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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  Happy Again - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Voelkner - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Previously owned 99 9-3. The 04 is a completely different car. Higher levels of refinement from the exterior look to the interior materials and design. This 9-3 has grown up.

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  Pretty Happy - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By DCISCouts - August 5 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 9-3 in October of 2001. We got no snow, so I didnt get to test out the TCS. I love the exhilerating performance!!

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  Great SUV - heavy and secure - 2007 Saab 9-7X
  By jerry thomas - August 3 - 8:16 pm

  The car not only looks hot, but is hot. Great ride, handles great and turns on a dime. I love it!

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  Affordable Luxury - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By CCC - August 2 - 10:00 am

  An affordable, large car with athletic style and european ride and handling. I like that 4 people can ride in comfort (including the driver and one behind). Car is responsive (though more so in sport mode) and handles well.

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  Saab 95 - 1999 Saab 9-5
  By Jim Crawford - July 29 - 2:00 am

  Great car for the money

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  Wonderful - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Lawrence - July 29 - 2:00 am

  I got the 9/5 Linear for a steal since it was a demo with 600 miles on it (under $30k). I looked at the BMW 525 (almost bougth the Bimmer), for the money this was a great deal. Here in Italy there is no regard for posted speed limits, so I had the oppertunity to open this baby up and cruise at 120 mph on the autostrada for about 10 klicks, it was like riding on a cloud. This car is quick in either sport or normal trans mode. Silky smooth, ultra quite and tight. Swedish Bimmer, mabye 525 killer. Fit and finish is tight, driver comfort and controls exellent, killer sound system. This car is a 10 in my book. The more I drive the 9/5 the more I like it.

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  Sixth Saab - best ever - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By brandedsaab - July 27 - 12:06 am

  Great car and so much fun to drive - comfortable, fast. Engine purrs. Top goes down and up quick. Just under 2K miles - no problems at all. 22.4 mpg - and not broken in yet, and city driving.

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  Saab Aerowagon Rocks! - 2003 Saab 9-5
  By Diane Davis - July 24 - 2:00 am

  So pleased with my Aerowagon - Coming from an 8 cylinder Lexus I was concerned about power and pickup - no problem here. Great accelaration, sporty, fun to drive - and practicle! I figure if Im going to have a stationwagon, Id like to have one that can move around those teen punks without any effort... And so much better mileage than a SUV. Im doing my part to reduce dependence on Middle Eastern Oil... Great Car!

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  Great dynamics - shame about build - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By ChasB - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful driving dynamics. Shame about the details. Too much electronic control. Changing the band on the radio is a major job. Door locks problematic. Stalling problems & stability control warnings. Back to the dealer 4 times in 4000 miles.

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  saab convertble - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Joel Klein - July 23 - 10:43 am

  This is my 11th Saab cobvertible and these feels the best