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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  Wheeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By dean-arammalamma - June 4 - 9:40 pm

  I traded in my Mazda Protege 5 for the 9-2x Aero a week ago, and havent looked back. I was a bit concerned that I would miss the handling of the Mazda, but a week in the new car has put that worry aside! I absolutely love the handling of the all wheel drive, and the kick from the turbo is just a blast! Its like my Mazda and my old 98 Vette combined. Now I ask ya, can you get any better that that?? :-)

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  This car makes you unique - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Al B. - June 3 - 11:40 pm

  Ive only had this car for about 2 months and I cant tell you how excited I get when I jump into it every morning. This is a very fun and sleek ride. It handles the turns well, manuevers with ease and when I want to kick it into overdrive I just switch over to the 5M tiptrometer. Just to tell you how well this car handles, I took it to 115 mph the other day on the hwy, and I literally didnt realize how fast I was going. Its that smooth of a ride. Yes, people told me to get a BMW 3 or an Acura TL (give me a break; but I tell you what-this car is just as good as those and the cool thing is that Im the only one I know who owns a Saab! Hows that for being cool.

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  Went from a Sable to a Saab - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By nelsoncm - May 27 - 2:00 am

  I spent my first 2 months in major buyers remorse, mainly because the ride is so jittery compared to my Sable wagon. I bought one of those cheesy vinyl steering wheel covers to reduce vibration on the wheel. It helps a lot. But Ive gotten fairly used to it. Seats are awesome and I like the rear cargo shelf, which gives you extra room in back. The HK stereo ROCKS! The cupholders, as everyone will agree, suck. Supposed to have decent reliability, but Ive already had it in the shop once, so this remains to be seen. Am I a Saab convert? Dont know, but there is something about these cars on a test drive that grabs you.

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  Happy with the unique SAAB - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By K. Pospisil - May 26 - 3:06 pm

  This is our second Saab. My husband bought one while in college in Colorado and again recently. We have always enjoyed driving a car that is a bit on the unique side, and doesnt look like everything else on the road today. Our first Saab was a 900S coupe and it was great, even more unique looking than the current 9-5.

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  Style with a price - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Scott Simpson - May 25 - 7:43 pm

  It is obvious that this is a GM vehicle. I looked at audi and BMW but settled with the saab that was thousands less. But factoring in the two times I found myself on the interstate waiting on AAA and the price of the repair bills Audi or BMW would have been such a better deal. Saab also has a problem with its AIRBAGS because I was hit head on by a truck going about 30 mph and the airbags did not even deploy! Problems with softtop leaking... fuel pump, power top not working the list goes on. Buy something else or be sure you have AAA.

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  Different, but in a good way... - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By MRF - May 9 - 2:06 am

  I bought this car with 52K mile in 02/2002. The car came with leather and winter pkg. 5-spd is the way to get the most out of the engine. I have over 130K miles now and still on the original clutch. Turbo started to go at around 90K, but its still boosting just fine (makes noise). Ive had several problems with A/C heater core (they have a $200 fix now), ignition, direct ignition. Ive found a good mechanic which is the only reason Ive kept the car. Car handles well, looks great, and offers a unique alternative to Lexus, Infiniti, Volvo. Overall a very satisfying experience, but only since Ive found an alternative to the dealership. This is an extremely comfortable, practical car.

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  Fun to drive, great mpg - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By heilig - May 5 - 3:50 pm

  I have had some problems with this car (HVAC fan broke twice, emission control blower, front lights burned out), but all in all this has been a fun to drive, economical car. I drive between 75 and 80 MPH and regularly get 32 MPG at these speeds. Acceleration when driving 55 to 90 MPH is excellent.

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  love it! - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By dbl - April 30 - 7:06 am

  This car was purchased during the incentive period of 2005. Had not thought much about a Saab at the time but was unimpressed by any of the GM, Ford, Chrysler cars. The incentives made the Saab affordable for us. Extremely happy with performance and design. This car has brought back the fun in driving. Have almost 4000 miles on the car and like it better each day.

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  Steps in the right direction - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By jchilds3 - April 28 - 2:00 am

  I love the body restyling. I actually have the Vector model. Its really fun to drive. I wish that Saab had taken a few more steps in redesigning the interior. I would like more brushed aluminum trim on the dash and the pedals to make the car even sportier.

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  love it despite the problems - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By saaba - April 17 - 10:00 am

  let me start with problems.sid showed gear box malfunction which was cleared by software update.the car stalled once !! while driving which again was solved by a software update.gear slip from 3 to 4 ,another software update .looks like this car needs more software updates than windows !!!!.few months ago car wouldnt start ,showed immobilizer failure (?),wouldnt jumpstart either ,dealer said dead battery !!!.go figure.on the positive side i love to drive this car ,fun and sporty .safe and stable at high speeds.although iam a little bit worried as my warranty period is running out.