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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  2000 Saab 9-5: A quality ride - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By FloJo - July 15 - 10:00 am

  Since buying my certified pre-owned 2000 Saab 9-5 in July of 2003, Ive been enjoying a smooth, comfortable ride with little to no quality problems. I would definitely recommend this car to other purchasers, particularly the certified pre-owned program at Saab. The trunk space is fantastic, and it drives great in the harsh winter weather on icy roads (I live in Michigan). A very safe feeling car. My only complaint is a little big of lag in the acceleration, but its not so much that it drives me crazy. Overall a great car at a solid price.

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  Ill buy another one! - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By VSN - July 15 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Saab nearly 2 years now and have no major problems, other than routine maintenance. It has been a blast to drive. My Aero model has the manual shifters on the steering wheel so I can be performance driven when I need it most! The steering, braking, comfort, interior are awesome and so much better than my previous luxury vehicle (which will go unnamed!) My only minor complaint is lack of interior storage areas for CDs and misc items. But the cup holder is the best in the business! Ill keep buying Saabs until the dealership turns me away. My best car ever!

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  I Love This Car!!! - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Lisa P. - July 15 - 10:00 am

  Having owned several convertibles in my past, I was eager to step up to more luxurious appointments and amenities with my latest purchase. I was definitely in awe once I test drove (and eventually bought) the new Saab 9-3 Convertible. Besides gorgeous styling and numerous features (the dual leather interior, heated seats, and 13-speaker stereo system are among my favorites), the powerful performance of the Turbo engine makes it a force to be reckoned with! I have yet to meet a car at the intersection that can accelerate quicker than my new Saab! The smooth ride and tight handling are also superb! Id definitely recommend it to others.

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  Id be mad if I paid full price - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Pat - July 13 - 4:13 pm

  But I spent $8500 off msrp, which makes me very happy. I paid less than my friends WRX. I really dont think its any more quiet. Its more jarring over ruff pavement (17"?). Automatic is horrible. Aggressive driving is scary because of the automatic. The cloth is better, but gets dirty really fast. The seats dont seem to keep you in place as well. Oddly enough I love my car. Normal driving is pleasant. Side by side looks much better than the WRX. I have an AWD wagon with lots of safety for cheap. Only wish I got a stick, at least until Im stuck in traffic.

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  Fun to Drive Again - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By NJ Dad - July 12 - 2:00 am

  The Saab 9-3 is sporty and fun to drive, at a price that is affordable, even in comparison with some of the more run-of-the-mill sedans. I must admit I was concerned about getting a 4 cylinder car, but the turbo seems to give the car more acceleration power than my 6 cylinder car had.

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  A fun to drive convertible - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By sandstones - July 4 - 2:30 am

  Trying to decide whether to buy out my lease, and thought Id see what others had to say. Overall for me car has been a blast to drive, and have only had a few minor maintenance issues. Think it will age better than new GM based Saabs, but only time will tell.

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  So Far, So Good - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Richard - July 1 - 6:13 pm

  Love the ride, the eurocar-snobs like to put this cars ride down because it is front wheel drive, but do they all live in California where it doesnt snow? Front wheel drive is so much better in snow and wet conditions, I wont buy a rear wheel drive car because of this simple fact. I like the handling, and I am most surprised at how much power this turbo 4 cyldr car has, makes for a fun driving experience.

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  Luv my 9-5 Arc! - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By xflanders - June 30 - 11:30 am

  This car is the best ever. The ESP feature is great. What a ride.

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  Bank Vault - 2006 Saab 9-5
  By hr - June 29 - 1:33 pm

  I feel safe in my Saab. The 9-5 has rated tops in safety in the real world since intro. I dont know what they mean when they say turbo lag. I remove foot from brake, nail it, the tires chirp and traction control kicks in. How does a 3600 lb 4 cyl automatic do that with turbo lag? 0-60 in under 7! Very comfortable to drive.

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  Try sob not Saab - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By still saaabing - June 26 - 1:46 pm

  Bought our Saab used with about 40K on it. Had electrical issues, wiring actually melting, and multiple speed sensor problems. The car has 2 speed sensors and within a year we had to have one replaced 3 times. This car was fun to drive, but other than that it was awful. I will never buy a Saab made during the GM time again. Youd be better off buying a pre-GM one with 200K miles than a newer one. Seriously dont buy one!