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:

• 

  What a buy..... - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By Deano - January 11 - 10:00 am

  I have bought 16 cars in the past 25 years and this was/is the BEST automobile I have ever owned! I have had a Lexus, Infiniti, BMW, and Fords and from the Dealership to the build of the car I give them both a 10!

• 

  ...sad to return car to Saab - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By yml - January 11 - 10:00 am

  13 times in shop in 25 months of ownership. Worst experience ever with a new car -- replaced transmission, water pump, power ant., a/c compressor and hoses 4 times, windows leaked, and on and on... Saab USA finally paid me to return the car. Even with all these problems, it was the most enjoyable car to drive and haul my family and stuff.

• 

  Jury is Out - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By Stewart in VT - January 10 - 6:26 pm

  Love the car - basically - despite its quirks. Thank God bought a certified pre-owned - 6 months into it - at 50k, I needed a new head gasket and turbocharger - $2,900! (Free w/ CPO) - Engine light came on this week - though nothing more than gas tank cap not on tight. And huge disparity between average city and highway gas mileage - as in 17/29. A discernable turbo lag -- though kick into sport mode transmission and its WOW, even on base model. Nice car, hope it lasts. DO get a CPO warranty for protection - dealer told me its $1,200 of the $16,000 price I paid, and definately insurance worth having until 100,000 miles.

• 

  Best Car Ive Owned - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By chuxley - January 8 - 5:13 pm

  I have purchased some 40 cars in the past three decades - everything from large Buicks to SUVs to a Mercedes- Benz. Among those 40 cars were eight Saabs - one of the old ones we still own, purchased new in 1989. But... this 2005 9.3 Linear is the best one yet. Having just come back from a 2500 mile road trip, I can report fantastic performance, 33 mpg for the entire trip - at speeds up to 100 mph, and absolute comfort. The A/C is finally terrific in Saabs. And, the Saab seats eliminate fatigue like no other. This is a great, quiet, smooth machine. I am really glad I bought it.

• 

  So far so good - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By maxedsaab - January 8 - 4:33 pm

  I hope that this will provide a bit of a longterm insight. My SportCombi has 32000 miles now. It is still a blast to drive. Always leaves me with a smile. Tested multiple cars prior to this choice. Traded in a 2003 Passat wagon. Love practicality of this wagon and it has a great profile. Drove A3, A4, BMW 325x, Mazda6 wagon, and none were perfect. Chose Saab for a couple of reasons, cost, fun to drive, practicality and style. No major headaches, just some minor quirks, such as the keys needing reprogrammed. I was afraid at first that the interior may not hold up, but it has. Original Pirelli tires stunk, have new Potenzas and it is night and day. All and all very pleased.

• 

  2004 95 Aero - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By Kumar - January 8 - 10:00 am

  Very comfi, did not realize what i was missing (I have an Isuzu Trooper). Very snug and well fitting seats. Great pickup and handling (not quite the same as a BMW 325i), but for 36K I got much more car for a little bit in terms of pickup and handling. Saabs paid attention to small things like the two sunshades/visors. Controls are very ergonomic in addition. Cant say much about the reliabilty, i bought it on the 10th of july and have done only about 400miles. Overall fun car. Bought the car for my wifes bday, shed happy, but she thinks that this is too complicated for her to handle, something that I am not in a hurry to correct :)

• 

  Major Disappointment - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Twiggy - January 8 - 10:00 am

  1.5 years into my lease and I cant wait for it to end. Its apparent that now that GM owns 100% has lowered SAAB quality down to GM levels -- quality far far below the 2000 SAAB 9-5 I had before. Squeeks, rattles, the clock wont keep time, and the worlds WORST stereo system -- other than AM talk radio I leave it turned off its so bad. This was the third -- but will be the last - SAAB in this household. I want a quality car, not a GM car. Next stop, Toyota / Lexus or Honda / Acura. Save yourself much grief and avoid this badge-engineered Malibu.

• 

  Very Reliable & Fun & Economical - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By Darren Moon - January 8 - 8:03 am

  I purchased this vehicle 6 months ago and have loved it from the first drive. Very responsive for an economical car, good styling and very comfortable interior. I would highly recommend this vehicle.

• 

  2 Much Fun - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By minimyzr - January 3 - 11:06 am

  What a pleasure to drive! I looked at all of the soft-tops - from Mercedes to Mustangs and this one...well is the very best value. Good solid engineering, simply designed for a serious driver, and loads of fun without the usual concerns of convertible vulnerability. I am now a lifer, albeit wish I were one earlier. FYI: Blind spots can be virtually eliminated with small concave mirrors attached to outside mirrors.

• 

  Saab 9-3 linear - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By BAF - January 2 - 12:16 pm

  Drives great, enough power w/great gas mileage, excellent ownership experience with mfg and dealer