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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  a very special car - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By K28 - March 7 - 10:33 am

  I never though id own a Saab in my life, until one day when i randomly decided to drop by the dealer and take a look at the 9-3. After taking a test drive i was sold and bought one with the turbo 6...Ive been very happy ever since, i am always fascinated when i get behind the wheel, its really fast, fun to drive and at the same time its the most comfortable car ive ever driven. No car has ever made me feel this good!

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  Great car and value - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Chad - March 6 - 3:50 pm

  We just purchased our 9-2x Aero and have been extremely satisfied. We purchased under GMs Employee Discount promotion for approx. $8000 below MSRP. Thus, we have a premium label, upgraded stereo, climate control, etc.,arguably better looks and handling with the same engine performance and reliability as the WRX, all for $1000s less. Many articles have been written about the cars performance, so Ill just say it is very quick and has excellent handling. The AWD is a useful feature on the slick Seattle streets. Up until the promotion I was set on a sedan (Legacy GT or TSX), but the value was too good to pass up and now I have to admit I really like the styling and driving something unique.

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  Love My Saab - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By Budlet - March 5 - 7:06 pm

  This is my second Saab.....I love the car, the way it handles, the safety record, and the overall look...(although I really preferred the old style to the current style). I really like the quirkiness of the car, I think you either love Saabs or hate them. Ive also been very happy with the service I receive from my dealer....theyve been terrific over the years.

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  Saab - 2006 Saab 9-7X
  By Hank - March 4 - 1:03 pm

  An excellent effort on GMs part to build an upscale alternative to the Envoy. My previous vehicle was an Envoy and the Saab is a better SUV in every way. The 9-7X handles more like a sedan the ride is firm but smooth. The 4.3L engine provides good acceleration but fuel economy suffers. The interior is quiet and well appointed with noticable Saab enchancements. The seats are very comfortable and suitable for long trips. The exterior has strong Saab styling influences which give give it an upscale look. The 9-7X competes admirably against its BMW X5, Volvo XC90 and Acura MDX counterparts. Overall the 97-X is great value for the money and I would highly recommend this vehicle.

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  Huge disappointment - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Andrea29 - March 4 - 1:26 am

  Bought the car with 44,000 miles on it, thinking SAAB was a quality brand and would last for years. Unfortunately, I had not heard that repairs on a SAAB are extremely expensive. The car was initially fun, lots of bells and whistles. After 2 months, things started going wrong. The computer that controlled the temperature panel went out. The module controlling the high beams failed. The plastic panel under the drivers seat broke. Power locks did not work correctly. Other small items broke or stopped working. The final straw was at 96,000 miles when the throttle assembly went out. After a repair cost of over $1000, I traded in the car. I will not buy another SAAB.

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  Not worth the money - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By shellEy - February 28 - 7:36 pm

  For a car that costs as much as this did, I expected much higher quality. The engineers did a poor job of ergonomic design, parts break (and when they do, its *very* expensive to fix), and there are known bugs which Saab doesnt seem to care about fixing. (Repairs on my car in 100,000 miles: fuel pump, brakes (twice!), rear-hatch-closed sensor, engine-temp gauge...) My pet peeve is if you set the interior temperature, I expect the car to maintain that temp. Instead, itll either be too hot or too cold.

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  2001 Viggen - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By jay smith - February 28 - 2:00 am

  Simply a great car.

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  Buy One You Wont Be Disappointed - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By glxfiles - February 28 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned. I shopped Passat, S-60, 330i, A- 4. Saab had a better feel, better value and better materials than all but the Audi, problem is the Audi is ugly and way overpriced. The dealership was perfect and the car has some steep incentives that can really tip the scales in its favor. But from the first drive the packaging and engine are light years better than my 87 900 Turbo convertable. This car is a welcome breath of fresh air and fun. On-star is great I recommend the calling feature.

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  New 9-3 Just What Saab Needs - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By jimdl - February 28 - 2:00 am

  The new Saab 9-3 Linear is just what Saab has needed for many years. This car epitomizes fun to drive -- truly a pleasure in wet, snow, and on dry pavement. The 9-3 is sure footed and give the driver all of the information needed. Smooth acceleration and all the power you need for around town or on the road. Great storage and styling and phenomenal safeth features. The radio controls are a little daunting at first, but once you get used to them, theyre really quite logical. A definite winner!

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  I love it!!!! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By drae - February 23 - 10:00 am

  Plain and simple: I love it! Its only been a little over a month, but I couldnt be happier. It has solid power and incredible comfort--Im 64" and I have room to spare in all directions. And if I dont watch it, Ill be driving 90, but it feels like 40. Its better than my mothers Lexus and brothers TL. It has every gadget my fathers 7-series has (and is more comfortable sit in). The plain and simple truth is that I now find reasons to go out and drive.