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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  First Time Saab Owner - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Deron - July 25 - 4:13 pm

  Waited a year for the V6 and so glad I did!! Power on demand, just press the gas and you are gone. Exterior styling is very sporty yet classy. Love the look of the Aero so much. Interior is first rate also. No cheap materials or cheap looking plastic. The leather seats are a dream! Driving is light on the steering, yet you feel the road. Steering response is quick and provides enough feedback without feeling it. Love the dash and the layout. DVD navigation is right on! Not a harsh ride at all and could actually be a bit tighter I think. Overall a refined ride, great looks, and excellent feel but has a wolf under the hood! Test drove a 06 BMW 330 and chose the Saab... nuff said!

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  Dont even think about it - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By acr - July 24 - 2:36 am

  I have owned my 2000 SE Turbo SAAB for a little over 1 yr. Over this year I have put over $3000 into it. After purchasing it the di-cassette went out, costing $700. I have had numerous oil pumps and hoses replaced each time to the shop it is $300. Then my AC compressor went out, causing the Reciever/Dryer to go out. This is $1500 to fix. Had the car back for 15 minutes and the serpentine belt went out. Over all the car has been in the shop 5 times in a year. I will be selling the car as soon as I get it out of the shop. It gets better....the part I need (receiever/dryer) is on national back order for 6 months. RED FLAG.

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  Jet Performance - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Mark Bear - July 23 - 12:06 pm

  New owners of this vehicle will find themselves feeling as though they are in the cockpit of an airplane. One step on the pedal will then convince them as they find the car responding to twists and turns in reponsive fashion. The well appointed amenities inside the car remind the driver that all of his or her hard work has finally paid off. The Saab 9-3 is truly a symbol of status with its elegant curves and pampering aesthetics. Drivers finding themselves in situations requiring speed and response will have no regrets that they have purchased the car of their dreams. General Motors has built a car that allows drivers to feel as though they were flying without ever leaving the ground.

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  Fine Saab Properly Maintained - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By SPKorn - July 23 - 4:56 am

  Ive owned this Saab 9-3 since new. It has been trouble-free...and more trouble-free than our Acura. Have performed all factory maintenance and 3 oil changes a year. Great mileage with manual trans, and heated fabric seats is unique. Marvelous in snow. Timeless hatchback styling. Would buy again, but concerned whether Saab will be around. Too bad.

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  Converted to SAAB - 2006 Saab 9-7X
  By richard - July 21 - 2:30 pm

  I purchased my 9-7 for $14,000 with 35,000 miles. I recently hit 52,000 and the only thing I have replaced are the original tires and standard oil changes. Sweet ride with adequate power and great looks. I have three kids who play sports and the 9-7x has been a great animal and kid hauler. I average 18-19 mpg in Atlanta city and hwy traffic. Best value on the road!

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  AVOID SAABS - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By Jerry4 - July 21 - 10:00 am

  My 2001 Saab 9-5 has 40300 miles on it and since I purchased it, it has been at the dealership every other week. Please avoid this vehicle at all costs. Save yourself the hassle of going to the dealership and receiving the worst service especially if you go to Charles River Saab where they try to charge you for parts that are under warranty. I have been stranded 3 times with this vehicle and missed a major client meeting.

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  Great car - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Oblaw - July 21 - 8:40 am

  The convertible has great gas mileage for the power. It handles very well and has had no reason for service beyond routine maintenance.

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  DRIVER SIDE MIRROR EXPLODED - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By JenniferJimenez - July 20 - 6:23 am

  I was driving vehicle hit bump and turned black. Left brake light indactor states is inop. But brake light operates.

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  Saabaru NOT at its Finest - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By KJReynolds - July 19 - 2:13 pm

  Having owned 4 previous Saabs, this Saab is not their best by any means - nor is it up to Saab standards. I "downtraded" my Saab 9.5 Linear to save $150 on monthly car note - definelty not worth it! I drive 100 mi/day tho it is mostly highway driving. I feel every road bump - road noise - engine noise - not a comfy car by any means. Im getting worse gas mileage, 25mpg (is a 5 speed) compared to 30 on the 9.5 - and its a very small fuel tank annoys me to fill up every 3-4 days. Ive never driven a Subaru - but I think this car is a Saab in a Halloween costume. I just hope it ends up being as reliable as my others - it better make up for the lack of comfort.

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  2006 9-5 good, but could be better - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By darryl greer - July 18 - 7:26 pm

  I just put my first 1000 miles on the new 9-5, having recently turned in a 2003 9-5 Arc with 50,000 miles, (flawless mechanical record). Good news is that the car is largely unchanged in handling and ride. Braking and headlights are superior. Yet the 2.3L four is much rougher than the old V-6, with noticable turbo-lag and torque steer. The updated dash is improved, but Saab uses cheaper materials inside, below prior quality. Seating remains the same- comfortable;and ventilation has improved. Overall, the car like previous 9-5s seems at its best cruising at higher speeds, and on extended highway drives, resulting in a smooth, safe and secure ride with performance and comfort.