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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  AWSOME...AND THEY ONLY GET BETTER - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By SEAN - July 18 - 1:20 pm

  This is my third Saab and I will never buy anything else. The interior is near perfect and styling and handling second to none. If run of the mill is your desire, then look to a Benz or Bimmer. If style fits you then look no further. Even with the 4-cyl it has power to spare and is a kick to drive. Winter mode is fantastic and it cuts thru the snow like a champ. For a second drink holder look to the web. This car turns heads and corners better than my jag at a fraction of the cost and repairs. Tons of room inside compared to the 3-series or C-class. Dont underestimate the Swedes, this car is first class. Drive it, buy it, and love it.

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  2002 Linear 9-5 is amazing ! - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By Dan_Pat - July 16 - 10:00 am

  This car is a HUGE value right now as everybody is paying way too much for the Audi A4. After driving both the only advantage the Audi has is in the 4WD + Good luck buying an Audi with Onstar unless you wish to drop 5K on options and wait until the fall. I was about to wait and pay the premium when I saw a Saab 9-5 , test drove it and within 5 days was looking at a bill of sale. This is a great time to buy a Saab – remember to knock off 3K under the invoice as the dealers are getting cash back. ( one dealer in Connecticut would not admit to this and quoted me a higher price – pocketing the cash back - what a jerk :).

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  Takes Your Family in Style! - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By slbenz - July 11 - 10:00 am

  Even though I have only owned the car 5 weeks, I have been quite satisfied with its performance, comfort and gas mileage so far. I can easily buckle in two car seats in the rear and still have leg room for my four and two year old boys with no complaints from them.

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  awesome - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By odininfl - July 11 - 10:00 am

  The new 9-3 is awesome. I compared it to the BMW 3 series and it performs better. The price you cant beat. If you are looking for something no one else has that handles great, this is the car.

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  Saabs are great - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By dogwood - July 8 - 1:06 pm

  I have had a great experience with this car. I love the way it drives. (I like the manual transmission turbo) The seats are super comfortable (great seat heaters!) and there is tons of interior room for the size of the car. I average 27 MPG. It is easy to park, easy to drive, and has not been anymore expensive to maintain then our toyota. I highly reccommend the Saab 9-3

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  LOVE my 9-2X - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Julie-Anne Langdon - July 7 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love driving this car! It handles like a dream, corners VERY well, has plenty of pep, and is very comfortable. After doing a lot of shopping, I believe this car offers a whole lot of value for the money, and I know I made a great choice. The 9-2X makes driving a whole lot of fun, and I have lots of room to bring along friends and my dogs, too!

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  fun car! - 1996 Saab 900
  By jj99 - June 29 - 2:00 am

  This car has been great! fun to drive, easy to drop the top and let the wind blow. Plenty of speed and excellent mechanics. 80K miles and zero major engine, suspension or interior repairs.

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  2 Years and going strong - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Dr Mercado - June 21 - 11:10 am

  I know what Audi & BMW can be (A4 & 3 series). I decided on this one for its safety features and handling manners. I see some other owners have not had the luck I am going to mention. No fails, no problems. Ride is a pleasure, turbo lag could be something that may bother you if you like make frequent accelerations below 60 mph) hint: I use the tiptronic and get some difference!). My wife is so happy that we are just waiting for the new 9.3 V6 Turbo.. The car is excellent after 2 years, with no strange noises or something to complain. If you buy, chances are that you will keep it fon long & happy.

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  So far, so good! - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Daid Hecht - June 21 - 12:50 am

  Ive put 6000 miles on the Sport Combi, and it has been bulletproof so far. Have averaged 28.0 mpg on the computer on regular gas. Car has plenty of power, is very comfortable and looks great, because it is different. Every passenger so far has been complimentary, and at least one friend just purchased one because he liked it so much.

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  Stunning Swede - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By GregM - June 12 - 2:00 am

  My ferrari red Saab Aero is simply stunning to look and to drive. Lots of power, especially the massive amounts of torque that makes driving this car seem effortless. Very quiet, smooth and stable all the way to 155+ mph. Handles like a sport coupe and has excellent brakes as well. Also the Aero is the most comfortable car I have driven, supremely comfortable seats! Lots of features unique in the industry and very rare!