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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  Great Affordable Option for Small Luxury - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Matt74 - August 16 - 9:30 pm

  Love this car. It is fun to drive, looks great and has the reliability of Subaru and the finish of Saab.

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  A pretty fun/good car - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By NewM3owner - August 14 - 8:30 pm

  Bought my 2000 9-5 used in 12/03. Went with the manual tranny which made it a little sportier. Bad turbo lag, but once it is in the turbo, pretty quick. Handling is fairly tight, not sportscar tight, but pretty good. Overall I was happy with this car. It drove well with very few mechanical problems until just recently, then it seems like everything started to fall apart. I just sold it for a 99 M3 w/ 50k miles. I think I am going to notice worlds of difference.

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  Watch Out!!! - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By cedar - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Had for 3 months,no problems..now its one after the other. Have a noise coming from the front axle that the dealer still cant diagnose have been in 7 times still with no success. I have had the parking brake lock on me 4 times, twice i had to get it towed from roadside assitance because of this. I know roadside assistance phone number by memory(not a good thing) There also is a door rattle that the dealer has "fixed" twice with no success. Not what you would expect in a $30k auto. Buy the TSX unless you want to be disappointed.

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  Its a great car, with a few quirks. - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By IllinoisSaab - August 14 - 2:00 am

  My previous car was a Subaru Impreza WRX. I wanted something a little more comfortable and upscale, but also unique. The 9-3 Aero fits the bill very well. Its extremely comfortable, very sporty, and gets amazing gas mileage. Im getting 29 mpg on the highway. Midrange power seems limitless. Its every bit as enjoyable to drive on twisty back roads as the WRX was, but with a whole lot more luxury. Ive had a couple of common minor problems over thee past 3 months, but all were fixed by the dealer - their service dept has been second to none. The stereo in the Aero is pretty good but not quite up to the level I expect from a premium brand.

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  2003 Saab 9-3 Arc - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By OpusTwo - August 4 - 5:03 am

  I always wanted a Saab, so I bought the 2003 9-3. BAD MISTAKE!! It has been in the shop 36 times in 3 years!! It always has something wrong with it. Saab will do nothing for me. They have the worst customer service I have ever dealt with. The say my car does not qualify for a buyback? If 36 times in the shop does not qualify, WHAT DOES? Never again. Dont buy one!!

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  A real SPORTwagon - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Bromo33333 - July 31 - 10:00 am

  This wagon has generous interior room, and very comfortable seating. The back seats folds flat giving a large useable space to haul a lot of stuff. The seats are very comfortable. This thing can move if you want to, and if you want to overtake at 60mph, you will have more than enough power to do so safely. If you want a car that can haul a lot of stuff, and handle like a dream, go really fast, and large and copious cupholders dont matter to you, the Saab 9-5 Aero Sportwagon will fit the bill nicely.

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  SAAB lives - 2010 Saab 9-3
  By socom18d - July 29 - 12:33 am

  Second Saab, chose over Audi and BMW. Vehicle handles great and does everything well for thousands less than equal competition.The wife had to have manual transmission, only reasonable competition was Subaru but she did not like the design.

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  A surprisingly good car - 2007 Saab 9-5
  By JC - July 26 - 8:26 pm

  People who drive a BMW, Audi, or Mercedes will probably not be amazed by the Saab 9-5. No, it doesnt have a high-tech computer in it that merely complicates simple tasks, and no it doesnt have "active steering" or anything like that. But its a hugely comfortable and powerful car that will haul a ton of stuff in the wagon model. It is actually comfortable for five people, and is well built and attractive in an odd way. Most importantly, its far cheaper than the German and Japanese opposition. Its a car youll want to keep in the family for years. Think of it as an old Volvo wagon, but far more stylish and cool.

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  A Car for All Seasons - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By SharonSAABophile - July 22 - 11:53 am

  Even though its a Subaru underneath, SAAB has made it look great, classier than the Subaru equivalent, and the handling and performance in this snowy New England winter has been a gift from the gods. The versatility and flexibityof the sport wagon style is a great asset since SAAB no longer makes hatchbacks. The warranty and scheduled maintenance program is excellent in this price class. Beats the Subaru. People may call it a "Saabaru". The 9-2X is fun to drive, powerful,safe, smooth and a terrific value.

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  Love my Saab - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Tony - July 21 - 10:36 am

  Nicely weighted and agile handling. Its a fun car to drive through the twisties and is a true 4 season vehicle (Ive been driving it all winter). The manual shifting option is a must to get most out of the engine. Convertible operation is effortless and quick.