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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  Cant Rave Enough - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By PJL - December 4 - 4:46 am

  I bought this car because the price was right and my dad, a longtime Saab enthusiast, suggested it. Three months later, I am nothing but thrilled with my new Saab 9-3 Arc. The turbo and pep are incredible. Every so often I look down at the spedometer and freak out because I somehow got it up to 80 without realizing it. The seats are very comfortable and the smooth but tight ride surpass anything I anticipated. After a roadtrip through New England, my boyfriend confessed he liked my car better than his Audi. People that questioned my purchase have all done 180s once they have a chance at the wheel. Plus, you dont look like every other generic car on the road.

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  dream car - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By loop - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Handles well, is comfortable, and I feel sage with my family.

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  Saab Air Gulper - 2007 Saab 9-5
  By stvakr - November 29 - 5:50 pm

  Brisk acceleration and very fun to drive especially on the highway. Spacious midsize sedan that seats four adults comfortably with a huge trunk, sporty design and feel, and thumping sounding stereo system. When the transmission is shifted to the "sport" mode, the fun meter goes up. With the large oversized gripping Pirellis, the front end steering torque is definitely noticeable.

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  vyl - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By vyl - November 29 - 10:00 am

  Drive alot each year. Bought certified preowned car--affordable comfortable, quality, intended to last a long time and endure incredible mileage. First Saab, love this car. Own a 2000 model 9.5 sedan. Still feels new. Impressed w/preowned program, gas mileage. Ride is wonderful, will move out when needed. Comfort and performance are key features. Love the way we were served at Moore (Richmond, VA) before and after purchase. Because of distance, Charlottesville provides service. Not quite Moore, but adequate. Would buy another Saab in a heartbeat.

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  great car - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By carol - November 29 - 10:00 am

  It has been a great car to own with little or no problems.

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  I love my HO Saab!!! - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Ana - November 28 - 7:10 am

  I come from a family that have owned Saabs before I was born. This is my first Saab. I have had it over a year in Chicago and love it. It performs excellent in the snow. People can actually sit in the back seat. I was planning to keep it for just the summer, but now I cant get rid of it. The only problems have been a headlight and my A/C fan. At my last tune up they said everything looked great. I highly recommend the HO 9-3.

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  the 9-2X is great - 2006 Saab 9-2X
  By MAF-CPD - November 27 - 11:16 pm

  Dollar for dollar, the best car I have owned. In addition, low production numbers (10,000 approx) should aid in holding its resale.

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  1st Saab, not the last - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By New Saab Fan - November 27 - 10:00 am

  For anyone considering a Nissan V6 Altima/Maxima, even a V6 Accord or Camry; this car is definately worth a test drive. Saab always offers factory incentives that effectively reduce the MSRP LOWER than these LESSER cars. The 9-3 with 5-speed is selling around $24- 25K USD. The price of a fairly loaded V6 Altima is $28K and your stuck with an Altima. The Saab 9-5, contrary to what most believe, start around $28-29K with the incentives. Both are worth the time of a quick test drive.

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  Great Value - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By jsh1120 - November 22 - 10:00 am

  Looking for a non-SUV, sporty, hauler there were three finalists: Saab 9-5, Volvo V70, and 2005 Subaru Legacy. Saab won out on price/value. Close to the Subaru in performance, better mileage than others, classy and comfortable interior. $8500 off msrp sealed the deal. Build quality and fit/finish are excellent. Kick to drive. Enormous cargo capacity, largest of the three. Great drivers car. Excellent passenger accommodations front and rear. All in all, an exellent value that remains distinctive in a world of look- alike SUVs. In-dash cupholder is a joke, and not a good one. Additional cupholder in center console is even worse.

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  Gas Mileage - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Thayer - November 17 - 11:56 pm

  This car has the feel and handling of a car that costs 10K more. I read much about the sound system being sub- par and went in with the plan of replacing it with a top notch system... truth is it is fine just get the primium sound package. The turbo makes the steep passes here in Colorado seem like hills and the increased elevations have zero effect on its power (again the turbo). The car does not burn off the line but at about 40-50 hold on. Handling superior to the Volvo 60, roomier than the Audi 4 and options dont kill your pocket book like the Mercedes C class.