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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  Do research before you buy one! - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Taylor Gray - May 30 - 8:53 am

  Loved the car. Had every option that cars do now except nav system. Even had 6-speed manual! Had MANY problems. It was always driven on the highway and taken care of so it was about the quality of the materials. I had to replace lower left ball joint, both struts (and mounts), springs, the entire car computer, rain sensor, radio, seatbelt, & ignition. Dont get me wrong the car was a great car but I am a college student and it was difficult to pay for repairs. I suggest not buying one unless you plan to have repair bills & you KNOW you CAN pay them. Saabs going out of business & the company is only required to make parts 10 years after the car was made. Plan on not finding any parts by 13.

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  Love my Saab - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By skm95t - May 29 - 10:53 am

  Ive had this a week and our family loves our Saab. My 4 yr old always ask "Can we ride in the red car with the top down". The car gets pretty good gas mileage, its quick and agile around town and on the highway. The 2.0T is more than enough power. The back seat is big enough to put our car seat in backwards, and our 4 yr old has plenty of room for many years. Adults can easily sit back there. The power roof works great. The stereo, A/C, and all the other instruments are easy to use.

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  2000 Saab 9-3 Hatchback Auto - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By myhooptie - May 25 - 5:13 pm

  Over all the car was great for what I needed it for. Had a lot of problems with the front wheel hub and bearing assembly. I had to replace the same wheel hub twice in less than 10,000 miles. I am pretty sure that all of them were going bad and i only had 160000 miles on it and the fuel pump went out on me. I also had to change out the radiator before 150000 mile. There was a problem with the driver seatbelt which made me want to get rid of it. I thought that because it was not american built that i would get at least 200000 miles out of it. Not even close. This car was not built for car seats at all. My kid tried to put his car seat up front

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  Brakes!!!!!!!! - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Jurynotout - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I definitely enjoy driving this car, until I have to slow down or stop it. The brakes have been horrible from day one. They have "roared" and/or "squeaked" since I purchased the car. It is has been in the shop three times already. Also, the radio sometimes just goes out after starting my car. Only a high pitch sound remains. Overall: If they get the brakes working properly then I will like it. Currently, not so impressed with this car! Thinking I should have went with the BMW or Lexus.

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  Very Happy - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By luvmysaab - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Bought a 9-3 two months ago on a semi- whim (I was originally going for an SUV) and am so glad I did. Went to the dealer for fun and was blown away by the looks (both interior and exterior) of the Saab - was so much more attracted to it than the A4, 3-series, TSX, etc. Test drove both linear and arc, the latter had noticably better power. Pretty much just feel in love with it.

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  Best Entry-Level Car for the Money - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By Seattle Saabster - May 24 - 8:03 am

  I was looking for a car that was sporty, reliable, and had good gas mileage for my 40 mile r/t commute. I considered several cars at the <$30K price range, but was attracted to Saabs rebate incentive and my having owned Saabs for the past 20+ years. For the price, you cant get a better entry-level luxury car that equals the 9-3 SportCombi in performance, fuel econonmy, safety, standard features (leather, etc.) and practicality (cargo room, etc.). The SportCombi does not disappoint. The 6-spd manual (hard to find) is fun to drive, and Ive been impressed with the 33 mpg Im receiving on the highway.

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  9-5 Fun to drive - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By 95leaser - May 22 - 10:00 am

  This is the second 9-5 for me, having bought another (V-6 SE) just 2 years ago. Fun to drive, excellent value (at year-end closeout) including scheduled maintenance, gap insurance and first year of OnStar free. What more could you ask for in a well-engineered car!

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  Great car - 1996 Saab 900
  By cj - May 19 - 10:56 pm

  It being my first car I am very new to the whole car scene but for an entry level Saab it is nothing less than what I hoped for. The pickup and speed on the vehicle are tremendous. The sound system has been great. I just added subs to it and it made it even better. Overall it is a great vehicle. I was lucky that when I bought it had only 22,000 miles on it and it is a great car.

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  Great car - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By NThomson - May 19 - 11:06 am

  Bought second hand from a relative who bought it new. - Great acceleration and handling - moderate torque steer. - Parts are not cheap - Good fuel economy if you keep it out of turbo range. - High depreciation which makes it economical to buy second hand. - Ergonomics: (wife) not enough cup holders and hard to reach the ones that are there. - No armrests

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  great car - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By tboccell - May 19 - 3:53 am

  So far, a great car. Had one recall with with the hand brake, but the dealership brought out a tow truck and fixed the problem for free. The turbo is great... love the turbo meter. Comfortable car for its small size. We sometimes use the car to fit the entire family of five... but beyond local commutes, stick with a large sedan or SUV, if you can afford the gas. The butterfly cup holder is pretty cool and 100x more useful then the one in my 2001 540i. The car is sporty, fun, and has never spent more then the alloted time at the dealership. Great car!