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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  Not for everyone. But for me heck yeah! - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By fl81turbozx - October 27 - 6:06 pm

  1st, let me say, IÂ’m a car guy tried and true. My first love is a z, but this Saab is a blast! I bought the car as a commuter, good gas mileage, convertible, had no idea I was getting a well refined sports machine. I see mixed reviews, and I think saabs get a bad rap from people who dont understand what they are buying. If you donÂ’t know how to take care of a turbo car, donÂ’t buy one. If you want to compromise on maintenance (or if the previous owner did), dont buy one. If you are not enthusiastic about cars in general, buy something else. This car is an enthusiasts car. Its a blast to drive, good gas mileage is a bonus. Im am pleasantly surprised by the 28+mpg.

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  A Sweet Auto - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By rnz - October 24 - 10:00 am

  This is a car for people who want some individuality rather than being just another BMW/Audi/Acura driver.

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  Amazed I Bought it - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By drives2fast - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Spent months researching my next purchase in the sport sedan market. I had pretty much decided to buy the BMW 330I with all the usual packages. Then I started test driving all the different makes: A4, Acura tl-s, Bmw, G- 35, Mazda RX-8, Lexus, and as a lark the new Saab 9-3. Funny thing happened, I couldnt stop going back and driving the Saab Vector. It was just the best combination of Fun to drive, safety, and Utility. After 1500 miles I dont regret the decision at all. This car rocks, just plain fun, I have yet to find anything I dislike about it. If you test drive this car you will probably buy it.

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  Couldnt be happier! - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Patty - October 24 - 7:56 am

  We purchased this car for our 16 year old son. He always wanted the SAAB convertible. Driving it is an amazing experience. You hate to reach your destination. Heads turn the entire time its on the road. We feel good about its high safety standards. We test drove ALL convertibles - this one is the best the others cannot compare.

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  2005 Saab 9-2x - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Sarah MacKinnon - October 24 - 1:06 am

  My husband and I love this car; the seats adjust well and vision is good for both of us as drivers (he is 62" and Im 52"). For the basic car, this is well equipped with front and rear air bags, ABS and moonroof. The car is fun to drive, handles extremely well and is superb in winter driving (which we get in Nova Scotia).

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  Buy one and enjoy - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By David - October 16 - 9:43 am

  I have been more than pleased with its reliability, exceeding my expectations. I have the manual trans. with the 175 hp light pressure turbo. To me, this is the best set up. The engine is smooth and powerful, with no turbo lag, not to mention 28-29 mpg. The interior is roomy with the best seats in the business. The dash has been the only quality let down. Thought I have had nothing go wrong, the centre consol units up the dash seems very flimsy, not tightly secured to the dash. Otherwise, the doors shut with a solidity that is reinforced with the excellent safety ratings (Best in Class!) I recommend SAABs to anyone wise enough to stray from the heard and follow your own road.

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  totally underrated car - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By SAAB guy - October 8 - 3:23 am

  The Saab Aero convertible is a well designed, efficient, fun to drive machine. How many cars deliver 30 mpg at 80 mph? Great back-roads machine as well. The car exhibits minimal understeer. The Pirelli PZero Rossos are responsive and provide a good ride despite their performance nature. This is my first Saab after owning them since 1979 with an automatic transmission. This is not just any automatic but an Aisin 5 speed unit that can be paddle shifted from the steering wheel. It is very smooth and responsive. Contrary to the drivel that is written by all the BMW lovers in the auto press the chassis has no flex, no rattles on any kind of road surface.

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  Excellent car for a reasonable price - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By SatistifiedDude - October 1 - 10:00 am

  Saab traditionists should take a test drive on this wonderful car, and itll for sure change their mind. This car is considerably better than an Impreza wagon in looks, interior, ride quality, and built. Get in the car, and youll love it. With incentives etc, you can get a fully loaded Linear for 26k...what a BARGAIN, imo.

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  Fun, fun, fun - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Ferris - October 1 - 10:00 am

  I tried the Audi A4 butthe 1.8T didnt compare favorably. The 9-3 has more horsepower and you can opt for a manual. I have been truly happy with the car. It gets comments every day! Parking attendants, people on the street and other drivers at lights -- people love to comment on its great looks. I have only noticed two drawbacks. First, the stereo is lacking and does not belong in a car of this level or price range. Second, the self- expanding trunk, which originally seemed like a benefit, is a drawback. Even if you pack the truck with the top down, once you put it up, the trunk contents shift and it wont go down again. All in all -- a GREAT car.

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  Best Wagon Value - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By Mathieu - September 30 - 12:00 am

  After a week with the Saab I have to say that I am very impressed with the performance and comfort. And let me tell you, it turns heads.. Its styling is unique is defintely one of the best looking sports wagon out there.