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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  Great handling - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Avery - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Ive put a total of about 700 miles on this model. So far I can say the handling is excellent. The turbo is fun and zesty, really pulls an even amount of power from the small engine and makes it feel like a V6.

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  Saab did real good! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Detroit Diesel - August 18 - 2:00 am

  This car is great! Second Saab I have owned and this car kills the hatchback in every single category. smooth ride, handles nice, looks better than a BMW. This is the best new car you can buy for 30k. I looked at 3 series, a4, volvo, and a loaded Saab is the way to go.

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  20 years and getting better - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By normb359 - August 13 - 12:13 am

  This is my 5th Saab. I just have driven nothing but saabs since 1980. This car is by far the best yet. I am getting 30 mpg on hte highway and the preformance is great. Remembering this is a midsize car and not a sports car. Drives and handles very well.

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  Sweet car even for a guy in his late 30s - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Chris Mackey - August 12 - 8:40 pm

  Love the looks of this car. The rear hatch opens up and fits 6 bags of groceries easily. Automatic Aero off of the line is very slow until the turbo kicks in. Makes up for that as you accelerate from 35 MPH to 75MPH in a hurry. Suspension is perfect for me. Not too tight, but still corners like a stud. The stereo is merely adequate. Meets the needs of most people. Its clear Saab expects you to upgrade the system.

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  aircraft engineers rolling in graves - 2005 Saab 9-7X
  By JES - August 11 - 4:10 pm

  My father is one of the designers of the F-14 and is astounded when I tell him how badly this car performs.The jerk-feel when shifting gears.The ridiculous interior design with no space to put anything, the rear cargo space that does not lie flat with rear seats down. The terrible suspension, the inability to seal sound of air from inside car,the front bumper which popped off due to cheap plastic pins (bumpers cost min $1,250). The pulling out of alingment and told its normal. Blindspots, backing up you cant see a thing! Needs sensors. My Saab had water leak inside of it from rain. The dealer found out why in a release from one of many Saab does not give to owners. I waited for this car. What a waste!

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  Saab Story - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By mtnbound - August 10 - 4:33 pm

  I purchased this car used, in 2002 & I drive Orange County Ca for Sales. Vehicle performs as a Saab should, however I am disappointed by maintenance. Replaced all 4 power windows within the first year, due to a plastic connector breaking, that has no replacement part available At $500/window, not good. SID display replaced in "04. Switched to synthetic oil in "04, seems to start better, run quieter, did not help mileage (24-26) on average. Also had to replace radiator in vehicle in december of 2005. Replaced struts and disc brake rotors, but that is expected with a car of this age. Braking and handling excellent. Love the climate control, but had to replace compressor.

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  Mixed Feelings - Saab Enthusiast - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By TrollHattanINsf - August 10 - 10:40 am

  While I am a SAAB enthusiast, I have been less than enthusiastic with this car. When purchased, the vehicle was in good condition and looked over in Denver. However, within months I was repairing. Some cosmetic - totally my prerogative, and others necessary. Heres the necessaries: 1. Fog lamps cracked on the highway - design flaw of glass with no protection. These are $200/ea 2. Water Pump + hosing 3. Serpentine belts 4. Multiple headlamp halogens & multiple brake pad sets (I drive 5600/yr) 5. Engine Mts., Trans. Mounts 6. Front Wheel Bearings (under 70K) 7. Window motors + mechanism 8. Hydraulics for the top 9. SID re-manufactured 10. Mass Airflow meter It feels like a $$ pit.

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  Back to Saab - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By SAAB 4 Life - August 8 - 8:50 pm

  This is a fantastic car. As a owner of 2000 Saab (that I still have) I wanted to purchase another one just like it. After making a mistake and buying a VW Jetta 2.0 turbo that burns oil (look up vw oil consumption on any search engine) I went to a fantastic dealership in Florida (jacksonville) and picked up my Laser Red 93. I am getting 33 mpg with 4 people and a trunk full of luggage running 80+. Cant say enough about this car. Its just like the old one fast, reliable, smooth. I could go on and on.

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  My fifth saab - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Brannen - August 8 - 6:50 pm

  Fast for a Saab new 6 speed auto is great. New duel exhaust sounds good. Need to see 1/4 mile time for this car with normal test temps not in the middle of a desert like Car and Driver tested this car two mo ago and gave a very poor review. This is my 5th Saab and my third Aero. Drive it and you will buy it! When the dealer delivers the car, do not use harsh wheel cleaner on Wheels as this discolors the break calipers. D

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  No Saab story - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By kirbster - August 8 - 4:46 am

  I purchased a new Saab 9-3 recently and all I can say is, why didnt I buy one of these along time ago. This car is everything it says it is and more. I drive 35 miles to and from work each day. At 75 mph, I get 34 mpg at 80 mph I get 32 mpg. I tried to do 70 mph but just couldnt, it was just too much fun going faster. The turbo acceleration is a blast. Going from 60 to 100 only takes about 5 seconds. As you can tell, Im in love with this car. Just drive one.