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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  Good for a passionate car lover. - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By matt_beckman - August 6 - 5:59 pm

  After driving 3 Saabs, a 2005, 2006 9.3 Turbo, and a 2003 9.5 Aero It is clear that Saabs are cars to be pampered and taken well care of. If you are looking for a reliable car with as little maintenance as possible this is not the car for you. Your better of with a Toyota. You will get what you give with Saab and the car is good for someone who enjoys taking care of cars as a passion and DOES NOT mind putting in an extra dollar to keep their jem running at top quality. For about $4500 the 2003 Areo is about the best sports car you can get for the price and after regular maintenance you can expect quick acceleration, good gas mileage, and an all over all smooth, stylish, and luxurious ride.

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  I love my ARC - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Potamus - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! Its so much fun to drive - handles like a dream! So much fun that the stability control has already kicked in once (oops!). Edmunds said it didnt have enough power - they are very WRONG - it has more than enough - especially with the sport feature. The zenon lights are very cool, I like the dimming mirrors too. Once I got used to it, I liked the back-up sensor. I feel very safe and it is a quiet ride. Overall though it rates a 9.9 out of 10!

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  Best In Class - 2008 Saab 9-7X
  By R.K. Bush - August 5 - 10:00 am

  Although built on the same platform as the Chevy Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Olds Bravada, Buick Rainier and Isuzu Ascender, this vehicle tops them all. The superior suspension alone (unique to the Saab) sets it apart in terms of ride. It is quieter, handles better and is nicer inside than the others (Ive test-driven both the Envoy Denali and the Rainier). It looks better, too. Saab got it right!

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  Oh my - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By johnstone48 - August 4 - 11:56 pm

  Good looking. Nice lines. Horrible electrical system. Just had to get seatbelt replaced for $675. Are you kidding me? My first and last Saab. Too many bothersome electrical problems such as sunroof, saab infotainment, security system, etc. Its a shame because its a great looking car but the little issues keep me from coming back.

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  Fine car but not bullet proof - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By Robert Green - August 2 - 8:00 am

  My wife is the primary driver, but weve both logged enough miles to form an opinion. First, the good: handling, acceleration, brakes, ride comfort. Looks good in an understated way from all angles. Love that tight turning circle. Wife loves the turbo boost, cargo space and six-way seat. 26-28 mpg with manual transmission. The midnight blue, she found, is not invisible to police radar however. The not so good: ABS and water pumps failed, some headlight relay issues, rear ABS sensor/hub replaced. All under warranty. Road noise a bit high with Pirellis and replacement Bridgestone Potenzas. On balance were aiming for 200K, but expect it will not be a cheap ride.

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  Saab 95 Arc wagon - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By momn8r - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive. Great pick up. As much fun to drive as my old Infinti I30. OnStar is no longer a standard feature as the 2003 model. The audio has that Delco sound.The whistle sounds when the keyless remote functions are acivated are obnoxious. Alarmed when "add coolant" flashed on the SID (Saab Info Display) after only 372 miles and three days after delivery. I was in the desert and there is a dealer about 20 miles from our place. the dealer attributed the warning to a possible air pocket in the line that displaced the coolant level indicator. No other problems after two weeks and 1800 miles.

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  hmo dentist wifes - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By calhoun - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Once you get used to it you realize it is not pleasant driving as there is no ergonomic considerations for the driver. The seat is hard and one must contort to press the gas pedal, with the drivers seat aimed at the left fron wheel and the gas pedal crammed against the transmission tunnel. oh yes, the seat is hard and doesnt soften any with use. In acceleration the tires break loose from the pavement due to undersized rims. In cornering... you think of a ride at Six Flags. The stock sound system is just adequate. First gear is too short and over revs, once the turbo lag kicks in.

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  Fast comfortable sedan - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By tedsmith944 - July 26 - 5:46 pm

  Just bought this 2002 Saab 9-5 Aero sedan. Went with the 5-speed manual. This car is very, very fast at cruising speeds and is the perfect highway passing vehicle. Torque steer and turbo lag are noticeable when driving around town. I really like the Xenons as this is my first car with that type of lighting. As an engineer, I am attracted to the engine technology; 250hp/258lb-ft is mighty impressive from 2.3 liters of displacement. Furthermore, the engine management and gearing allow me to get great gas mileage. Also, I wanted something that you dont see everyday, so the Saab is way cooler than a 330i (for example) in that respect. Overall, I am very happy.

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  Fast comfortable sedan - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By tedsmith944 - July 26 - 2:26 pm

  Just bought this 2002 Saab 9-5 Aero sedan. Went with the 5-speed manual. This car is very, very fast at cruising speeds and is the perfect highway passing vehicle. Torque steer and turbo lag are noticeable when driving around town. I really like the Xenons as this is my first car with that type of lighting. As an engineer, I am attracted to the engine technology; 250hp/258lb-ft is mighty impressive from 2.3 liters of displacement. Furthermore, the engine management and gearing allow me to get great gas mileage. Also, I wanted something that you dont see everyday, so the Saab is way cooler than a 330i (for example) in that respect. Overall, I am very happy.

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  Excellent chocie for comfort, fun, price - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By PattyK - July 26 - 2:00 am

  We are extremely satisfied with our SAAB. Considering trading in our other vehicle to get a second SAAB