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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  No regrets with Linear model - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By happy - December 9 - 9:26 am

  Just traded my SUV in for this. I was looking for a unique car under 20 grand that had the best blend of performance, economy, style, and either awd or 4wd. The only tough question was to go for the Aero or Linear. Turbo sounds nice but Im done with paying for premium fuel. Plus the Linear averages 25-32 mpg on 87 octane. The Aero barely beats my SUV and requires prem fuel. The Linear will still snap your neck back into the headrest off the line and 5th gear is strong enough to conquer steep grade hills without the need to downshift. Overall fewer luxury options than most premium brands but it has all the basics. Heated seats, 6 disc changer, and decent leather will do me just fine.

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  Great car, doesnt get enough credit - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By jzeilinger - December 7 - 7:10 pm

  Ive owned my 9-5 for 5 years and look forward top getting behind the wheel every time. I log 30,000 miles/year so I spend a lot of time behind the wheel. This car is great on long trips and the seats are the best Ive ever experienced. The other great feature is the huge trunk, it will haul a LOT of stuff! The gas mileage is good too, Ive gotten around 35 mpg on the hwy, not bad! For a car in this price class, the ride is noisey on the open hwy. The sheet metal is strong and I feel safe behind the wheel. This is a very underrated car and makes a KILLER deal for a used car. I suggest you try one of these. Overall, LOVE my 9-5.

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  DONT BUY a 2003 9-3! - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Saab Owner - December 7 - 10:00 am

  In 14 months, I brought my car in for major repairs 18 times! Ended up having to sue Saab before they honored the lemon law levels. I love Saab, but I will never own one again after this experience!

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  Everything seems GREAT to me! - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Theo - December 6 - 4:33 am

  Not certain about some critical reviews here but Ive had no problems so far and am having a great time driving this vehicle. Plenty of headroom (63"), which was one of the main selling points for me - had trouble with just about any other car/vehicle (even my brother in laws Escalade). This vehicle has superb ergonomics and comfort with handling and performance that does not disappoint. I was cross shopping against an Audi A3 but honestly, there is no comparison (other than the Audis superior DSG transmission - would have loved one of those in this car). I wouldnt hesitate to recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a great handling, powerful and good looking "wagon".

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  Tow after Tow after Tow after Tow - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By hatesaab03 - December 5 - 10:36 am

  I had purchased this vehicle not even 2 weeks and it died on me. I had bought it with about 57K miles, and two weeks later on the way to a mini vacation it leaves me stranded in the middle of the freeway. I took it back to the selling dealer and also their Saab dealer and they slapped the machine on it and "Nothing is wrong with it, it drives like a champ." Again it had just died as i was accelerating through town, and then my speed gauge gradually goes down once again! On my way back from work on the freeway it died again! DO NOT BUY THIS MODEL. By the way i failed to mention i had to waste my money towing this vehicle every single time it died on me. STAY AWAY!

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  I thought there was snow in Sweden - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By HeatherVT - December 2 - 7:03 am

  Although the 9-3 wagon is sporty and comfortable, the snow performance leaves much to be desired. The ground clearance is so low even a dusting of snow made driving treacherous (despite studded snow tires). The front wheel drive did little to propel the car through the mountainous roads in Vermont, leaving me stranded in driveways and scared on the highway. The seats are comfortable but close together, allowing my toddler to kick my elbow while driving. The trunk is small, not able to accomodate a bike trailer. Although the seats are comfortable they are very close together so my toddler can kick my elbow as I drive. The trunk was too small to accommodate a bike trailer.

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  Euro Delivery Experience with Sportcombi - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By Nordic Boy - December 1 - 4:36 pm

  I highly recommend Saabs International Delivery Program. After having worked with my local dealership, I researched and designed the car that I wanted. Saab then built my car, and I flew to Sweden to pick it up in Trollhatten. What a great adventure, with A+ service from Saab and its associates. A nice price savings plus generous travel allowance, hotel stay with wonderful dinner and breakfast. Then driving it in Sweden, Denmark, Germany (can you say Autobahn!), and The Netherlands. Cant wait to have it delivered here in 7-weeks. Great performance, fuel economy, looks, comfortable seats. Needs more rear seat leg room, spacious cargo area. Titan Grey Color is sweet! Thanks Saab!

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  9-3 60th Edition 6 spdFollow up review! - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By Donatas - December 1 - 12:50 am

  After 1 year of owning and driving this car,I can say I really love it!I cant wait to get behind the wheel. Sometimes me and my wife argue who will be driving it (I have 2000 9-5 as well). Pretty good gas mileage for 210 HP engine.I am averaging 32-34 mpg on highway (awesome) and 22 mpg purely in town (ok). So far no mechanical or any breakdowns at all. Couple minor rattles coming from plastic parts in the interior that leave something to be desirable in the interior quality is my only concern. Very fun car to drive, accelerates effortlessly. You dont have to reach the red line to get this car moving. I will see how it holds up in a future reliability wise, all SAAB haters you are wrong.

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  Well miss you when youre gone! - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By Lee - November 30 - 1:26 am

  The most important selling point for the 9-3 is its personality (i.e, quirkiness). The handling is very good on my new 9-3 SE with excellent steering and lots of power from the turbo 2.0 liter engine(although the secret is to click on the "sport" button which gives added power.) The 9-3 excels in terms of comfort as the Saab seats are outstanding and the controls are easy to see, reach and understand.

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  Lots of extras for your money - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By seelos - November 29 - 10:00 am

  This is the 6th SAAB in a row that I have owned and the quality has really improved over the years. They used to be a real sob story as far as quality went and repairs in this area (San Diego) were a problem. Now the dealership has changed and it is great. We get a new SAAB as a loaner any time we take it in! Free maintenance for 45,000 is a plus since my 3 year lease @15,000 miles per year should end when I hit that mark.