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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  Incredible sedan ! - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Santanu - December 27 - 6:23 pm

  I tend to buy cars that are uncommon, Saab was a natural choice, knowing their history also made me curious. When I test drove a Saab 9-3, I couldnt believe people havent "found" this car yet. Saab 9-3 is the most ergonomically designed car around. Extremely well designed car, so beautiful and stylish outside and inside... my friends (having M3, 5 series, Merc etc) were wanting to get rides in it for a month! You will feel the difference the moment you sit in the drivers seat. You feel euphoria when "turbo" kicks in. Incredible dash, controls, cool features and very comfortable seats. Huge trunk and glovebox. Officially safest (not Volvo) vehicle on road today... sidebags galore. Just love it.

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  The best used car you can get for your money. - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By zidjan - December 25 - 12:16 am

  I started with saab 10 years ago, bought the 1999 model but has tons of issue. Sold it cheap and I ended up with the 2002 model se at 80K miles. Nowthe car has 120K and had no problems at all. Its all been fun with this car...205 hp and gets 30mpg hwy miles driving 65-70 mph. So my conclusion to new buyer out there, research the history of the car, if the car has always used synthetic oil and been taken care of well, chances are youll have a good reliable car...but if anything points out that this car has not been care well then buyers beware. NEVER Buy this car if you are going to treat it like a Honda or Toyota. Youll reap what you sow.

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  fantastic car - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By kdmmat - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Best luxury car for the money. This car is a blast to drive. Have not had to take it back to the dealership for any problems after a year of driving. The car still amazes me every time I drive it. The turbo is incredible, the gas mileage fantastic, and those seats are so comfortable. This car corners like it is on rails. I had a BMW 7 series try to stay up with me on a on ramp to the freeway: I flat blew him away. The passing acceleration is among the best of any car that I have ever driven.

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  Uncomfortable Seats! - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By NOVA SAAB 9.3 Owner - December 21 - 8:23 pm

  Maybe I just got a lemon. The seats on this otherwise wonderfully fine convertible are HORRIBLE. I really dont know what to do and I grimace every time Im about to get into the car. Just for this reason, I recommend nobody consider this car.

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  Blast to Drive - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By Garry Neel - December 19 - 6:50 pm

  Ive owned a 9.5 Areo in the past (which I loved), but this is like nothing Saab has ever offered. Quality is outstanding, not one problem so far; performance is amazing, especially for the price. The six speed manual transmission really adds to the true sports car feel and driving experience/control.

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  Frequent Car Buyer - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By Frequent buyer - December 16 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car for my wife replacing a 4 years old BMW 328i. We feel we have lost 10% in peformance and gained 35% in styling and pleasure. The Viggen convertable is a fun car that can well please both my wife and myself. Also drove a 9-3 converatble (not Viggen). There is a world of difference. I would not have traded my BMW for a regular 9-3.

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  Second Saab 95 - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By Saab Owner Greg - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Very responsive and fun to drive. Extremely comfortable seating and controls.

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  Objective 2003 Saab convertible review. - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By geek - December 10 - 8:03 pm

  Quiet (yes a convertible) solid feel, comfortable seats, highly responsive engine, reasonable few blind spots, good MPG. Some odd features but not annoying and something Saab is noted for. The torque steer nonsense you read about is something that average drivers will never notice or care about. This is nice riding and driving car, that was a great purchase. It has all the options that you would expect in a car that sold and sells in this price range. The higher than normal depreciation means you can buy an expensive car for less. The cost of repair is not out of line with any high end car. BTW the trunk is functional for trips, the back seats go down to extend the storage.

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  Saab 9-5 Arc - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By - December 10 - 2:00 am

  In 2000 miles, Ive experienced a car with oustanding highway & city driving capabilities. The seats are exceptionally comfortable (w/ heat and a/c !) Driving through a downpour on the highway provided me a great deal of confidence due to traction & stability control. The Sport mode on the trans. launches the car like it has 50 more hp The stereo (240 watt Harmonn Karden) is awesome. The build quality is very good.

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  Saab 9-5 Arc - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By gtoman - December 10 - 2:00 am

  In 2000 miles, Ive experienced a car with oustanding highway & city driving capabilities. The seats are exceptionally comfortable (w/ heat and a/c !) Driving through a downpour on the highway provided me a great deal of confidence due to traction & stability control. The Sport mode on the trans. launches the car like it has 50 more hp The stereo (240 watt Harmonn Karden) is awesome. The build quality is very good.