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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  Beautiful Car - Poor Quality - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Donervogel - November 29 - 3:13 am

  Me and my partner purchased an 04 Linear back at the end of April. We thought we were buying a very reliable car. NOT. It has been to the dealership service about once or twice a month. 1) Bad transmission programing (happened on an 800 mile trip). 2) Trunk wouldnt close 3)Bad rattles/vibration in the doors 4)Skid control failed (another 500 mile trip) 5) DTE Failed 6) Key would not unlock computer. Could not start after transmission programming fixed ( 800 miles away from home) 7) Service engine soon came on and was a false read. If you dont mind going to the dealership every month, then this car is for you! Wont buy another one. Will buy German from now on.

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  Ive owned four Saabs... - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By rsg4 - November 28 - 2:03 am

  I purchased a used 2003 9-3 Saab a few years ago. This was my fourth Saab. It was still under warranty. This model is a far cry from the old Saab. I too, have had issues with lights, engine light on, heat/cooler blower...just to name a few. Even the 6 CD gave me issues. I had the CD into the local dealer several times -- of course, never acted up while at the dealer. Finally (200 miles out of warranty) it acted up -- and they were refusing to honor the warranty!! Gave me a price of $2000 to fix. I was on the phone quite a bit with Saab, when they finally agreed to fix it. Funny thing, the dealer only fixed $1100 of the $2000 -- said the other didnt need fixing!

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  Bad Decision - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By Mike29 - November 24 - 9:00 pm

  After I purchased my 9-3 I have had nothing but problems with it. I have had to replace the tires twice in 2 years. I only drive it 7500-8000 mi a year. I have had a check engine light come on several times which three Saab dealers cant come to a conclusion on. I have had my power steering shut off while driving with my young sons in the back seat. Other than the MPG and turbo this car is not a good decision to purchase. I WILL NOT be looking at purchasing another Saab anytime soon!

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  Amazing Used Car Value - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By Big Mark - November 22 - 5:00 am

  I have put 6000 miles on my 9-5 ARC which I purchased with 66,600 miles on it. So it now has about 72000. This car is an AMAZING VALUE! It is SAFE, Fast and in Sport mode quick enough for most anyone but a real drag racer. Great through snow! Factually if you are considering buying a used car and you do not check out the value at a SAAB dealer you are making a HUGE mistake! It is probably best to get an extended warranty as it is really on any used car. Both myself and my son are 6 foot 300 pound guys and we can both sit comfortably in the front. If you want a car that handles well, has panache, is FUN and SAFE. Find a good used SAAB and YOU WILL BE IMPRESSED. Great Dealer!

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  What a bargain! - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By John - November 17 - 3:10 pm

  I traded in my 9-2x for this and it is amazing. I really missed driving a European car. (I had a 2003 Passat wagon before this.) I dont know why everyone doesnt drive one! I got 35.6 mpg on my way home from the dealer (2 hour trip). I love the simplified controls for the radio, climate control, and the information display. Much easier to use than last years. With the great warranties and free maintenance, you cant go wrong! I was also pleasantly surprised to learn you can use regular unleaded! Even with no options, this car is fantastic!

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  Great sport luxury value - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Ken G - November 17 - 3:00 am

  Coming off lease of a MB C230K coupe/hatch, I wanted 4 doors, a real trunk, front or AWD (for winter), and lower price while retaining as much of the sportiness and luxury car experience as possible. In my first few days with the 9-3 Linear, it reminds me a lot of the C240 4Matic that the MB dealer often gave me as a service loaner. My impression of that car always was "not as fun as the C230 but a bit more practical and very livable." Now I have the same benefits for $10k less than a new C240 and $4k less than I paid for the C230 almost 4 years ago. Pricing is more comparable to Accord or Camry but with more safety equipment, free maintenance, premium dealer experience and smaller exterior.

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  Done with Saabs - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By otto - November 16 - 10:00 am

  Read just a sample listing of some of the mechanical and electronic issues people have had and that has been my experience and then some. The most recent and the last episode with any Saab product was the turbo. Done. This car was constantly in the garage. No mas.

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  Saab 2002 vintage - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By Steven Patriarca - November 15 - 11:00 am

  The car is dependable and solid. The body style on the 2002 93 SE is vintage. This car with 30200 miles on it and Saab Certified is like driving a new car. I also had replaced all four tires in 6/2006 with factory Pirellis since I had basically just bought the car out of my lease agreement and would be driving it a while. Prior to purchase from my lease the dealership also did all the 30k service at about 21k miles. The 2002 93 SE has every available option one could ask for including the cold weather package and traction control. The traction control is necessary due to the high performance tires.

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  Love to hate it - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By paulsmith94065 - November 13 - 4:06 pm

  I wont buy a Saab again. The only reason I bought it was the unique style. I bought it new and it has been in the shop MANY MANY times. Now that it is out of warranty, its becoming quite annoying, but its paid for, and the repairs are cheaper than a car payment. Saab has lost its style. The new ones look just like Audi and BMW. Too bad, unique style was the only thing going for it. Anyway, beware if you buy. Many quirky problems, hard to find & expensive repair shops. Oh, and the car really depreciates which is another reason I havent ridded myself of it yet... cant bear to take the loss. I would only recommend this car if you have a reliable car to drive while its in the shop!

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  04 9-3 Convertible - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By parkale - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Researched and test drove the 04 Audi A4 Quattro Conv. then the Saab. Although the quality of the interior of the Audi w/Quattro was very appealing, I love the overall style of the 04 Saab 9-3 Conv. (diff. from 2003) and perf. is very good for a 4 cyl/turbo. I highly recommend considering this car before you buy any other convertible in the price range.