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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  Terrific car, terrific bargain - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Chris2807 - April 27 - 10:00 am

  The 2004 Saab 9-3 Linear is a powerful, fun to drive, practical sports car. Its also a pretty good deal when you factor in the rebates available. This car handles great and has every safety device standard (ABS, front/side/head airbags, traction control, electronic stability program, electronic brake assist, and active head restraints).

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  Apply sunblock and say Gbye! Audis,BMW3 - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Bigcat - April 27 - 10:00 am

  Wow, what a car! simple handsome,spirited and fun to drive. This baby is nice looking, you stand out!

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  WOW!!!!! - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By RYAN - April 24 - 8:36 am

  This is the most fun car I have ever drove in my entire life. I am leasing this car and am having the time of my life. The pick-up is better than my Eclipse, and top speed i havent even been able to hit. I would recommend this car for anyone, its a family sports car.

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  VROOM with ROOM - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By goosaab - April 22 - 12:30 am

  Excellent car, VERY stylish. Good handling and comes with enough space to actually be useful. Highly recommend it. The cars looks better than most in its class.

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  Saab #2 - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By RT - April 21 - 11:10 pm

  Leased my 9-3 Aero 2/06, previously had 03 Arc. Although the Arc was fun to drive, this Aero is a totally different car. The new turbocharged V-6 has significantly less turbo lag, way more satisfying exhaust note, tons of torque. This car absolutely loves to be driven fast, bummer given the number of speedtraps around Seattle. Looks are greatly improved with dual exhaust, lid spoiler. 4k miles so far without any real issues. Only thing is moonroof wanting to stick in tilt mode. Fit and finish not quite up to BMW/Audi/Benz standards, but then again, this car was a hell of a lot cheaper with comparable equipment.

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  Thank God it isnt a BMW - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Lostskiier - April 20 - 10:00 am

  Although it is not the fastest car I have owned off the line, this car is unusually fast on the highway. At speeds in excess of 100 mph, the car acts as if you are going along at 65. Over all the car is a great value too, SAAB is always offering incentives so it was easy for me to walk out of the dealership with a car valued at $34,000 for $28,000. These days $28,000 wouldnt get you into a base BMW or Mercedes, but it can get you into a almost fully loaded SAAB 9-3!

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  EXCEPTIONAL CAR - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By zax9-5 - April 17 - 2:00 am

  The longer I have the car the more I love it. The car is extremely solid and does everything well. Very powerful, love the turbo sound. Gets great gas mileage, I get between 22-25 on average. The 9-5 is a complete tank in the snow, very sure footed. This is the first vehicle I feel safe in. After visiting a salvage yard and seeing wrecked SAABs, I know the car will protect me almost better than anything on the market. Some 9-5s have had problems, mine however has been absolutely problem free for over 28,000 miles. Coming from a person who keeps cars for 2 years or less, I hope to have this one for at least 200,000 miles. Good warranty.

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  Used to own 735il - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Saabsatisfied - April 17 - 2:00 am

  Picked up the car at 7:00 p.m. and the next three days drove 3 executives around So CA racking up 800 miles. The car handled perfectly and aside from missing the extra rear leg room in the 735il, I was perfectly satisfied. No rattles, and the handling was great. I looked at 540, e320, Lexus, etc, etc,... and once I drove the SAAB I was hooked. After owning for 2 weeks, I have no regrets.

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  Great BMW alternative - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Chuck E - April 17 - 2:00 am

  This car has everything we need, good looks, safety, decent power, sporty handling, and a reasonable price. Until recently, you had to sacrifice something if you didnt get a BMW. This new Saab isnt a BMW, but costs less and comes very close. Quick and smooth for a 4 cylinder turbo car.

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  Very Good Car, Great Deal! - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By SAAB MAN - April 17 - 1:33 am

  I have owned my 95 Linear since 2002 and have driven on the German autobahn and I can tell you that it will do every bit of the 160 mph on the dash and it does it smoothly. Some say that the turbo is not quick enough well for me, it is plenty quick. I know because the aggressive driving on german road. The ride is very smooth. The gas mileage is great and I am sure it would get better if I slowed down.