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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  A lemon? - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Saab-ing in NJ - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Are computer glitches common with this car? I loved my new Arc -- until day 2 of owning it, when I had to have it towed in because of a computer glitch that made the car barely move when accelerating from a stop. Ill never feel safe again, because Im afraid of the next computer failure. And safety was a big part of why I chose this car!

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  Functional SUV Alternative - 2006 Saab 9-2X
  By pgh92x - December 31 - 11:30 pm

  The car itself is sporty and gas mileage is good for an AWD. The AWD performs well in the snow but soft-roading is made a little more exciting by the vehicles light weight and lack of stability control. In deep mud and snow I have never felt at threat of getting stuck. Overall it is fun to drive and inspires confidence. The 9-2x has all the cargo space and flexibility of a compact suv but feels adequate rather not ample in passenger space. This car would not likely be optimal as a family hauler for more than 4. The interior is sporty if austere and I found that Subaru after-market parts helped round out the options and upgrades. The leather helps solidify the upscale feel

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  2002 Saab 9-5 linear - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By alex205 - December 19 - 10:45 pm

  They are brilliant cars if you maintain them well! one of the 2 things that let you down is the Ignition coil which needs to be replace every 7-9 year of normal driving. And the other thing is the water pump that need to be replaced every 10 years or it will break and jam the timing belt and stop your engine. after 8-10 years you will notice a small oil leakage its okay dont worry its the head gasket thats all but you must fi it as soon as possible cause the oil might catch fire! Saabs run better in cold weather than middle east countries!

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  Great Engine / so so suspension - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By halby - December 17 - 10:00 am

  Im 2.5 years into my 3 year lease. Overall, I think this car is a good value compared to its price range like v6 Accords and Camrys. Very versatile with the hatch. Initial quality was good and Ive had no major maintenance issues. The power is great when at full boost in 2nd and 3rd gear. Torque steer, understeer, excessive body lean, and a lack of chassis rigidity hamper this car.

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  Details, details, details!!! - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By CMC - December 14 - 9:16 pm

  Bought used in 08 w/20k miles. Has everything but nav. After 16k miles/12 months, car feels like development stopped at 85%. All the pieces are there, just not fine-tuned the last 15%. Strong drivetrain performance (2.0t w/5-speed auto), but average gas mileage (mid-20s on highway). Steering is light/fast, but ominous popping/clicking noises from front end when turning at low speed. Smooth road ride is exemplary; rough road ride is jittery/harsh. Seats are comfortable/durable; rest of interior has too much brittle plastic. HVAC/radio too button-intensive. Interior squeaks and rattles are starting. Well-designed conceptually, but execution lacking. Resale value plummeting even after 3 years.

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  2003 9-3 Linear - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Larry DeVivo - December 14 - 5:16 am

  As a life long Saab driver, I can only say I am extremely disappointed in this vehicle. I have been in the repair shop 18 times over 3 years and have not been satisfied that any resolution is in sight with newer models. On a positive note, the handling is fun & what you would expect from Saab. The fuel economy has been good. If not for the repeatedly ridiculous problems from a supposed new car, I would not be writing such a harsh review. I am actually looking at buying a different vehicle for the first time in my life... one that does not need the constant work this car has needed. If I wasnt replacing the wiper motor this week ( 2nd time), I could go shopping!

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  Why did I wait so long to buy it? - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By C-ville Saab - December 12 - 12:36 am

  After owning 4 Saturns in the past 13 years I switched brands and bought a 2005 Saab 9-3 Arc. The sales transaction was as stress-free as any of the Saturn transactions and the final price was better than I had expected. The Saab is a beauty to look at and a hoot to drive. I thought that my 2003 L300 handled well, but not compared to the 9-3. It is quick, agile and smooth. I have a 15 mile daily commute through the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the 9-3 accelerates freely and handles the curves with no discernible body lean. I can point the car into fast sweepers early and it powers through with very little understeering. My only question is, "Why did I wait so long to buy it?"

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  Great car - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By GJP - November 28 - 10:36 am

  Very nice clean interior. Runs very well on the highway. If you drive in a lot in traffic, get the auto. It also has great a/c. The more options you get, the more confusing the driver controls become but for 07 they have simplified everything with a new dash and radio. The car gets better mpg than its rated mpg on the highway. Great all around car.

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  Improved WRX, more affordable than WRX - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By b_thunder - November 23 - 7:26 am

  Its a great wagon - speed, handling, AWD traction and cargo space in one classy package. And a lot of fun to drive. It does suffer from turbo lag and has average at best fuel economy. Nevertheless, this car (IMHO) not only looks better that WRX, but it is overall a better car. Considering current GM rebates and other discounts, it can be had for a lot less than 2005 WRX wagon which makes 9-2x Aero an excellent value.

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  My New Saabaru! - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Craggar - November 22 - 11:10 am

  If Beauty is only skin deep, this is the car it drives! Saab did a good job on the exterior styling, but underneath it all is a good ol dependable Subaru. Interior trim is definitely econo-grade. I agree - this car is FUN to drive! The engine likes to rev, pulls strong from 3K on up to redline. Not much low-end torque. The 5-spd shifter is a bit notchy, but Im getting used to it. AWD is great. No wheel spins in the Florida rain, you just GO. Fantastic brakes. One last thing - HEY SAAB, please fire the product manager and interior designer who picked the "parchment" seat color and dont hire them back until they can get coffee, ketchup and mud stains out of that fabric!