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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  100k Problem-Free Miles! - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By estevanker - February 22 - 6:40 pm

  Ive been driving this car 150 miles daily to work and back and have not had a single issue with it. The car averages 33mpg and is awesome in the snow and ice. I anticipate driving it another 100k miles.

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  9-3 convertible - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By B. Rich - February 21 - 12:50 am

  This is my second Saab, but first convertible. I absolutely LOVE it. 2006 engine much smoother than my 2003 Sedan, both 2.0 Turbo. It is so much fun to drive, and the seats are a perfect fit. Had a slight rattle with the top down, and my dealer solved the issue within a hour. I am now a confirmed Saab owner.

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  2nd times a charm - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Voelkner - February 20 - 5:33 am

  This is my second Saab. First was a 2000 9-3. Very quirky. Had a mind of its own. The 2004 is much better in many ways. Have driven this car for 2 and a half years w/o any major problems. Battery did die at 2 years; replaced under warranty. It was a stock battery, knew it would happen sooner or later. Also had a problem with tire wear; replaced at 50%. Otherwise, car has been very good. Gas mileage is great, seats are comfortable, trunk is huge.

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  Better than expected - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By tom - February 20 - 4:36 am

  I purchased this car used with 45,000 miles on it and 6 mos. left on the factory warranty. The car has been great, looks and runs like a brand new car with no problems. It was a one owner car that I purchased from the original selling dealer.

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  52,000 miles and going strong - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By needashower - February 19 - 12:20 pm

  This has been the best car I have ever owned. The car is a blast to drive and has proven to be extremely economical to own over the last 4.5 years. Very pleased with how its holding up. Outside of oil changes, tires and brakes, no issues whatsoever.

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  Not as bas bad as the reviews suggest - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By annonymours - February 18 - 11:33 pm

  This is the 3rd saab Ive owned and the first since GM took over. All my Saabs have been good to me as far as reliability goes. Ive never had any problems and have only had to replace tires in addition to routine maintenance. My only complaints about my 9-3 is that for the price, it should have more performance/HP and the interior material quality is noticeably inferior to my older 2000 9-5 wagon. Braking and cornering on this car are excellent. Acceleration is not, but it handles well at higher speeds and on the highway. You can probably get more out of a car for the same price, but it won;t look as good. As for the reliability of my saab 9-3, I have no complaints.

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  New 9-3 is Wonderful - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By luvsaab - February 17 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd SAAB and I absolutely love it. It was even better than my first one. I recommend anyone buying a SAAB. Very reliable and so much fun to drive.

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  The best vehicle Ive ever driven! - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By Jim - February 16 - 2:23 am

  This is the most comfortable and spacious car I have ever owned (far more so than our SUV). I am 63" and 220 lbs and I can put the seat so far back I cant reach the clutch and my head isnt close to hitting the ceiling even with the sunroof. Extremely comfortable seats and incredible gas mileage -- I average about 29 mpg in town, and 35 on the highway.I have had to replace some parts: belt pulleys, wheel bearing, light bulbs, brakes, tires, but certainly not excessive for 95,000 miles. Parts do tend to be expensive, however.

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  My Little Saab - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By j sloane - February 9 - 7:30 pm

  This Aero model is my second 9-5. Handling and drivability is terrific. The road feedback while driving is very good. Its almost a 4-door sportscar.

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  corrections - 2000 Saab 9-5
  By Matt Song - February 9 - 6:43 pm

  I want to correct other users comments. All Saab 9-5s have heated mirrors, they are integrated into the rear window defrost (front defrost works instantly, no waiting for engine to warm). XM radio is offered as a dealer aftermarket accessory that replaces a console cubby hole below the automatic climate control.