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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  I wish I never bought it - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Topgun - June 14 - 3:50 am

  One of the first problems is poor support from the dealership. Within the first few months the leather seat split. Not in a seam but across the leather itself. Dealer couldnt tell the cause so they wouldnt stand by it. Front spoiler is so low you cant turn into a graded driveway without it scraping. I broke mine going through snow. So far the sunroof, Stability Control (ESC)have required repair. The windshield wipers have gone bad twice. To add insult to injury the colored plastic part of the front and rear medallions have come off. Top this off with a paltry 19 MPG and youll find that IKEA couch you bought was the best thing to come out of Sweden.

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  Best Car Ive Owned! - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By salmal - June 12 - 11:26 am

  Ive owned my Aero since day 1 and mile 0. Picked it up in Trollhatten, Sweden and never looked back. Great acceleration at any speed, superb handling, and amazing comfort! Ive been up to 154 mph (German Autobahn) in this machine - what a rush! Only one bad stretch during my ownership - right after the warranty expired (4/50,000), I put about $3k into repairs (both CV joints/boots and front main oil leak), but otherwise its been the model of reliability. Expensive to maintain and hard to find someone to work on it, I wouldnt buy another one here in the U.S., but I hope to drive this one forever.

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  Lots for the Money - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By newsaabdriver - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Leased the ARC model after looking at the Acura TSX and others. Saab is a ton of car for the money. Acura was too bland. The Saab blows the Acura and BMW away in driver information and features. Saabs 210 hp and 221 lb/ft torque make the car feel more like 250hp b/c turbo acceleration. Lag is noticable but present only under 2000rpm, above 2K rpm it is strong. Ours is a week old and Onstar registration of the car is the only issue. Buy an Arc rather than a loaded Linear (cheaper that way). Dealer experience was good and I expect more of the same in the future - all service covered is a plus (not so with Acura).

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  Sleeper SUV - 2008 Saab 9-7X
  By Sleeper SUV - June 10 - 8:26 am

  This is a beast in a tux, punch the right pedal and hold on. We needed a larger vehicle and the wanted something that looked good but, we demand performance. This vehicle corners, accelerates and stops better than most sedans, a great addition to our 9-2X. If you want good fuel economy this is not the SUV for you. Cannot wait until we get another Michigan winter and can see how well it does in the snow.

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  Blast to Drive, Blast in the Wallet - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Ryan - June 6 - 10:20 am

  This car is a blast to drive. I bought this car used with about 47,000 miles in 2007. Because most of the miles were highway, I figured Id only have a few maintenance issues. WRONG! Ive easily spent close to 1,500 on this car so far (including the pricy 60K maintenance). So far the horn and both power windows have broken, along with the temp. gauge. The front of the car/wheel well is currently squeaking. Regardless of these issues this car IS A BLAST TO DRIVE! I paid only about 20k for this car and there is no other car at that price point like it. So, if your looking for a great car to drive and dont mind putting in a little maintenance, this could be the car for you.

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  Love it! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Travis Cole - June 5 - 5:43 pm

  I purchased my Saab used, Ive had a couple issues but I still love the car. It has enough get up and go, and to me is just a thrill to drive! The only real problem Ive had with the car is on 2 occasions there was a computer issue, the computer wasnt telling the car to shift gears basically. The first time this happened it fixed itself after I restarted the car a few times. The second time I had to have the computer reset at the dealership ($100) and they put in all the updated software. I get tons of compliments on the car, and I get excited to drive it every time I get behind the wheel!

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  A Much Better WRX (and better looking) - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By jmelaw - June 4 - 11:50 pm

  Loved the idea of the WRX wagon, but couldnt get past the ugliness of the thing--the bug-eyed look wasnt for me. What I hoped for was a decent horsepower, better-looking, but similar sized AWD mini-wagon. Found it--the Saab-icized WRX--or, as I desribed it to everyone, a better WRX---quieter, better looking, better interior, but with the same great 230hp AWD chassis (and reliability) that Subaru is famous for. Really like the car--few nits are some early rattles (to be covered under warranty), but overall, a blast to drive. Love that you dont see one every 10ft. Easy to add 30hp with chip reprogram. A stealth mini-missile, with upscale badging. Gotta love it!

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  Excellent car - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Steve - June 4 - 8:16 pm

  I love this car. Nothing but minor maintenance. Getting ready to do timing chain, but only as preventive maintenance.

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  Motorcycle alternative - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Mid life crisis car - June 1 - 2:36 am

  I bought my 99 Saab convertible as a second car. I brought it to a SAAB only local service shop that has taken care of all the basics. Now, I get to drive. I love this car. It has great pick up, is very comfortable, and is lots of fun. Im not sure about other guys, but this is a great alternative to a motorcycle for me. (I tend to not pay attention when I drive!). Yes, the 9-3 has quirks and leaks, etc. But I am so tired of seeing stupid expensive 323s on the road... and this car is perfect for me.

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  Great car, especially for the price - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By 2nd Saab - May 31 - 11:03 pm

  Looked at the A4, S60R and TL before buying the Aero. Traded an older A4 Avant (2000). Turbo is a little flat in top gear passing, but I believe thats somewhat common in 6sp with turbo motors. Lag off the line is there, but minimal, then picks up much quicker than the new A4 turbos (even the Saab 2.0T seemed to have better acceleration than the A4 2.0T, though the Audi is smoother). Excellent on the highway, fun on backroads (excellent powerband from around 1800rpm on), with an easier clutch than on the Audis (both old and new). The Aeros spoiler is VERY low to the ground. Seats are comfortable, but interior controls/surfaces feel very cheap.