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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  I really like it - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By MyblueSaab - June 20 - 9:23 am

  I have come to really like this car. I used to own an Acura and had to sell it to fit our new baby and her gear!! This car has done wonders. I can load and entire weekends worth of gear for my baby, my wife and myself and still not have to overflow into the cabin. The Trunk is a cavern. I can set the cruise at 75mph and get close to 30 mpg. I could go on and on but the list is too numerous. All in all this car is not more than I needed, but has turned out to be more than I expected.

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  An amazing car thus far - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By AERO DRIVER - June 18 - 9:00 pm

  Although in the two years that I have owned my SAAB 9-5 Aero I have had several reaccurring problems, like malfunctionning auto levelling headlamps, and a wiper failure. Each and every time I step into it I am rewarded with an amazing driving experience, great power delivery, superior ergonomics. This is the first car that I have been able to keep for more than six months.

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  Saab 9.5 - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By bluegirl - June 17 - 7:23 am

  Love my Saab. Very sturdy. Nicely styled, good mileage. Fun to drive. Lots of energy. Have not had any maintenance issues. Could use more cup holders and storage space in front seat. Doesnt do quite as well in snowy conditions as Id hoped, but still reasonable. Repair for run into deer involving front bumper was very expensive.

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  More bang for your buck - 2009 Saab 9-3
  By John B. - June 15 - 12:00 pm

  Editorial reviews rate the SAAB 9-3 low compared to the competition in nearly every category but one - price. The sticker may be high but that doesnt reflect the actual price, which is much lower than the competition. If you are splitting hairs then perhaps the editorial reviews are correct, but for the everyday driver this is a fine car over-loaded with power, comfort, and features compared to other cars in its price range. When my wife and I went to buy a new car she was adamantly opposed to buying a SAAB because of the latest troubles - then she drove it. For the price we got ($23,000) there was no comparison to the Mazda, Honda, Subaru, or Nissan cars we looked at.

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  The Truth - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By True Saab Owner - June 11 - 2:00 am

  I must rebut the misinformation in some these 9-3 reviews. The 9-3 is built on a new platform only used by Saab and Opel as of yet. The only truth about GrandAm connection is that GM plans to build it next-gen GrandAm on the platform to cut costs. Volkswagon and Audi do the same. Anyhow, I like the way the the 9-3 drives - nice handling and comfortable seats. I think the Linear has plenty of power for everyday driving and compares favorably to the A4 and 3 Series base models. The real story is that the Saab has leather interior standard. If you make a true comparison (option for option) the 9-3 will save you at least 5K over a A4 or 3 Series.

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  Great Little All Wheel Driver - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By Sir DriveAlot - June 10 - 10:16 am

  Overall this is a very competent car. I traded in my pick-up truck for an automatic Linear so I could save gas $$. So far I get around 27-28 mpg combined city and highway. This is the most stylish, inexpensive, and most efficient vehicle I could find that would get me up my steep driveway in the winter. The rear folding seats are versatile enough to handle my child seat and whatever other general items I need to haul. Acceleration is adequate, but I am not speed racer. Excellent price with the latest sdeals from GM/Saab.

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  Remarkable Car - 2010 Saab 9-5
  By rak3 - June 9 - 12:29 am

  I picked up my 2010 Aero this week, having shopped against the BMW 535 and the A6 Quattro. It really drives well, with mgreat usable power and roadholding. It is not only better equipped than teh competition, but also larger and and MUCH less expensivey moves quickly and holds the road incredibly well. It is larger inside, totally loaded and MUCH less expensive than the competition.

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  My First Convertible - 2005 Saab 9-3
  By Ron - June 7 - 3:36 pm

  Briefly, this is a well-built car with a great fit and finish. The trunk will hold 2 golf bags with the top up and 4 passengers comfortably. Along with its 5 star safety rating, convenient controls and good looks, what else would you want in a convertible?

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  Arcs Alright - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By gtoman - June 5 - 10:00 am

  Overall, very pleased. Im still surprised it only has 200hp since its performance belies that number! Its a blast to enter a highway with the rush of acceleration and launching it from a stop light in the Sport mode will snap your neck back.

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  Unpretentious luxury - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By Ralex - June 5 - 10:00 am

  I purchassed a Saab 9-5 after test driving one in March. The rebates were very enticing, and Ive always wanted a European sedan. I have over 5,000 miles on it and am still excited every time I drive it. It has everything Id hoped for in a luxury sedan. I was amazed at the fuel economy. On a recent trip to Tenn. I averaged over 30mpg. I would buy it again, even without the incentives.