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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  A distinct vehicle - 2007 Saab 9-5
  By aubrey - January 2 - 3:46 am

  Totally enjoy the vehicle after going through two BMWs. The handling is terrific and I am totally surprised at the mileage - 21 city and 30 to 33 on highway. It has more than adequate power and rides nicely. Could improve on the cup holder. Add one. A distinct looking vehicle, particularly in black.

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  Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By jpn207 - January 1 - 10:20 pm

  This car had two personalities. It was easily one of the best handling road cars in any situation or condition that I have ever driven. On the highway the car was a dream, getting over 31 mpg and so smooth that the only thing that prevented me from getting tickets was the speed alarm that I set for 90 MPH. HOWEVER, the service record was abysmal. The car was in the shop 44 times in 24 months. Most problems were computer related (mechanically the car is very sound). Eventually the people at the dealership found a broken wire in the wiring harness underneath the battery that was causing the car to break down. If you buy one of the 03s you should get friendly with your service techs!

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  My Little black Dress that i just can help but love - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By osvsct - January 1 - 1:45 am

  Well to start of it is a 2001 Saab Viggen and i adore this car. Yes as with most cars stuff has broken or has gone wrong but nothing that if u know how to use the internet can easy be fixed for a cheaper price. well this is my Second Saab 9-3 and my first Viggen. I love the car for its low stance its after market rims and the most important that tiny coke bottle displacement engine with its shop vac sized turbo. I dont drive it hard cuz it gets noticed more going low and slow witch is what i like (less speeding tickets) but out on the high was its stable, flat and has more than ample power for passing. but like all Turbo engines the best bet is to change your oil every 4000km with synthetic

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  Fast - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By xian - December 30 - 2:00 am

  This car is great. I leased this car with the all the options they were offering, sans the 17 inch wheels (I have the 16s). This is really sharp. The manual didnt quite match up with the CD changer, and the OnStar was not ready when I picked up my 9-3 (the dealer told me the software was not ready). So far, for my first Saab, its been great.

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  9-5 Saab Owner Review - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By vtliving - December 29 - 4:43 am

  I have owned and driven Saab vehicles for decades. From the Saab 900 to this current model - the 9-5 sedan. This is the best built and best handling Saab I have ever owned. The GM marriage seems to have improved overall quality in several key areas; climate control for one - now first rate quality. This car is roomy, responsive and fun to drive. The Front wheel drive and traction control make this vehicle exceptional in snow and winter driving conditions. I put on four studded snow tires and can safely go where ANY 4x4 can travel, up mountain roads and through ice and snow covered terrain.

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  Shame on GM - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By Saad_Saab - December 27 - 7:10 pm

  My initial love affair with this car has gone cold. Ive had this car almost 1 year, bought it as Certified Pre Owned, and it is bordering on qualifying as a lemon. Ten trips to the dealership, mostly for brake related problems (noise, vibration, ABS/TCS lights coming on). My nearest dealership is 100+ miles away, so major inconvenience. Today, check engine light came on, a week after getting it back from the shop. Typical story. In the cars defense, a lot of the trips are due to dealership/mechanic incompetence, but isnt that part of the package? I only recommend a 9-5 if you live near a dealership and they supply loaners, and you get extended warranty.

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  Absolutely awesome - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By NHsaabguy - December 27 - 1:36 pm

  I just bought this car about 4 days ago and I couldnt be more happy. I looked at a 328xi, the C280, and the A4. When I drove the 60th anniversary edition Saab 9-3, I was immediately impressed. Its curves and sporty styling cues gave it the edge in the styling department but what I enjoyed most was how it drove. I fell in love with the turbo power and torque that allows this car to launch, especially when you are already going 40+ mph.

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  Great Value - 2005 Saab 9-7X
  By Mike - December 24 - 11:13 pm

  Driving between 35,000 & 45,000 per year, I am in & out of vehicles more often. Ive been searching for several months, but nothing struck me. Even though it is on a GM platform, the 9-7X is nothing like one. Perfect vehicle for one who is on the road for a living. Very confortable, user friendly, and suprisingly fuel efficient. The 9-7Xis priced right in comparision to its competitors....The 3 year (36,000 mi) free scheduled maintenance sweetens the deal. Highly reccomend this vehicle..

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  2005 Saab - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Russ - December 23 - 7:00 am

  I just purchased an 05 Saab Linear. I am really pleased with sporty look and power the turbo produces. Whats great about this vehicle is the gas mileage. It says 30 on the highway, but its actually 36. I get 27 in the city. Great vehicle!

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  Very Impressed! - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By mjbcl1 - December 21 - 6:46 am

  Never having owned a Saab before, I was a little apprehensive at first. That is, until I got behind the wheel! the performance is captivating and the drive is a whole lot quieter than expected (via other reviews on other websites). Fuel economy is fair to well in city driving and terrific on hwy. I love the interior gadgets and ability to connect my iPod. Weve had it for over a month now and I continue to be impressed with every aspect of this vehicle. Sound system is terrific and the power moonroof is an absolute MUST!