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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  Saab 900s basic - 1996 Saab 900
  By Alex - March 29 - 3:40 am

  Ive owned many Saabs. I picked up a basic 900s (no leather, no moon roof, non-turbo 4 cylinder) for a good price and its very reliable and economical. The huge cargo capacity beats any compact car.

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  Almost 2 years now and love it - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Jayson - March 28 - 10:00 am

  I have had my 9-3 SS almost 2 years and still absolutely love the car. It is a real head turner, fun to drive, and still gets great mileage.

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  Hard to do better - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By SShukovsky - March 26 - 3:30 am

  Bought the car since three neighbors had them (as old as 900 series from 10 years ago). All relatively reliable. Mine has been great on gas mileage (26 city, 34 highway), has good acceleration, and appears well built. After 6000 miles and 7 months no problems yet as a few have reported. Car rides well and like the sport suspension. Would not choose differently.

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  Great car - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By tbruce - March 22 - 11:16 pm

  Ive had my 2006 for about two weeks now. I traded in my 2003 Aero. My 2003 was great (just wanted a new one). I love the 9-5. Has all the comforts and amenities I need in a car. Great price also when compare to the Euro competetion. My Saab went to the dealer maybe twice a year for very minor things. Torque steer is was not noticeable untill you really pushed the car.

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  csi - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By Stephen Moore - March 21 - 3:20 pm

  fun to drive, unique exterior styling sets it apart from other sedans

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  Not a sports sedan - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By teacher - March 21 - 5:13 am

  Dont get me wrong, I like my Saab. It is safe, reliable, comfy, quick and gets great gas mileage. However, this is not the sports sedan that Saab makes it out to be. I dont understand how all of these consumers give this car a 9 or 10 in performance. I dont know what they drove before their Saab. This car is much too soft, leans much too much in corners and turns. The steering is much too light and there is excessive torque steer. Bumps in the road upset the suspension and the car never really feels under control when driven quickly. All of the professional reviews from car magazines and even Consumer Reports agree with me on the handling. This is NOT a BMW. Born from Jets?..ha ha

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  9.3 2.0T + - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By Rip - March 20 - 1:16 pm

  I have owned this car for about a year. It has been all that was advertised by the dealer . .plus good milage (about 27 both C & HW combined). The only minor points I have are the headlights are set too low. On high beam, however, they are perfect. The stearing is also a bit " squirrelly", so you have to pay attention to your driving. Now, if only it had a little more kick!

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  love my SAAB - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Brian S - March 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought my vehicle used at 30,000 miles, it is now at 65000, and all I have to say is that it is a total joy to drive. It handles like a dream (though my friends get queezy because of the high seating position) and the reliability is great. I have had a ew small problems, but the dealer here in Orlando is totally awesome. I would recommend this car to my friends, and have. The 4cyl Turbo never feels like it is straining to pull the weight of the car, and Ive actually had a friend ask if it was faster than my prvious car (a supercharged 5.0 mustang convertible).

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  Look out BMW - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By BlueGoose328 - March 19 - 10:00 am

  I have never owned a car I enjoy driving as much as this one. For looks, comfort, features, performance its the best deal on the planet. I did encounter a defective park assist and the programmable garage door opener in the rear view mirror was defective as well. Hopefully these features will be fixed this week.

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  Fun to drive - easy at the gas pump! - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By casbon - March 18 - 2:10 pm

  I have driven my Saab 9-3 for six years. Have about 71,000 miles on odometer. Fun to drive, comfortable and reliable. Amazing gas mileage with the 185 engine (low to mid thirties on the road) and a five-speed stickshift. Plan to keep it for another five years or so! No car is perfect - but this car comes close when one considers the designers fidelity to the Saab heritage. My first Saab was a three-cylinder. I know what I am talking about!