 7:53 pm

  I am happy with my purchase of the 9-7X. I love the ride, handling, power (V8) and the interior and exterior appearance . For the money the 9-7X is the best buy. You get loads of standard equipment that you will really use in your day to day driving and not standard equipment that you will never use like off road package. There were only two options (Nav and DVD entertainment) for the 5.3i which i got and just love. Also, the optional 18 inch Brightly Polished split 6 spoke rims are beautiful. these rims make the vehicle look even sexier. Saab did an excellent job on these rims. Good job to the Saab engineers for really making an enjoyable SUV!