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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  This is a cool car!! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Saabdriver - October 30 - 2:00 am

  I wasnt going to purchase this car; what I really wanted was a Volvo S40. But after I test-drove it, I fell in love. The 9-3 is as sophisticated as the S40 but with more features. It has a sporty engine like the A4 but without the high torque. It is one of the best cars in its class. Its comfortable, has tons of amenities and great performance. In addition to all of that, my dealership in Akron, Ohio (Towell Saab) gave me one of the best deals going on this car. I cant believe what Im paying (or not paying). If you are in Ohio, go there to get your Saab!

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  Glitches Anyone - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By Chris Stevens - October 28 - 5:36 am

  This is my first Saab and maybe my last. I have numerous little annoying things take place. Cruise control stopped wrking for a month, roll over gas tank valve failed - cant pump gas into it, inexplicable oil leak & resulting engine knock, failed starter module - would not start, Auto setting for AC does not work consistently. But other than that the car has been great. 26k in 10mos on an 04 9-5 Wagon 2.3T. The car drives great, suspension is softter than my wifes Volvo XC70 - I would prefer less dive & roll and firmer, but it drives beautifully and gets 28-29 mpg on my 110mile commute. My stock Pirelli P6s grip well and quite.

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  My Third, And Last, Saab - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By BadSaabBad - October 20 - 10:00 am

  Im getting ready to turn my Saab in from my lease. The whole experience has been nothing but disappointing. My biggest complaint: TIRES! Ive replaced 6 - yes 6! - tires (at $250, per). All 5 of my rims are bent - which I REFUSE to replace. (FYI: A class-action lawsuit was filed regarding the tires. Now, there is a disclaimer on the new brochures). I LOVED my car. I fought for this car with my husband...LOL. This is my third Saab and I would have been loyal for life. I wanted the convertible next, but after 3 years and just 24000 miles (I never drive during the week), Im ready to throw the keys back at the dealership and never look back.

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  Wish the electronics worked - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Ganddi - October 20 - 10:00 am

  I bought the Linear in Feb 03. I have every option on the car including the "rare" launch package. My initial response to the car was very positive. However, since Feburary we had the car in for electronics problems 5 seperate times(mainly onstar).Our dealership, although responsive, seemed to be inept the first 4 times I graced there floors. Fianlly, after dealing with the GM and the service manager the problem appears to be resolved.fantastic.Cruising at 80 mph feels effortless, and unnoticed with how well the car rides. However, I am basing that only on the few times I have driven the car since it seems to be in the shop more than Im driving it.

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  Great, fun car! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By ftnss1 - October 20 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Arc almost 2 months now (3k miles). I love driving it more and more every day. Handling and grip are awesome for a sedan! Acceleration is very brisk, despite slight turbo lag off the line. I love the design, the comfort (great seats!), the on- star system. Well see about reliability -- suffered minor stalling problem at very low speed, now apparently corrected by dealer reprogramming the computer; homelink garage opener doesnt work (for anyone, apparently); otherwise, no problems. Great value for the money and reeaally fun to drive.

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  Least reliable car, Ever! - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By T in Seattle - October 20 - 8:53 am

  Bought this car used in 2003 with 60k miles on it. Initially enjoyed its comfort, style and all that, but in 2.5 years have spent $10,000 (more than it is even worth now!) on repairs - DI unit, transmission (at 80k miles), and other, smaller but still spendy flaws too numerous to mention. Now the ABS has gone, and we stand to spend another thousand, and that is if my mechanic finds a used part. Had I known the car consumed money instead of gasoline, would have gone with another make. Could have bought two of something more reliable . . .

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  Sweet little thing - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Anne - October 19 - 3:26 pm

  This is my first car, and i could not have asked for a better one. I never have to worry about it breaking down and that little 2.5 liter engine gets me where i want where i want to go on about 27mpg. It is great in corners and never looses hold of the road. Also it is so pretty to look at...sigh...the only problem i have with it is that the non-turbo model has that typical subaru lag in 2nd gear. Also in really bad snow, like 6 inches on the road, turns can be tricky, but it does great everywhere else. All in all, i love this car! Test drive it!!

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  saab 92-x - 2006 Saab 9-2X
  By davidreaume - October 14 - 4:40 pm

  Both my wife and I love this car. The utility and fun to drive is unsurpassed.

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  Gotta Love the 9-5 - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Domer90 - October 14 - 2:50 pm

  This is my 3rd Saab and I love each new one better than the last. The interior is very large and the styling is simple yet functional. You can sit in the car and in under a minute know where everything is, and how to use it. The turbo is great especially with a 4- cyl. It handles great in and out of traffic and takes an on/off-ramp at 70 (not that anyone would do that) like it is stuck to the road. Winter mode makes snow travel easy and safe. the trunk is gigantic, especially with split fold down rear seat. As you can see I love this car.

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  my steel grey baby - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By rgloriamay - October 11 - 10:23 am

  went from 2002 se 9-3 to 9-5 arc. love the solid feel and handling. i think it is a very pretty car and this is my fourth saab. i feel very safe in it. only draw back is premium gas and am getting only about 16 mpg in city driving.