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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  Put this engine in a different body - 2007 Saab 9-3
  By Bucky - October 3 - 6:13 am

  Now at 60,000K. The sedan is definitely a small car but loves 80+ mph at 34+ mpg (on regular unleaded). Interior is kinda cheap for a $30,000 vehicle and I am not too keen with the useless bells and whistles. But it is clearly a true European sports sedan. And no major issues thus far.

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  Good for $? Yes it could be. - 2006 Saab 9-7X
  By T - September 30 - 2:36 am

  Just got a 2-year old certified one. Cant beat the value for what they go for nowadays. (with the heavy incentives, the 08 new models would be an attractive option too.) Understand that one of the biggest complaints on this vehicle is the fuel efficiency, but when you do the side-by-side comparisons AND THEN calculate it into additional costs for the duration of your planned ownership, well it made the financial sense for us and we were happy to get into this semi-luxury SUV in a heavy snow prone area that we live in.

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  Good First Car - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By mrdragon016 - September 29 - 5:55 am

  I bought My Saabaru a couple weeks back and everytime i drive it, it brings a huge smile on my face. Its got plenty of kick and can turn on a dime. with a 4 banger as well as AWD its a amazing little car

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  Reliable for the first 50,000... - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By Peterz - September 26 - 10:26 pm

  The car was fine for the first 50K, after that everything that could go wrong did. I maintain the car religiously, keep it in a garage and still it is a headache. For the past 12 mos my repair bill average $550 a month (three towings so far), including turbo for $1900, fuel pump assembly $550 and (yes!) a driver seatbelt for $470 (and I use a solid local repair shop not the dealer that charges a first born).

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  FUN TO DRIVE - 2005 Saab 9-7X
  By Trish - September 22 - 12:30 am

  I love my Saab SUV Arc . Its safe, fun to drive and FAST! The V8 engine and horsepower are faster then most sport sedans which leaves the other drivers on the road with a surprised look on their faces. The only improvement I can see is the cup holders need to be improved. They are weak and they wobble. Also a navigation system would be nice! I plan on purchasing another in 2008.

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  new owner - 2006 Saab 9-7X
  By nj driver - September 21 - 9:00 pm

  I was not happy with the whistle coming from my tires but came to find out it is a defect which will be fixed this week. A left axle problem I miss space for items around the front seat but love the easy access to everything. Back seat passengers complain about stiff back seat backs. Drove my daughter out to college with 4 x 8 uhaul trailer and it averaged 16 miles per gallon and handled well. I enjoy my suv but would like better mpg. Enjoy yours!

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  saab 93 review - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By armen - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, not very reliable. Impossible to find a good garage (including certified delerships).After 5 dealerships and 6 independant garages in 2 years, I have given up on this car. Three pieces of advice. Buy it new , get a lease, give it back.

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  Fast and Fun - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By BBSSaab05 - August 31 - 5:23 am

  This is a fun car to drive. Great handling, smooth ride, good acceleration - especially compared to other cars with similar pricing and/or power ratings. The exterior is beautiful and the interior contemporary Swedish minimalist. I have had two minor issues with reliability in 12,000 miles - both electrical. My wifes 4 yr. old Saab has had minor electrical problems and the seemingly common problem of failed throttle body. Dealer service has been beyond expectation including warranteed repairs after the warranty expired. That and the driving experience more than make up for any problems weve had.

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  Great Luxurious SUV - 2006 Saab 9-7X
  By Mary Ann - August 27 - 2:20 am

  The car has a smooth ride. I have not seen anyone down here in the Rio Grande Valley with one. So its fun to see people stare at it when I drive. The car is perfect for my son and I. Ive really enjoyed it.

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  Fun car, but needs a little arm room - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Scott - August 21 - 7:16 pm

  Love the gas mileage! Love the acceleration, and optional manual shifting on the fly. I do wish there was more room or padding on the door where your elbow naturally sits during a long drive. My arms get sore after an hour of driving from having to place to comfortably rest. I also miss my auto-dimming mirrors from my previous vehicle. Otherwise the seats are very comfortable and the position of the headrest is the best I have ever found. My wife calls it "the fast car" and tries to steal it whenever she can.