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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  Do Not Buy Unless Youre Rich! - 2007 Saab 9-5
  By veadp - April 5 - 6:07 pm

  I have a 2007 Saab 9-5 Aero with Automatic Transmission. It has 93,000km. Do Not Buy This Car Unless Money Grows On Trees For You! If the car is working, its a joy to drive, extremely comfortable, nice and responsive, with just enough power. However, this car is known for Ignition Coil Issues and Fuel Pump Issues, among other things. Normally, these parts are readily available and relatively inexpensive to replace, however, Saab just had to be like BMW, Benz and Audi and the cost to replace parts are ridiculously Expensive and Only the OEM parts will work! I had to replace the Igntion Coils ($500), the MAF Sensor ($250) and Fuel Pump ($500). And the car still doesnt work properly!

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  best car in class - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By jeff jones - April 1 - 10:00 am

  my new 9-3 has been one of the best cars that I have ever owned. Saab of Santa Ana as well as my dealer representative Jeff Jones have been great. GO SAAB!!!

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  Pretty Good so Far - 2005 Saab 9-7X
  By Toyota Family - March 30 - 12:46 am

  The 9-7 has been great so far, the car is more comfortable than the living room and stereo/ air/ features are great. Friends compliment it a lot, and I never see them on the road, although they do look like a lot of cheaper GM cars. Only complaints are wind noise (not sure if its side mirrors draft or sealing) and gas mileage (15 mpg avg over 15k miles). I dont commute so not such a big deal. Overall, I am very happy to be in the car.

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  Had to buy it! - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By drlgu - March 26 - 2:00 am

  Since Saab was running 0% financing, I figured I would check it out. My friends have had Saabs and loved them, so I figured a test drive would not hurt. The dealer only had one Aero 03 on the show room, but there was a left over 02 that they had not sold. The car looks great and really stands out in the sea of Bimmers, Benzs, and Audis. I was plesantly surprised by the acceleration, handling and interior room. Needless to say, I got a deal that I could not refuse. Great combination of sports car and luxury cruiser!

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  2003 Saab 9-3 - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Dr. Worry - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I love my Saab 9-3. It is solidly built, with no shakes or rattles. Pick up is quick thanks to the turbo. Fit and finish is top notch and equivalent to BMW and Audi. Interior design is such that you feel comfortable and not crampt. Service is top notch, a step above my previous Japanese and American service experiences. My 3 year old said it best, "Cool car Dad...I like it"

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  GREAT CAR - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By saabian - March 24 - 10:03 am

  I recently got this car for a Christmas present from my parents. Im seventeen years old and previously had a 2005 accord. So far I loooove the Saab. It drives like a dream and has wonderful gas mileage. All my friends love my car. It doesnt take long to get used to the ignition in the console but leaving your sunroof open while raining it could cause a problem.

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  Great Car! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Jack C - March 21 - 10:30 am

  I moved to this from a 200SX Nissan RWD Turbo Coupe. I was at first apprehensive about getting a FWD but I was pleasantly surprised once I got behind the wheel. While its still a tad not as fun as my previous ride, it surprisingly comes close to it, for the heavy car that it is! Fuel economy is miles better than my ex and its way more comfy. Not sure about the reliability though. After a month the passenger side window stopped working and I had to get the entire rail changed. Other than that, its been sweet but its been only 5 months. Very good boot space and spacious at the back. The worst thing about this car is the stereo system, my 150 dollar self installed HU in my ex is WAY better.

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  A swedish sedan - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Bart - March 20 - 4:06 am

  While not a quirky as Saabs past, this car still maintains distinctive Saab Features: Nightpanel, Key in the middle, hidden cupholders. This large sedan gets better MPG than my Focus, and has performance when needed. The seats are comfortable, standard with leather.

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  This is a superb vehicle! - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By BFLdesign1 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Love this car for comfort, for safety, getting 28 mpg on long trips, typically 22 mpg around town. Lots of space.

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  SAABA - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By FRANK BAKER - March 19 - 2:00 am

  BEST VEHICLE FOR FAMILY. WE BOUGHT FOR WIFE BUT I DRIVE MORE THAN SHE DOES. VERY QUICK AND HANDLES WELL. IM 6-2" A LITTLE DIFFICULT GETTING IN BUT ONCE IN VERY COMFORTABLE. TURBO REPLACED AT 40,000-WARRANTY COVERED. I USUALLY DRIVE GMC TRUCK 2500HD.