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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  Saab 95 Aero Wagon - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By gells - June 5 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Saab (previously 9000 CS). With the Aero its a significant upgrade over the 9000. Everything so far has been excellent. Vehicle has almost all of the options except the reverse backup indicator. Got a great deal (0% financing + 1000s off of list price). Lots of good forums for Saab information which helped in purchasing.

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  So far, so good... - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By guygabriel - June 5 - 10:00 am

  Ive been driving my new 9-3 Arc for just over a month and so far Im very impressed. I have always owned Honda and Acura automobiles prior to this car. And, in fact, I was going back and forth between the Saab and the new Acura TSX. I also looked very closely at the Audi A4 and the BMW 3 series. It was a very tough, but I think I made the right choice. I have never experienced a better-handling automobile; especially in the rain. The car feels like its glued to the road.

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  Solid car - great value. - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By ToddG - May 31 - 10:00 am

  I got the 9-5 Linear with the performance package. The car has just the right combination of comfort and performance. The car rides like its on rails at 80 mph - and youre just a tap away from triple digits. Sound system (harmon kardon 200 watt) gives deep stomach bouncing bass. Quiet ride. Could have spent much more for as good of a ride.

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  Linear review - 2005 Saab 9-2X
  By KGS - May 28 - 10:03 pm

  Good car. Great deal for the money but only with rebate. OUTSTANDING cargo space. Actually beats the Mitsubishi Outlander, its still AWD, had leather AND stick. Baltimore to Cape Cod mileage: 31.8 MPG. This includes going 10 miles in 2-1/2 hours on the Jersey Turnpike. Went up/down Whiteface Mountain with ease. Fun to drive. Heated seats are a plus.

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  You will love XWD - 2008 Saab 9-3
  By AeroXWD - May 26 - 10:03 pm

  I purchased this car after my 2007 9-3 2.0T was hit from behind and subsequently totaled. I loved my 9-3 but also thought it would be a good idea to keep an open mind and look at some other cars. I drove an A4 which was slow and expensive with the options I wanted. The 3.2 V-6 felt simply lethargic. I drove a 335i BMW walked away feeling it was overpriced. The new C300 and C350 handled great but I was really unimpressed with how awful the seats and interior materials were for a Benz. The Aero XWD was a blast. Excellent seats, 280 hp turbo engine. I love my new Aero XWD. I have developed a lead foot and find myself at high speed on many occasions. Its the best Saab Ive ever had.

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  Best All Around - 2001 Saab 9-5
  By David G. Mills - May 22 - 2:00 am

  This is the best all around car on the market for safety, performance, utility, comfort, efficiency, value amd class. No other car does so many things as well.

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  Saab 9-3 SE Convertible - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By goodkind - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Excellent responsive tight convertible. Outstanding top and drivetrain. Brisk acceleration and excellent brakes. Completely weather tight with top up. Outstanding handling.

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  What a blast! - 2006 Saab 9-3
  By Mike B - May 18 - 4:20 am

  So far I love this car, still a little cold to drop the top much, but cant wait for summer or at least April! Its as much fun to look at as it is to drive.

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  Aero Sport Wagon on Top - 2004 Saab 9-5
  By kef107 - May 18 - 2:00 am

  Doesnt get much better than this for fun and performance driving. Very powerful, great auto 5sp tranny, and simple Swedish interior styling make it very comfortable. The wagon exterior is the most stylish car on the road IMHO, and it is very functional. I love this Aero and Ive had 8 prior Saabs. Pricing is also very aggressive for sale or lease, and it comes with a driving course at Road Atlanta: Aero Academy!!!

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  SAAB Story - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By bblngtme - May 18 - 2:00 am

  Sorry, I cant give my SAAB 9-3 a good review. My car was lemon and was returned to the manufacturer. Even though the engine and transmission worked well, the electronics had problems as well as the parking brake. I had to have the car towed into the dealership 6 times, 3 for the engine immobilizer shutting down the car, and 3 times because the parking brake would not release. Oh well, the car in no longer an issue for me