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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  Good all wheel drive wagon - 2006 Saab 9-2X
  By Joe Yu - November 15 - 5:13 am

  The car is fun to drive and the reliability is excellent. The interior of the car is cheap appearing. The all wheel drive is very good in the snow.

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  Im Liking This Car - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By J-Lo - November 12 - 10:00 am

  This is my first SAAB and Ive had zero complaints. I purchased a late year 93SE 4DR with the HOT engine and it is just plain cool. Performance is great and after 45K it seems to get better each day.

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  What a car - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Michel Jefferson - November 12 - 10:00 am

  What a car, 250 hp, really great torque, a real mile eater but also great fun to race around town with. If your looking for greate wagon for the hole family: Check out the 9-5!

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  Welcome to the premium-class SAAB! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By William C. Eastwood - November 12 - 10:00 am

  A good friend of mine works at SAABs NY office and got to test the new 9-3, as a good friend of his I got to drive it to. What can I say, a wonderful car. Im considering getting rid of my BMW 330Ci and getting a new 9-3 Aero when it hits the market, I suggest you do the same!

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  Buy with CPO - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By dgebler - November 10 - 11:20 am

  I bought a 2007 to get the car at half price w/ 3 years left on CPO warranty. The car has understated sportiness: it handles great for normal driving even if it wouldnt beat another car on a test track. Having the top down is great fun: easy to have conversations with the passenger.Its a car to take pride in and have fun with.

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  Saab 9-5 Arc - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By sl - November 7 - 7:33 pm

  This car handles like a dream, has the power needed in a quick start or emergency, but gets the gas mileage of a much less gutsy car.

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  Daves Saab - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By D&LG - November 7 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I have owned Saabs for 20 years from the old 900s to the 9000 CDs. Our family now has 3 Saabs and the 2004 9-3 Saab Convertible is the outright best we have ever purchased. This car handles like a dream the interior is even better than the 2003 model for comfort. The only thing I wish Saab would do would be to get rid of the funky cup holder in the dash. With all the features in this car that should not be there. I cant wait to see what comes out next in the new Saab line up. We are waiting for the new 9-7 SUV to come over to trade our SUV. Thank you Saab for an out right fantastic driving experience. Definately fun to drive.

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  Great value and fun to drive! - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By saabie - November 6 - 3:33 am

  This is my 10th Saab and I really cant seem to drive anything else and enjoy it. This is my first 9-5 and I love it! Tremendous acceleration and handling with very little gas mileage loss. Much better sound system than my 9-3 Linear. End of the year savings made this an absolute steal!

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  99 Saab 4-Dr Turbo Hatchback - the best! - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By D Haverkamp - November 4 - 6:36 pm

  This is my fourth Saab, and it has been the best so far. The construction is solid, with very low road noise. The seating is comfortable both front and back. The handling is tight and reliable. Visibility is excellent. The original sound system still sounds as good today as when I bought the car new. Mileage has also been good--- about 32 mph on the highway, around 24 in-town.

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  my 6th Saab - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By TMJ - November 3 - 10:00 am

  I have owned a Saab since 1970. The vehicle that I drive now is my 6th Saab and have been thoroughly satisfied with its performance. The only criticism I have pertains to the on board computer which malfunctions now and again especially on humid days. I have encountered this problem on previous models too! I also enjoy the sound system, probably the best in the field.