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:

• 

  Love it!!! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By FRG - February 13 - 2:00 am

  I have had the car for 3 months now and still love it. Over the last 4 decades I have owned dozens upon dozens of cars and motorcycles and, so far, this is my favorite car. I believe it will remain my favorite as long as it is as reliable/trouble-free as it is "fun to drive."

• 

  Value - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By HKC_93 - February 13 - 2:00 am

  This car fun and jazzy. Its distinctiveness is one of the main draw for me, of course, value counts too, it has all the luxry you want plus more... Get one with sports package, you wont be out of style for a long time.

• 

  Saab on the Plains - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Flatlander - February 13 - 2:00 am

  Have owned my 9-3 Linear for 1 month and LOVE IT!!! The interior is roomy, and elegantly designed...the ride quality is great. Also tested a BMW 3-series and an A4, but for the price, quality and options the 9-3 was easily the best deal! Was initially concerned with GM influence, but rest assured this is a Saab! designed and built in Sweden!

• 

  Love this car - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By ChrisN - February 12 - 4:13 am

  The sport tires do transmit the feel of the road more than some other near luxury cars, but its nothing I could complain about. The seats are extremely comfortable. The interior and exterior are very well assembled. Huge trunk can hold just about anything. Great stereo! Press the "S" button on the gear selector and watch this car fly!

• 

  They got it right - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By UPSTATE-SC - February 5 - 7:13 am

  Great driving vehicle, very attractive, with much better fuel mileage than stated by EPA. Going the speed limit on the freeways, I get 38 mpg on regular gas. The 6 speed manual is so smooth.

• 

  Love My Saab - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By Erica Blum - January 21 - 2:00 am

  This is the second Saab that I have owned. I love to drive it and I love the way it handles.

• 

  The BEST european sport sedan under 35k - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Juanjo - January 8 - 10:00 am

  Absolutley the best sport sedan on the market, far superior than AUDI A4 and BMW 3 series; VOLO S60 doesnt even come close to this car really a jewel

• 

  All is well in Sweden - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By jupp-shannon - January 5 - 10:00 am

  Exterior styling looks extremely sleek from previous year. The interior is extremely comfortable and attractive. Controls are layed out nicely. The mounted steering stero controls are an added bonus. Rear cargo space is ample. Steering and handling is extremely agile and fun to drive. Smooth and quiet at freeway speeds.

• 

  One year mark - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By scj - January 5 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding 1st year. Have owned Audi Mercedes, BMW, Porsche, Volvo, Acura in the past. Saab 9-3 represented the best value when we went for a new car in August 03. Car has lived up to expectations. The car has the right amount of torque for daily driving. It is pleasant and smooth with adequate power when pressed. The Linear is a nice balance of riding comfort and handling agility (only my Porsche handled better). The car is one of the safest ever built (refer to crashtest.com for testing done worldwide).

• 

  Black Turbo Powered Beauty - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By chiroprincess - January 1 - 9:16 pm

  This car is FAST for a wagon and SAFE. Its a very sturdy, solid car being quite able to zip up a steep hill without a problem. I also love the design. Several times strangers on the street have commented to me how good looking this car is! Im also impressed how roomy the back is. I can get my large bike right in w/ the back seats down. I also like the low profile of the rear floor easy to get things (including our dog) in & out. I have had some oil leak problems and several hoses that have gone bad in the past few years, but considering it is now 8 yrs old not too bad in repair terms. I just test drove a 04 Volvo wagon and I have to say that I still like my Saab way more!