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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  A happy Saab owner - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By kukusa - October 10 - 9:58 pm

  I feel very sad to see Saab went under. Its probably not surprising because today every car maker is going mainstream and the only way to survive is to get bigger, which Saab failed to achieve. But Saab definitely didnt fail to make a solid and sporty 9-3 convertible. They dont drive as well as a 3-series, but not off by much and the car itself is much, much more special. Not the mention the excellent value. Buy yourself a gently used 9-3 rag top today and find a trusted Saab shop, it will bring you years of happy top down motoring and attract lots of envy eyes.

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  I made the right choice - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Jeff - October 10 - 6:36 pm

  I looked into the Accord EX V6 as well as the Acura TL w/Nav before choosing the 9-3 Aero. While I am not happy with the navigation system (and did not spend the money for it), the car is an absolute blast to drive, meets or exceeds ALL of my expectations and is everything I wanted. I got this as a replacement for my RX-8 after having our second child and I was worried I would be disappointed. Was I wrong! It corners amazingly, has immediate pickup, is well laid out inside, and comes with a bevy of standard features that you pay extra for in Volvo, BMW, Infinit, and others. Everyone seems to have an Acura or BMW but FEW have a Saab.

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  Saab 9-5 Wagon - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By bruceposner - October 7 - 2:00 am

  This is a comfortable family car for both city and highway driving. In town, it is nimble and easy to park. On highway it is quiet and the turbo gives the 4 cylinder more than enough pep.

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  1st Saab - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By windogru - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Outstanding first Saab. It is a real joy owning a unique one of a kind car-- it is not a car every one wants but that is their problem.

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  5000 MIles - Better Than Expected - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Jyerka - October 6 - 11:06 pm

  I have driven this car enough to know that I am very happy with my choice. The car looks sharp, it handles great, and is well engineered. I had previously heard that the suspension is too soft and that the turbo doesnt feel right. Im fairly picky, and I think the suspension is perfect for casual or "aggressive" driving. The turbo seems fine to me, though this is my first car with turbo. The cargo area is very useful - I needed this for work, and it holds plenty. The folding seats, cargo cover, and nets are logically set up and functional.

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  Great Car!!!! - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By tpower - October 6 - 10:00 am

  I have owned a 9-5 Aero Sedan for over 2 years and found it to be an excellent car. Great all around blend of functionality and fun to drive. Excellent performance, great gas mileage, and very comfortable. I recently drove for 475 miles straight in one day, with no fatigue (love those heated and ventilated seats. I am looking forward to my next one.

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  Great to drive just too many problems - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By tarina - October 6 - 10:00 am

  Love to drive, having terrible problems with sunroof making noise - going in for fourth repair, a noise in the dash area sounding like styrafoam rubbing together - absolutely annoying for such a luxury vehicle, lights are not suppose to change automatically and do, tires are wearing usually early a major problem with coolant sensor that has not been fixed - going in for third repair. On lease dont want vehicle anymore.

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  9-5 Linear Wagon - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By pierrot - October 6 - 10:00 am

  Solid Car, reliable, fun to drive, versatile, cargo hauler, sporty, multi- purpose, original and different. This car is multi-faceted and serves multiple functions well. It has lots of character and always fun to drive on country roads and turns into a real cruiser on the highway in 5th gear.

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  Still Love It - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By Sean D - October 5 - 7:26 am

  Its been a great car through 20K miles. Only complaint I had was when I tried to change the tire and there were caps on the lugs. The special tool was in the glove box. I had to call the dealer to figure this out. Other than that Ive really loved this car. Its the only car Ive planned to keep beyond two years... or at least until the warranty is up. Too bad Saab could end up being wiped out. Dealership has been superb. Ive been really impressed with the service. Car is very comfortable on long trips. I drove 2000+ miles in the span of a week and they were all a pleasure.

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  Practical, Reliable, Rally-Bred Monster - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Scott - October 1 - 8:13 am

  Last year I went used shopping for a practical AWD compact for city use and occasional road trips. To my surprise, this turbo Saabaru (which, yes, has an automatic) was the best of the lot by far. Plodding around in town its as docile as any other auto-compact, yet the turbo means it doesnt run out of steam on the highway (Im looking at you, SX4/Fit). But its not all practicality: being a WRX, its ready to play whenever. Put the tach above 3500 and it hisses, growls, and rips a hole in time. Show it some curves and it annihilates them (its front heavy, but theres so much grip it almost doesnt matter). Best of all, you can go back to driving casually once youre done abusing the tarmac.