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 Car for the money - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Mike M - February 25 - 8:23 am

  I love this car. I drove a 325, a Passat and an A4 and came home with the Saab. Its not quite a 3 series BMW, but for 10K less, comparably equipped, I am very impressed. I love the seats and the Saab center starter. Gets great mileage and has incredible pick-up off the line.

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  Saab 9-3turbo, 60th anniversary edition - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By waltzsaab - February 20 - 6:23 am

  An absolute joy to drive. Comfortable, quiet, and accelerates like a rocket! I Bought this car new and have driven it for two years and 25000 miles. It has been one of my best overall vehicle purchases considering my 50 years of driving experience. I am large, 63 and can actually stretch out in the front seats whether driving or riding as passenger. Fold down rear seats offer great storage capacity to the trunk. Lots of interior room-considering that this is a smaller vehicle. Warranty service has been great. Original battery died and one of the fog driving lamps went out, but both were replaced under warranty. (Florida heat takes its toll on auto parts).

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  Love My Saab 9-7x - 2008 Saab 9-7X
  By J. Johnson - February 19 - 5:46 pm

  Home run, its a great SUV! The interior is very quiet and the Bose system is excellent. The ride is smooth and the vehicle hugs the road/curves with stability and comfort. I love the styling - understated but elegant! The seats are very comfortable and I really enjoy driving this vehicle.

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  Excellent value if the price is right - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By SaabstudentDoc - February 15 - 8:10 pm

  After owning an 03 9-5 Aero that was totaled while nobly saving my wife and me from any bodily harm I was eager to get back into the seat of a Saab. I was not able to afford another 9-5, but the 08 9-3 was nothing I "settled" for. The fuel efficiency is fantastic! I am getting 33 mpg on the highway and mixed city/highway I am averaging 26mpg (mostly city). The 9-5 I owned was an Aero and while the difference is noticeable, this car is more than ample. One word - turbo. My wife has a TSX, while this does not have the xenons and moonroof standard, this is more fun to drive.

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  Go with the AERO!! - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Slugworth - February 15 - 10:00 am

  I got the Aero with all options for a great price and the dealer actually made the dreaded experience enjoyable! I chose this over the 325, 525, i300, G35 and CTS. I actually started looking at the 9-3s, but wanted a bit more space and loved the metal trim in the Aero.

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  Swedish Aspirations - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By Eric FitzGerald - February 11 - 7:10 am

  This car was an absolute steal at only $33k. Thanks to the employee pricing I got a top of the line 9-5 Aero for the price of a 9-3 Arc w/options or a 9-3 Aero w/ no options. The car is fast and people do look at it because it does look so good. Sure the handling isnt as precise as a BMWs or its not a luxurious as other cars in this price class, but when compared to other $33k cars, there is no contest! Ive always loved Saabs and having to tame the torque steer, lifting the ring to throw it in reverse and seeing the corner and reverse lights light up at the front corners. Its unique, its fast, it sounds amazing and I love the turbo whisltes that accompany my commute every day.

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  9-7x - 2007 Saab 9-7X
  By susan - February 10 - 1:10 pm

  I am over 6 ft and this car fits my style perfectly, head room, leg room great. I had considered the Mercedes SUV but glad I changed my mind and thought about the Saab ingenuity. Love the way it drives and handles. It is a statement SUV despite the connection with GM.

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  Very Pleased with New 9-3 - 2009 Saab 9-3
  By jbrooksws - February 9 - 11:13 pm

  Unfortunately I couldnt get the deals others have referenced - I purchased a laser red "stripper" model - no xenon - no roof - no Center Point - no park assist et al. I prev had an 06 CTS that was great - sold it last year to improve gas mileage and got a great Mazda 6 - but no soul. Saab is great. Mine has a stick - its a little bit fussy...exactly like Audis used to be so to me theres no issue. The clutch pedal action is light - pick up is good. Perfect seats and instrumentation - base level stereo is good. Stripper wheels 16 inch - look good on this car, and saves $25.00 per tire when its time to buy new rubber. I really like this car!

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  Sold on saab - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By dave strasser - February 6 - 9:03 pm

  1st experience driving a Saab. Fun to drive, gets up and goes with great handling, comfortable driving, very reliable, Saab design lives up to its crash testing superiority as a safe car. Wife just got in a 50mph head on, everyone ok. Im buying another without hesitation!!Great car.

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  My Aero - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By Peter - February 6 - 4:43 am

  I have owned this Saab 9-5 Aero for three years and it has been working without any troubles. Its a dream around town and on the highway. It is 5 speed.