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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  Long-time Saab Lover - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By Brad L - May 30 - 10:00 am

  Picked up my 2002 9-3 SE two weeks ago, and have been having a blast! Opted for the 5-speed with premioum pkg and heated seats. The 3-year lease cannot be touched by Audi, BMW, or VW. This baby is deceptive--mild-mannered on the outside, but it can scoot!!

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  First Time Saab Owner - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Mike S. - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Pros: Great torque to the engine. Good off the line speed. Fuel efficient 30 MPG highway. Differentiated design. Not very many on the road. Fun to drive. Comfortable/firm cloth seats. Better suspension than the 2002 9-3 SE model (too firm and bouncy). Cons: Maintenance work 3 times in 2.5 years. Cheap interior materials. Horrible front seat adjustment handles. Wide shifting between gears (hurts off the line performance).

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  A Lot Of Car/Wagon - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By RBomber - May 30 - 2:00 am

  This is our second Saab and by far our favorite. Previous cars were a "96 Mercedes E300 and "97 Q45 and I prefer the Saab. They are finally getting it right in Troll Land.

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  great car for price - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By bear - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car just got back from a road trip put 500 miles on the car and i was quite impressed with the driving.Great gas mileage and very comfortable to drive not to spongee.. just right probably not the most performance car but overall great.Had a 900 before this car but the 9-5 is much better.

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  Great car for the city - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Mike - May 29 - 3:43 am

  I think its a great car for the city. Easy to drive and get into tight parking spaces. I love the handling and enjoy the AWD. Only taken it on one longer trip, and was an great to drive on windy mountain roads, although the seats are the most comfortable long term. I like thats is markedly different than the subaru, which are way too common in northern virginia.

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  The Saab 9.3 is a blast - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By calgordon - May 26 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Saab and I am impressed. The handling is precise. The car can be pushed into tight corners fast with complete confidence and predictability. The exterior design is pleasing carrying a sense of motion even when parked. The interior materials are a bit disappointing. The plastic fascia on the instrument panel looks cheap. However the seats and door panels are simple and pleasing. But, I bought the car for the engineering and handling, and boy am I happy with what they put into this car. My wife ends up driving it the most. I want one of my own!

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  My Saab Story - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By Freeway Willy - May 24 - 10:00 am

  By all reason, this should be the perfect alternative to an SUV. Great standard features, lots of room, very comfortable. However, when it comes to ride, quality and reliability this car dropped very quickly to the distinctive "worst car Ive ever owned". Car visits the shop very frequently. Dealer acknowledges the problems time and time again, but says they cant isolate them to fix them. It makes me crazy to drive this car. Cant get rid of it. Its value dropped off a clif just like its quality. Do yourself a favor. Dont be fooled by this pretty face. Run as fast as you can away from any urge to purchase a Saab.

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  Fun car, but not too sporty - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By Jeff - May 24 - 8:26 am

  This car is one of the most reliable cars I have owned. In over 3 years of owning this car, outside of normal maintenance, which by the way was included in the lease, I have had no problems. Tires and brakes need replacement at 27K to 30K miles. Interior had minor integrity issues, but again, all covered when brought in for service. The interior and top squeak in the winter months; I guess to be expected in a convertible. The back seat is spacious for a convertible and one of the main reasons I bought this car. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a nice, reliable 4 passenger convertible. If looking for a more sport riding convertible, go with the Viggen or Bimmer convertible

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  Need optional towtruck - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By polo - May 21 - 10:00 am

  This car when running has been great. It has been towed in four times. The battery had been replaced three times, once because it blew up damaging under components, another time excessive corrison caused damage to transmission external areas. if this is not a lemon I dont know what is. It has been in the shop now for two + weeks. I cant afford to kep it much longer based on dependability. Its a nice car but the quality is terrible.

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  Excellent 2004 Arc - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By samthomas - May 21 - 10:00 am

  I own a new 2004 9-5 Arc 2.3T with about 5,500 miles. The only problem was a rattle in one of the doors, fixed under warranty. The overall design is very good, and strikes a good balance between "sport" and "luxury." The car is loaded with thoughtful features, from the high- pressure headlight washers to the huge trunk. The turbocharged motor and 5-speed auto tranny work well together. Instruments are well laid-out and readable. Cabin is spacious and comfortable, but driver- oriented. Car handles well; suspension is forgiving, but tuned more towards comfort than performance. This is not a car you can fling around.