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:

• 

  2006 Saab 9-5 - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By Saab #3 - October 30 - 11:40 pm

  Love driving this car... it is my 3rd saab and they all have been quality, unique cars. I still have not seen another one on the highway... its good not to own the cookie-cutter vehicles all the time. Only negative note is why cant saab make a car with a couple of useable drink-holders?

• 

  Great choice - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Socker - October 30 - 6:33 pm

  Was looking at BMW 3-series when I came across the new 9-3 aero...so glad I did! Amazing car to drive...so smooth and quiet on the road, with plenty of space inside for hauling people and things. Ive always had a liking of "unique" cars, and the Saab 9-3 is definitely a unique car. Its all the luxury and performance of a BMW or Audi, at a slightly lower price, and you can bet you wont see another one at every stop light!

• 

  Constant Repairs - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By Cubbie 6 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  The car is really fun to drive when it is drivable. We have only had the car for about a year and have only been able to drive it for half of that amount of time. It spends most of its time in a repair shop. Our friends have started to call our situation the Saab story. It really is a fun sporty little car but I just dont have the hundreds and hudreds of dollers to fix it every month.

• 

  Worst Excuse for a car! - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By KateBrandon - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Where do I begin? My friend and I were both looking for cars back in 99. I wound up with this piece of crap and he bought Volvos S80 T6 (twin turbo). The Saab has been so upsetting! His car has been great! My Saab, or should I say slob has had so many repairs. Having just over 65k miles I can remember the following: Engine leaks,transmission, electrical (sensors,computers,power windows twice,display blanked out), worst a/c of any car Ive owned- list goes on. My friends Volvo S80 T6 has been virtually trouble free and hes got over 80,000 miles now! His car is so much nicer to drive too and leaves my Saab in the dust! Ill never buy a Saab again!

• 

  Love the Car, Hate the Corporation - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By AJ in California - October 24 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Saab and I love the car -- especially the convertible which is sooo much fun to drive with the top down. Only drawback to owning the car: dealing with Saab Corporation! The car may have alot of "soul" but Saab Corporation clearly does NOT given my experience. This is one second time Saab owner who still loves Saab cars but am sorely disappointed by the company who clearly operates on "rules and regulations" (their exact words to me on the phone). Obviously, "profit" and not customer satisfaction reigns surpreme at Saab Corporation!

• 

  2004 9-5 aero wagon - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By Dan T - October 23 - 5:40 pm

  I was put-off by an older 9000 I owned before but was impressed the moment I got behind the wheel. Purchased this instead of a BMW wagon because of better interior space, much better mileage and impressive power.

• 

  doesnt dissapoint - 1996 Saab 900
  By tg240kmh - October 23 - 3:59 pm

  I bought my mothers 1996 Se with a turbo and what I can say in the beginning,I bought the car mostly because it was all i could afford.At first i didnt want to touch it.Right now its going through some problems.I recently had to by an alternator belt to bypass the a/c compressor.Im having to deal with lagging power due to broken exhaust studs(sad but true).My mom bought it with one hundred,sixty-seven thousand miles on a turned odometer from Plotty"s Auto Sales.Some miraculous sign.I have never seen the check engine light once.I have put a lot of time and money into her and I must say Im hitched on this company.The reviews put me on the spot to show my gratitude.Saabs are very reliable.

• 

  Aero Pleasure - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By AERO PLEASURE - October 23 - 3:10 pm

  I compared many cars before ultimately deciding on the 9-3 Aero V6. It would have cost me $5,000 more to buy a comparable car from another manufacturer. I was extremely pleased with the overall value I achieved, having purchased every available option and not breaking the $40K barrier. I have to say, the audio quality of the 300 watt stereo is disappointing & the navigation system is extremely poor! The navigation unit in a Honda Civic is far better! I understand that both the stereo and the navigation have been improved and this makes me wish I had waited to buy the 2007 model. I had a problem with the coolant system and after 6 service trips, I think it has finally been fixed!

• 

  I love my Saab - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By John - October 23 - 6:43 am

  Saabs get a bad rap for their interiors. I love the interior of mine. In my opinion the scandinavian/cockpit inspired styling beats BMW, Acura, and Audi. I get a zen like tranquility sitting in it. The outside styling is great too.

• 

  9-7x is a great luxury SUV - 2006 Saab 9-7X
  By JC - October 21 - 5:36 am

  I was looking for something to replace my troublesome Volvo XC90, which I liked, but had just way too many issues with. Since I own a 9-3 Sport Sedan, I took the Saab for a drive. I bought it the same day. After driving the X5 and Cayenne, the 9-7x is good competition for both, but provides a slightly more liveable ride while giving good handling response, better than in most SUVs. Cargo room is also better in the Saab, and while it doesnt have a third row, it gives second row passengers more room than those trying to cram in three rows of seats. The interior is also nicely finished, better than any recent GM product Ive been in. Its a great buy and I highly recommend it.