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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  Fun Toy - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By oforibk1 - March 12 - 4:43 pm

  Exhillarating (yet quiet) 4 CYL. Sport button coverts this into a fun toy. Build quality could be improved (cheap looking heated seat controls and open/close vent thingys). Stereo is very good. For a car build for Northern Europe, it handles quite lousily in snow. The winter setting doesnt actually do a whole lot of good. Certainly would not recommend it as an only car if snow and hills feature in your life.

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  Superb design, dodgy execution - 1996 Saab 900
  By Atomic920 - March 11 - 8:03 pm

  I paid $4,600 for a non-turbo S with low (68K) miles. It was 8 years old, but thought it should go well. Uh-huh. Fun driver, but its stranded me 3(!) times in one year driving only 8K miles. First a serpentine belt pulley failure two weeks after buying it. No warning - belt almost fell out of engine bay. Second was the alternator ($600 repair). Third was the clutch cable. Other probs: E-brake cable squeals, rust, aftermarket CD impossible. For an old car, it cruises effortlessly at 75mph. Decent mileage. Smoothest 4-cyl. Ive ever had, but nothing like the 200hp turbo of 9-3. Takes slow turns like a drunken sailor.

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  Love convertibles but lots of headaches - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By tber - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This is my third (and priciest) convertible and have had it for 25 months with almost 20K miles. Has been at the dealer three times this year with a check engine light problem, fuses for the convertible top had problem and recently, towed in for a bad fuel pump that leaked gallons of gasoline! While I appreciate the many gifts and apology letters from Saab, for high cost and inconvenience, will have to look elsewhere for the 4th!

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  underated fun and luxury - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By saabfan - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This is my first saab after owning 4 mercedes. What a pleasant suprise!! Its powerful, luxrious, fun to drive and NOT ordinary like the lot of new Mercedes, BMWs, Jaguars etc.. Not that they are bad in any way....but this is a wonderful treat!

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  Hope You Have A Fat Bank Account - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By sundawg18 - March 4 - 10:06 pm

  I bought this car used, from the original owner, with 60,000 miles. In the few years Ive owned it - and over 30,000 miles later - Ive had at least $5,000 worth of work done to it. Around 65,000 it stalled during rush hour. A few years later it started to stall on the freeway - luckily I had enough time to pull off and into a parking lot before it died. The throttle had to be replaced - to the tune of $900, and Ive gone through a couple of batteries that all cost over $200. Now Im facing an oil leak that my mechanic cant seem to find a cap for since Saab isnt making these cars anymore. Correct me if Im wrong, but this seems like an awful lot of work for a car still under 100,000 miles.

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  Saab 9-5 Combi - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By AZJim - March 3 - 4:46 am

  Wasnt even considering Saab. Found out about the deals on 2006 models and went to check them out. Found one of only 3 2006 SportCombis left in AZ. Test drove it and fell in love. This wagon hugs the road and is mighty quick.The ventilated seats are awesome especially here in AZ!! Sentronic is fun. Great sound system and loads of cargo space. Love It!!!

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  Great Car!!!!!!!!!!! - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By mohamed rehman - March 1 - 10:26 pm

  Fun to drive in turbo mood. Excellant music system(have bose in mdx- no match to this one)

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  People Smiler - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By jtp - March 1 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd Saab, though first in 20 years. Never owned a car that made people break into big smiles before, though I suspect the electric lime/yellow has a wee bit to do with it. (Whats the point in owning a conservative convertible, anyway?) Reluctantly traded in my 98 Jaguar XJR. Except for sheer power -- the Jag would get to 60 in 5.2 seconds -- the Aero appears far the better car. Tighter build, slick 6-speed, handles fabulously and the power curve suits the car well. Audis and BMWs are boring and dime-a- dozen in the Bay Area. They hold zero cachet. This car gets noticed (and I mean that in a positive way).

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  Swedish Lemonade - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Smatti - March 1 - 2:00 am

  I hate this car. Believe the editors reviews and spend your money on a teutonic import or a Lexus. This vehicle is a GM knock-off full that lacks function and performance. My experience has been more like a "State of Intense Misery" than a state of independence.

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  The State of Dependence - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By sjames - March 1 - 2:00 am

  After years of driving second hand cars, I purchased a Saab 9-3 in the summer of 2003. I love everything about the car, except that it doesnt dependably start, has frequent electrical problems that are never fixed, and lastly, an abrasive and unempathetic service staff. DO NOT BUY THIS CAR. REPEAT. DO NOT BUY THIS CAR.