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 Shoots - Saab Scores!! - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By B-Dog - February 28 - 6:16 am

  I picked up my 2005 Linear (w/8200 miles) on 2/27/07, and put about 1800 miles on it in three weeks. Sweet performance, smooth shifting, and terrific comfort and mileage are all part of the package. Even with "only" 175 horsepower, it has pickup aplenty. The control layout is excellent, and I love the Night Panel, manual transmission and console-mounted ignition. Those who whine about the ignition should drive one for three weeks, and theyll get used to it. Besides, who wants a key in their knee in an accident?? All in all, I LOVE my Saab.

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  Fun to own - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By snowbirdco - February 26 - 10:00 am

  The Saab is extremely comfortable, it drives well in good and bad weather. Very fun to drive. This car puts a smile on my face everytime I walk up to it!

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  06 9-3 SportCombi Aero - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By boutteman - February 24 - 10:53 am

  I have owned this car for one full year and have had an overall enjoyment of my experience with it. It has suited me, as well as my growing family, in many environments and situations. Its handled traffic in Houston, TX, snow/slush in Pittsburgh, PA, and mountainous terrain in Reno, NV. It has performed well in some huge cross country road trips (sometimes getting 33 mpg). I love driving in manual-mode (it not only helps with the gas mileage, but it is a bonus when traveling across the Sierra Mountains on a regular basis. This is a straight-up fun vehicle to drive! I am a mechanical engineer, I did a lot of research, and I picked the Saab over the BMW 3-series and Audi A4 sportwagons.

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  A good but not great little car. - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Johnnymauler - February 24 - 1:50 am

  I have had some problems with the tires and wheels on this car. After only about 10000 miles all of the Bridgestone tires bubbled and half my rims were bent. I had to buy new tires and aftermarket wheels. The car handles great but turbo lag and cheap seats are a downfall.

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  My third saab - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By saab1216 - February 22 - 6:13 am

  I find this car so much fun to drive not matter what the weather. It drives great in the snow and handles those mountain roads in the summer.I love the sharp looks and attractive interior. I just had to take it into the shop as my radio/control center stopped working. I know that saabs can experience some problems but I never drove a more enjoyable car.The acceleration and braking are superb and so is the c.d.player. The radio doesnt sound as well.If you buy Saab,get a warranty for peace of mind...then enjoy the ride!

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  Sweet Vehicle - 2005 Saab 9-7X
  By Kev - February 18 - 7:56 am

  We are very happy with our new Saab 9-7X. It drives like a car and has an elegant look to it. We think Saab has done a great job on the design. When we are out enjoying our Saab, we always get second looks.

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  Best in Class except for Spare Tire Kit - 2010 Saab 9-5
  By eyedeals - February 17 - 6:07 am

  Ive been driving Saabs sin 1985,my first being an SPG Aero. To me, Saabs have always been extremely under-rated except by those that drive them. More room, more power, more reliability, more amenities than anything in or around its class for less. The 2010 9-5 Aero is by far the best Saab Ive owned.

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  Happy Decision - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By believer - February 16 - 2:00 am

  After an extensive search , I am extremelly pleased with my purchase. The BMW 330xi- out significant price tag. It came down to an Audi A4 Quattro or a Saab 93/95. The Audi 1.8Turbo -a bit underpowered, it begged for standard transmition. Lacked convenience features standard on this category cars. The pumping seat adjustor was a bit odd. The Saab 95 is extremmelly smooth and does not suffer from lack of power with its automatic transmition. Very aggresive prices for leftover 2002 Saabs secured the 95 for less than the Audi A4.

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  The opposite of Zeke - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By brucec32 - February 16 - 2:00 am

  Critics calling this car bland need to drive the car first. The new car has barely any turbo lag, unlike the old 9- 3, No torque steer, unlike the horrible torque steer in the previous car. Add in comfortable seats, fresh styling, more interior room for passengers, no body roll , great brakes, better interiors, and improved safety. And it costs thousands less than before. Unless your lifestyle involves carrying 36" TVs on a regular basis, the sedan is useful enough for most. the old 9-3 came in near the bottom in most sport sedan comparisons for a reason. The new 9-3 is a big improvement.

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  Eleanor will be missed... - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By dssquare85 - February 13 - 10:00 pm

  I purchased my Aero used with 30,000K on her. I immediately fell in love and still miss her to this day. I had Eleanor for almost 3 years. She gave me no problems and put nothing but smiles on my face while I owned her. It was worth the expensive insurance, premium fuel and lackluster mpg. Unfortunately, the engine decided to blow at 57,000K with regularly scheduled maintenance. Thousands of dollars later it just wasnt the same and was forced to trade her in. I gave Subaru another chance and traded Eleanor in for 11 Legacy in May 2011.