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 funnest car you will ever own!! - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By martinj281 - July 31 - 8:36 pm

  This car is fun fast and slick. It has great handling tire traction is awesome! This car is great and turbo is a great feature. This would be the best car you will ever own!

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  Dont buy one Because.... - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By ATX Teacher - July 23 - 10:00 am

  There are many problems with the 9-3 that are unfixable, especially if you live in a hot climate like Texas. The Fuel injextions system has many problems that the manufacturer is choosing to ignore, causing many of these cars to be irrepairable, but these problems are not showing up in statistics b/c the manufacturer is repurchasing the cars from the owners without having "Lemon Law" suits filed. The car looks great and is fun to drive, but dont be fooled. Many problems need to be fixed with this car.

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  Thought I got a STEAL but..... - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By Phillyc - July 14 - 6:43 pm

  Purchased in May of 2006 w/36,000 mi. on the clock, paid $19,500. Current mileage 65,800 mi. Wanted to love this car but it has been in the shop more than any other car I have owned, 7 or 8 times in the 2 1/2 years I have owned her. The interior could use an update, but the seats are super comfy. I really like the exterior of the car, looks fast standing still. Gas mileage in town is poor for a 4 cyl., only about 17 mpg due to the turbo but hwy mileage is surprisingly good at about 31 mpg. Just too many little things. Warranty ran out in Sept. and just today I spent $1800 on repairs and the 60,000 mile service. Sad to say she will probably get traded in soon.

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  Perfect Combination of Lux and Fun - 2008 Saab 9-7X
  By Happy Customer - July 12 - 8:06 pm

  This is our second Saab and it has proven to be as much fun as the 9-3 its parked next to. An excellent combination of luxury (OnStar, XM radio, leather, high-intensity headlamps, Bose sound, sun roof, heated seats, rear climate control, dual-zone climate control - all standard), fun, capability (V8, easy cruising in the mountains, up to 6500 lbs towing), and support (free 1 yr. OnStar, free 36 mo. scheduled maintenance, 100,000 mile power train warranty). Dont listen to the expert reviewers - some of them have not even driven it. You have to drive it to appreciate that it is performance tuned by Saab and outfitted with more luxury than its GM cousins.

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  Great 2001 Aero - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By alrennett - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Having driven the Saab 95 Aero for 27 month now it has been a outstanding preformer. It gets 26 MPG and has all the power you need in any situation on the highway and in city traffic. It is easy to park and is very nice looking. We still get looks in parking losts and at the store on the looks of the car.

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  Saab 9-5 Linear Sport Wagon - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By Rick & Kristi - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Great Car; we own 2 Saab 9-5s

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  180k and still love it - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By matthewakamatt - July 8 - 12:06 am

  The Saabaru is a great blend of sportiness, reliability, and practicality. Its sporty and powerful enough to stay entertaining for years. I really enjoy the on boost power, but theres not much low end torque. Handling is good enough for the street, but its not really at home on the racetrack. Mine is still completely stock, and has been incredibly reliable. Ive got almost 180k miles on it, and have only had a few repairs in all that time. I really like how practical it is. I frequently load lots of stuff in the back and tow a 5x8 utility trailer with it for household projects.

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  Money Well Spent - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Colin B - July 7 - 5:36 pm

  The Saab 9-3 is a crown jewel. After driving this car for the past 6 months, i will never drive anything else. It was designed with the driver in mind (especially the ARC). This car is the perfect balance between a sports car and luxury sedan. The sound system is amazing, acceleration is superb, and interior very sleek. Ive had the car for the past 6 months and am also impressed with the handling in poor weather. As for safety, the car is top ranked. Trust me when I tell you that youll get what you pay for with this car.

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  Save big. Enjoy a lot - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By slow - July 4 - 10:00 am

  I was looking at BMW and my friends told me about the Saab Convertible. Great. Same european ride for a lot less and this is unique.

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  First Month - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By ESB - June 30 - 10:00 am

  Love the car. Traded from a 2001 LS430 to this for something smaller, sportier, and more fun and we love it so far. Dealer experience was incredibly good. Great deal on a great fun car. My first SAAB and likely not my last based on my so far limited experience! Classy alternative to a Japanese car.