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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  Gorgeous but unreliable - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By befar - November 20 - 9:06 am

  Let me start with the good. The car is fabulous to drive. I have owned Mercedes, Lexus, Honda, and older Saabs in the past and this is by far the most fun car to drive. It is also more comfortable then most of my friends (they drive BMWs, Mercedes, and Lexus). Now for the bad, I have had the car less than four months and it is going in for warranty work the SEVENTH time this week. The total days spent in the shop for various build problems is over 24. Weather stripping, windows off tracks, A/C issues and leather cracks are just the beginning of the list. I have 6000 miles on it and can tell you this car only is good if it is not your only source of transportation.

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  Saab 9-2x - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By gerry davis - November 17 - 11:26 pm

  The interior is very plain and understated, very few bells or whistles. The seats are very tight fitting, almost like race seats. This is a good feature when cornering hard as you dont slide in the seat at all. For those who are somewhat ample in the posteror region they might be uncomfortable. The seat fabric is very very prone to coffee stains, Saab could have thought this out better. My guess is that the demographic who buys this car also drinks a lot of coffee. The car is fun to drive with ample horse power and great handling. The awd is awesome in snow.

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  SAAB 9-5 - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By Kevin - November 15 - 8:40 am

  Had to put in rebuilt trans at 92K, had to rebuild engine at 129K. Performed maintenance as scheduled. Very expensive car to own.

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  Not a bad car - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By ray85158 - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, handles well and is very comfortable. It has also been very reliable, within a year of ownership no major problems. But I have two gripes. Like another comment posted here, I had an occasional problem with a sulfur smell from the catalytic converter. My other gripe, when in closed spaces like a parking garage, the noise from the exhaust manifold was so loud it sounded like the muffler fell off. Ok one other gripe, the resale value stinks. I have already traded it for an Audi A6. But I can say, it was a lot better than my 96 Volvo 850.

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  One of the better cars for the money - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By bnkharris - November 4 - 10:00 am

  I traded a 2000 Volvo S40 for this Saab. My first choice was the all new S40, but noticed a little more turbo lag than Id have liked, and they are not yet available with manual shift. For the price difference with options the 9-3 is a no brainer coupled with the deals and incentives offered. Its got to be one of the best values out there for this price segment. Nice looking, fun to drive car with lots of safety features.

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  2003 Saab 9-3 Convertible - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By SMann - October 23 - 10:00 am

  Great car for most local driving and when you want to go out for a "fun" drive. The lack of a center arm rest makes it uncomfortable on a long haul.

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  Uniquely Saab- Seattle - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By josh - October 20 - 7:13 am

  We have enjoyed this car for 4 years. We have never had a problem and dont expect one.We drive it in all weather coditions- No Problem. No better investment then owning a ragtop in Seattle. We are considering replacing it with a new 9.3 conv.. Dealership experience has been exceptional. I scratch my head wondering why Saabs depreciate as they do. They are a great buy for the money.If you are a educated and responsible owner and service your car appropriately, as we have, then Saab is your car.

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  hard to knock it - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Robjc123 - October 18 - 5:43 pm

  I have had this car almost 2 years. I wondered if I should have gotten an Audi instead HOWEVER after I saw the crash test rating I was in love again with the SAAB. It does what is does well. Drive is nice, handling fun and technically I cant complain. Not one thing wrong aside from some pinch protection issues I had to keep going back for in the windows. I may get an Audi someday but for now I find it hard to knock this SAAB and I DO enjoy it.

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  Better Know a Good Mechanic - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By BrianM - October 14 - 7:20 pm

  Engine has been torn apart 3 times for misc oil leaks, turbo has been replaced, muffler replaced. Misc sensor and electrical systems failures. We are on a first name basis with our mechanic. We spend at least $1000-$1500 per year on maintenance. Much more than any other vehicle weve owned. Every part is amazingly proprietary and expensive. $300 plastic turn signal lights... $900 mufflers... etc. It was just crazy. The best thing that ever happened to us was that car getting nearly totally in an accident (and of course that no one was hurt) so that we can take the insurance money and run.

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  AWESOME TO DRIVE-GET RID OF B4 100,000 - 1996 Saab 900
  By hendrix - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Saabs are the best until you hit 100,000-115,000. I enjoyed driving the heck out of my Saab. My 1997-w/130,000- had an amazing engine- that will keep running long from now- the non-engine repairs were numerous. I had to replace the emergency brake cable, air conditioner door and motor, clutch cable, and the handle of the right passenger door. And that was just within the last few months! I write this review to say- that youll not find too many other cars as fun as the 900 turbo to drive-but note that past 115,000 youll be dropping $300-$400 every 2 months for minor repairs.