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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  My Lemon Saab - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Pam - May 17 - 9:03 pm

  I am very disappointed...My Saab 9-3 ARC has been in repair 8 times in 1 year, computer and windows, have never worked properly. Im not sure if I should file a complaint or just take the loss and trade-in. Yes, I have driven 38000 miles in 1 year.

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  Expensive to keep - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By Disa - April 24 - 2:20 am

  Saw the price list for Service at the Dealership. Will sell this car after the free service. Charging close to $1000.00 for a major service. And charges of $480 for minor service. That is pretty steep to change oil and fuilds on minor service and that does not include pads on brakes or belts and timing chains. You will pay for all the free service before. Not worth the car.

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  Dont think the dealer should know my name - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By Frank - April 18 - 6:13 pm

  This car is a nice cheap option used and comes with a nice warranty. Once the warranty expires GET RID OF THE CAR! Car currently needs $5000 worth of repairs (head gasket, rear main seal and abs module). What a hunk of garbage! DO NOT BUY A SAAB, spend the extra few grand and get a Honda, Toyota or Nissan. The dealer knows, my name, my wifes name and my kids names. Unfortunately I also have a Saab 95 wagon. Cant wait to get rid of that either. GARBAGE CAR!!!! If they are born from Jets, then I am done flying!

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  More of the same - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Bueller - April 17 - 5:26 am

  Similar to other reviews, Ive had numerous electrical and mechanical issues since purchasing the car 4 years ago. The HVAC blower has been looked at and fixed 5 times now. Window motor replaced. Fading door handles replaced. Interior finishes now chipping off. Hood Saab emblem is cracked and deteriorating. Excess brake dust.

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  Terrible smell - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By Jay Simon - March 28 - 10:00 am

  I leased my Saab new in Nov. 2000. Ever since I brought the car home it has emitted a sulfur smell from the catalytic converter. The Saab service department told me to change gas brand and octanes and that the problem would clear up after 6000 miles. Then they said 10,000. I did everything they suggested and nothing helps. I cant even open the windows. The smell of sulfur makes you sick. But, what makes it worse is Saabs refusal to fix the problem. I was told by the dealership mechanic that they wouldnt do anything for me.

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  Its Criminal - Worst car decision - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By 21blackjacklarry - March 11 - 2:40 am

  Best car to drive IÂ’ve had in my 45 years but notoriously unreliable. ItÂ’s too late for me. My only hope in posting is the satisfaction I get in saving another person the aggravation and expense of owning this beast. I was the sole owner, of a 2003 9-3 Linear. 50K after 5 years, and $2,475 in repairs since 9/07 including both front window regulators, O2 sensor, cabin temp. control malfunction, back door latch malfunction. Add these to the list of failures including radio volume control, sunroof malfunction, headlight assembly and 4 recalls, among others. This is more than a shame. This is downright criminal that an auto manufacturer of a $30K + vehicle

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  Last Saab Owner - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By Scott - January 3 - 3:26 am

  Great car to drive but when it runs. Without a doubt the least dependable car Ive ever owned (including a Chevette in college). 52,000 miles and Ive replaced the turbo twice, two oil leaks, digital dash display and the front left wheel bearing. Now, it wont start-jury still out as to why. I bought this car $12k under MSRP new and 3 years into a 5 year note Im still $3k upside down. It seems many people know not to buy this car reflected by its resale, or lack there of. Maybe its the 6-cyl as Saab quite making it. My Saab experience has been unbelievably poor to say the least. RUN!