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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  Saabs Back! - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Greg Waldron - October 19 - 2:00 am

  A very quick and responsive car - great fun to drive. Drives more like an Audi or BMW than a Saab - its completely lost that old "rubbery, tippy" sensation. Feels a bit "tinny" compared to the Germans, though. Perhaps this is a result of being built on GMs new "world car" platform. The engine is pure Saab Turbo - a great motor! Saab are closing the performance sedan gap with the Germans - they are closing in on best-in-class with this model and with the current price differential against the the Audi A4 3.0 and BMW 330 its a good value.

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  Worst Car Ever Owned - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By cdukes1984 - October 18 - 10:10 am

  Please dont buy one of these cars!! It looks great and performs like a Saab should but something is always broken. Transmission and radiator went out @ 43k and now the check engine light is on @ 46k ($900 repair). I worry about if I will make it to work everyday.

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  Best Car I Ever Owned - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Dian - October 16 - 4:46 am

  This vehicle is by far the best Ive ever owned. The only things that could top it would be if it had the V6 turbo engine. It is not as common as the BMW which every other person seems to drive here, so you are more unique when on the road. Unfortunately for me, I have to sell it as I am moving overseas and left hand drive cars are not allowed there. When I return, I will pick up the latest model via the European Delivery Program so I can once again enjoy the thrill of the Saab Aero convertible. It is great to drive.

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  2002 SAAB 9-3 - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By elle1 - October 8 - 10:00 am

  A good, reliable car all around. However, a very creaky, noisy car. It sounds like Im driving a taxi cab. Lots of rattles. Had to take the car in to the dealership several times to fix a rattle in the back seat. Finally they were able to fix it after the third try. Turned out it was a bolt that the factory hadnt tightened. Performance wise its been great. However, already had to replace my breaks two years into my lease. Love the Turbo button. I had a Cadillac before and the Saab, though premium, definitely doesnt have the bells and whistles the Cadillac had.

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  Very SAFE Car! - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By SafeSAAB - October 6 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 9-5 used after trading in a BMW. A few weeks ago I was cut off by a moron and impacted the vehicle at over 45mph. Both airbags deployed. My child was in his carseat in the back. The accident as extremely violent and when I opened my eyes I expected serious injuries to all 4 passengers. The Saab held up very well despite being totalled. No one was seriously injured which is a testament to the superb design and solid construction of this car. I am getting another!

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  Cant wait to give it back! - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By Washout - October 6 - 2:00 am

  When I 1st leased this car I thought Id grow to love it. Now I cant wait to turn it in. Initial build quality was not good. Panels popped up and burnt out bulbs. Handling was fine and the interior was comfy and well laid-out. In the 2 years Ive had it Ive had mysterious display problems, many more burnt out bulbs and incredibly crappy gas mileage. Exterior styling and finish is not aging well. It makes me glad my lease was only 3 years.Its VERY pokey off the line, with power only at freeway speeds. Extremely annoying.

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  The Aero Soars - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By hr_consultant - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my 02 Aero for 6 months and I have not had one problem with it. Ive not experienced any turbo lag at any speed, as a matter of fact, there is torque in every gear. Saab has included ESP (electronic Stability Program) that virtually eliminates torque steer. I have to be careful, Im generally way over the freeway speed by the time I shift into fourth! Unique look and feel, I always get lots of positive feedback when anyone asks about the car. After all that cool technical stuff, one of the things that gets the biggest reaction is when the cupholder opens, go figure.

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  Great convertible - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Rich - September 30 - 12:03 am

  We bought our 93 2.0 turbo 4 cyl standard transmission convertible used with 33,000 miles 2 months ago. The previous owner kept it in excellent condition and I think we got a terrific price at less than 1/2 of its original price. The car is solid, the doors are heavy, outside noise is minimal and the road noise is less than our Volvo S60. The stick shift is smooth and the steering tracks very tight with minimal lean in the turns. The top is a marvel to watch and is water tight while driving. The trunk space is flexible so if you need more space put up the top. I am 62" and I can fit in the back seat fine. The seats are more comfortable than our previous Mercedes.

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  have had some issues... but overall a good car with good MPG and fun to drive. if could go back in time would probably of gotten something else however. - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By nccaitlin - September 29 - 11:57 am

  I have had this car for a year now. I bought with 52k miles and have put 20k on it since. I have had a few issues with it so far - drivers side mirror piece fell off and had to be glued back on - back window wasnt working --> $200 -other back window stopped working - have had to change bulbs in headlights 2x already -error messages -> traction control/stability/immobilizer failure (after jumping battery it did not want to start and went haywire for a while before starting) - A/C blower locked up and had to be released and oiled up - Car wash knocked off antenna cover However this car is pretty fun to drive and no major mechanical issues. Great MPG over 40 often. Lost 2k in value already.

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  It is not our problem! - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By Debra M Fish - September 24 - 10:00 am

  Front toe setting was off from the beginning & the car pulled to the right. The dealer could only modify it slightly. By that point, the front tires were worn so badly they had to be replaced. The follow have had to be replaced:At least 6 key remotes, rear shocks, throttle body, digital display, ignition module.On a snowy day, the parking brake would not release & warning lights lite up. After sitting in the dealers heated garage all night, the car was fine. The hypothesis my service adviser had was that some part of the braking apparatus had frozen & needed to thaw. Saabs only response:As cars age, items simply have to be replaced.