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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  2006 9-3 - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By DetroitKid - September 1 - 3:43 pm

  This vehicle has been great. It has the ability to accelerate without the feeling that you are being thrown around the car. The overall comfort of this car is second to none.

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  understated sophistication - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By lei - September 1 - 10:00 am

  You always stumble across the Saab fanatic and just figure that what they rave about is more of a statement about themselves, that they dare to be different and drive a non-mainstream vehicle. Well I guess, I dare to be in the hottest car around. The new 9-3 is not only eye-catching but a high performance dream. With precision handeling that you can totally put your faith into. I have tried to put my car out of control and it just doesnt have it... it counters and responds in such unison it is truly unbelievable. People dont know what they are missing. And what they dont know, doesnt hurt them, but it could save them... everything.

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  Excellent car! - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By N Duck - August 31 - 5:53 am

  Having two small, sporty cars (Contour SVT and Focus SVT), I had been looking for a car with more room that still had a sporty feel to it. This car has it all. Lots of room, plenty of power and smooth torque from the V6 twin turbo, and great handling. Added bonus - no torque steer, (and very quiet, especially compared to the Fords). It is very easy to go faster than you think in this car, so watch out! Fusion Blue paint is really good looking, and the seats are extremely comfortable as well as attractive. EPA estimate is 18/28 for this car (6 speed manual). So far I am getting around 18 in town, and got about 29 mpg on a 1000 mile trip. No quality problems after 1600 miles.

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  Best car for fun - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By Txsportscars - August 30 - 12:43 pm

  Howdy!, This car is nice, sharp and fast. The style stands out from other, the ride is smooth and fast. Dont waste your time and money with others.

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  Good and well-balanced car - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By DCSwede - August 28 - 1:10 am

  The Saabs ride-handling balance is a good compromise (somewhat favoring ride quality), and it has good performance and responsiveness (esp. with the sport mode engaged). Its quiet without being Lexus-like and has a very good sound system. The seats are comfortable (though it can be tricky to find a good seating position), and the interior spacious. Respectable highway fuel economy (~25 mpg). Largely reliable (though when needed, repairs/ maintenance is expensive). Overall, its a very good car, but the base (2.3L turbo) engine provides nearly equal performance and better fuel economy; Id also recommend buying a car of 2002 model year or later, when a number of improvements were made.

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  Great car, rims and tires suck! - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By Risalaw - August 24 - 10:00 am

  Solid car BUT: The window buttons are in the worst, most uncomfortable place to get to. But thats minor compared to the tire and rim problem. I am on my second new rim, and six new tires. THIS IS NOT A CAR FOR NYC! I write this now, because at first i thought it was just my fiance or my driving. then I thought it was bad luck, then i thought it was the tire company, until finally a letter arrives today that there is a class action lawsuit for all those saab owners who have rims like a tin can and are going through tires like underwear! So, if you are going to buy this car new, do whatever you have to to put after market steel 15 inch rims with new tires and then youll have a solid car.

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  What a superb compact car! - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By Dave - August 24 - 5:53 am

  I drive this car for business, and it is superb. Combined gas mileage (city and highway) is an average 28.6 mpg. Handling and performance are great. The car is tight and rattle free. It is NOT a BMW, but it didnt cost as much, either. Its also simpler to live with and better in the winter. It is definitely the best car SAAB has ever built.

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  Awesome Summer Car - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By michluce - August 19 - 2:46 am

  This is a VERY fun car to drive. I think the exterior style of the 9-3 Aero convertible when the top is down is an absolute beauty. This car handles very well and the turbo engine kicks in phenomenally. There is sometimes a slight delay in the automatic, but I have observed that it depends on the temperature outside. Great car hands down.

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  Fun & Functional - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By MHM - August 19 - 2:00 am

  This car is a near optimal blend of functionality (I recently fit in 4 large suitcases, 4 smaller bags, 4 adults, and a snowboard on top) and performance (0 to 60 mph in under 7 sec.) It is not as flamboyant as some of the competitors, yet dollar for dollar, it is a better car than any other one I can think of. I stand by every penny I paid for it!

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  Just one owner - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By Saab - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive. Fun to own.