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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  too many problems - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By jaime caruso - October 1 - 2:00 am

  always at the dealer with problems, excessive computer problems, fuel pump problems. not reliable. Been at the dealer 11 times in one year with problems.The car is only one year old. I will never buy a saab again.Contacted manufacturer and they will not help me at all.

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  Great car - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By sally west - September 29 - 4:23 pm

  Bought the 2000 Saab used and I have not had any issues or problems. Great driving in the snow, smooth ride and reliable performance.

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  Beautiful Car - 1996 Saab 900
  By Wei - September 29 - 10:00 am

  Love my convertible beauty!! Its fun to drive. Auto tranny slows a bit but very good for city drive. Encounted many quirk minor failures: A/C, outdoor temperature sensor, oil pressure sensor, SID(SAAB Info Display) lost pixels, check engine light on and off... Major disapointment is dealer, SAAB OF TROY in Troy, Michigan. Was charged $500 to replace my driver side seatbelt system, just because it was deadlocked. Maybe replacing whole system is the only solution, but I was even refused to give a 12 point courtesy check after the service. Its free in most garages! And worse, my car wouldnt start when I picked it up... I will never go there again.

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  Fire Hazard - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By CityClown - September 29 - 10:00 am

  I love the unique look of the Saab. The dealer sales experience was wonderful. Thats the good part. The reality is the dealer service is horrible, they treat you like a child. The car is not reliable, as it has left me stranded 3 times in a year. The last issue in July as a potential fire hazard. Over 1/4 tank of gas poured out of the gas tank (broken fuel line bracket to the tank). One spark and my family could have been dead. Bet you have never had a Fire Dept. Engine come out to certify your cars safety, well I have. Dealer was very nonchalant about the issue. Saab Legal is also not accepting any responsibility to re- purchase this lemon.

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  A Pleasant Surprise - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By Mboya - September 29 - 10:00 am

  I was recently in the market for a new car and primarily limited my search to the well known top performers: Acura, BMW and Lexus. After thinking I had narrowed my search, I came across the Saab 9-5 and never looked anywhere else. It is truly an amazing automobile. I have the 2.3t (manual transmission) which has more luxury features then any of the aforementioned vehicles in its class, its got great acceleration and with On-Starm, you cant go wrong. Most people I know had never seen one, but now everywhere I go, it captivates on-lookers.

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  My family wants to like it, but.... - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By imissmysubie - September 29 - 10:00 am

  2.3 Linear Automatic, NYC We leased the car in late May. In mid- July it started gushing transmission fluid. Roadside assistance took 2 days to pick up the car. Sat on dealer lot for 5 days before someone looked at it. By that time, transmission fluid leaked into ignition system. Took another 2 days to fix. We were supposed to get a Saab as a loaner car; we got a Ford Focus instead. My parents (we share the payments) drove it to Atlanta. They averaged 66 mph and 32 mpg. Thumping noise started coming from Air conditioning. This morning, it began to leak transmission fluid again.

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  Chevy in disguise - 2005 Saab 9-7X
  By Maverick - September 27 - 7:23 am

  Nice SUV and fully loaded with only the sunroof/rear dvd player option (must choose between the two for no additional charge). Basically a Chevy Trailblazer in disguise here until the 9-6X arrives next year. Lots of GM parts in the interior, makes you wonder about the long term reliablity. The positive is that you usually wont see yourself coming and going while driving down the street.

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  Sold on Saab - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By misha90 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Saab. With price of fuel rising if I keep my foot out of the turbo I get 30mpg. Corners better than my 79 Porsche(Audi)924. Turbo lag is almost imperceptible. Huge trunk for a car its size. Very quiet on the highway. I like the info display on dash more than I thought. Radio is way cool some stations it tells you the song that is playing. I am sold on Saabs. Bought my wife 9-5 wagon.

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  "Double Pick" front and side impact GOLD - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Gerry - September 19 - 10:46 am

  Safety #1 "DOUBLE PICKED" by the IIHS for front and side impact GOLD, even the Volvo with its well known safety features was not on the top 10 awardees. Awesome car we where looking at the Volvo S60, MB C230, Audi A4, and BMW 330i... But no one could beat the price even with all the optional features tacked on. I could not pass that up, great car, nice ride semi road noise when the moonroof is up in freeway. My wife loves all the buttons, dual control climate control w/ filter, dual power seats, roomy back seats, and cooled glove box. They have really got a winner here now all they have to do is redefine the 9-5...

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  Great Value - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By Daniel - September 18 - 5:40 am

  Ive owned this car for 2 months and compared to 5 Series BMWs, Mercedes E Class, and the Audi A6, Saab gives you more car for the money