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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  Beauty for the beast - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By beemboy - July 15 - 4:06 pm

  Anyone up for a Subaru entree with Saab spices? I was, and its delicious! The 9-2x Aero combines the practicality of a wagon (great for carting small- to medium-sized dogs, for example, or camping gear), the thrills of a turbo engine (it will put a silly grin on your face that you cannot wipe off), and the safety of all-wheel-drive with ABS and a limited slip differential. The turbo characteristics have been refined, so you wont necessarily take off like a Tasmanian devil at 3000RPM. The shifter is notchy and can definitely be improved. Seats are decent, and the two-tone interior is nice. Road noise is acceptable, but more than the Jetta I owned. In all, a practical car that spells F-U-N.

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  Great - 1996 Saab 900
  By Ryan - July 12 - 2:40 am

  Great car, bought it in WI, and drove it 2500 miles back home with no problems at all, i bought it with 128k miles, this car will last forever as long as you maintain it, i do an oil change every other month, trans fluid change once a year, constantly check the fluids, coolant, oil level and brake fluid. Ive also installed 18inch rims on it, and wow it looks great, ive installed a stereo system, with an amp and subs, i put a strait pipe, with a custom muffler in and got rid of all those stupid flex pipes, i recharged the ac, great car. the two bad things ive noticed are: the "check engine light is always on, and when i put it in reverse the front park lights come on.

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  I drove them crazy! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By AudioMike - July 11 - 10:00 am

  After driving the A4, 325Xi, and S60 I hopped into my first Saab, the 2003 Arc and drove out of the dealership. I had a smile on my face before it shifted to 2nd gear. The display in the center of the dash tells everything needed and is unobtrusive. Took it out to the twisty roads to discover that this is the Best handling FWD I have ever sat in. The feel, ride quality and overall composure of this car is phenomenal. When I took it back I decided to try the Linear and was shocked to find about the same car with less frills. Still very torquey and smiling all the way. Now I know why they say most buy that try.

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  The Best Ever - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By Copy - July 10 - 3:36 pm

  I was a little reluctant to get the new Saab (back in 2000) but something made me to for 3 years later. This convertible is the best ever. In California never Had a problem. It is amazing how fast you can pass any car with the turbo. Even in California this car is an icon and everyone watches you pass. I am proud I made the best decision.

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  Awesome Car!! - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By NEPASaab - July 9 - 4:23 am

  Ive owned my 9-3 for exactly one year, just hit 32k miles, and i love it just as much as the day i got it. I picked my silver 9-3 over an Accord, Legacy, TSX, S40, and Mercury Milan. I purchased the car used/ certified with 20k miles on it from a local Saab dealer. Some have mentioned that Saabs arent common however where i live they are very popular due to the dealers rapport with its customers. The car is a wonderful value and theres very few, if any, cars in this segment that compare. The car is a blast to drive has great fuel economy, and i love the styling both inside and out. I treat this car better than most treat their kids and it loves me back just as much.

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  1st month of ownership - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By Fernando - July 8 - 8:16 pm

  I have own my 2008 9-3 for a month now, driven it both city and on twisty highways in coastal California from San Diego to Santa Barbara. Overall, I am very pleased with the car: great ride, amazing in the highway when the car settles and just lets you enjoy the ride. Based on other written reviews on line, I was concerned a bit about apparent manual shifter long throws and comments about interior built quality: my concerns disappeared once I got the car and started to drive it. 6 speed manual transmission works just fine, and clutch is great too. In sum, so far this car makes me smile every time I drive it.

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  Smooth, fun and safe - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By Autoenthusiast - July 8 - 12:46 am

  My 5yr old nephew was impressed and loved the car because it looked like "a plane" from the outside and inside. My 3rd Saab(from: 900, 9-3SE, now 02 9- 5Linear) and have been very happy most especially the 9-5. Great space (hauled a love seat), lots of standard features that are still optional in some cars 6yrs later (side airbags, ESP, 5-spd auto tran, glovebox cooler, Trip-comp, dual sun-visors, Harmon-Kardon etc.) Safe - a fist-sized rock hit windshield 2x/2occasions and only a small chip, rear-ended by an Explorer and no damage (Explorer bumpers bent and caved-in). Great in long-drives, very peppy and quite! The Aero would have been exhilirating. Plan 2 keep it until 1M miles!

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  New Wagon - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Chris - July 7 - 6:53 pm

  My wife and I were looking for a sporty station wagon. While we liked the BMW 3 wagon, no way was it worth $10K more. I thought the Saab was more fun to drive – turns out it weighs 500 lbs less with the same power. The car really feels tight and quick. The Saab quirks like the center console ignition give it character and separate it from the generic feel of the Japanese and American designs.

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  Fun Saab - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By Steve - July 7 - 4:10 pm

  I purchased a 9-3 anniversary model w/auto. If you are in the market for any type of car, compare it to a Saab. The car is fun to drive, feels very well built. Very, very quick. The anniversary package adds a lot of value. Compared this to a MB C230 and Lexus IS 250. It was no comparison when you compared fun to drive quotient, safety and price. What a fun great car!!!

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  Outstanding car for a great price! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By JMichaelG - July 4 - 1:56 pm

  The Saab 9-3 Sports Sedan is a great car. It is incredibly fun to drive and it gets excellent fuel economy. The interior design is very good. Leather appointed seats are standard and the seats are surprisingly comfortable. The audio system takes some time to get the hang of. The Saab has a sporty, stiff drive which makes driving an enjoyable experience. I will not buy a different type of car, my Saab is the greatest car I have ever owned.