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:
Showing 181 through 190 of 2,450.00-
Performance/Design Yes, Build Quality No - 2003 Saab 9-3
By peco - April 17 - 2:00 amI have put 1,000 miles/month on my 9-3 since the end of April 2003. It is a joy to drive. I love the exterior and interior design. It offers the best balance of performance, design and features for $30,000. My only reservation is the apparently spotty build quality. In my car, this has manifested itself in my car as squeaks and rattles in the front doors and the dashboard (where it meets the firewall). I have also had a few instances of cold engine stall on startup (I live outside of Chicago). However, I enjoy driving this car so much that I would be willing to take a chance on a 2004 9-3 convertible because it is built in Austria, not Sweden.
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Saab defeats BMW hands down - 2006 Saab 9-3
By car nut - April 15 - 7:13 amMy past two cars have been BMWs, this car blows them away! Fast, fun and roomy. Seats very comfortable, convertable top is a gem. Car enthusiasts and mags are negative on front wheel drive, BUT I live in the northeast, their is virtually no torque steer and I am much more likely to drive in inclimate weather than take a turn at 90 mph. The car is distinctive and a blast to drive.
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Power in your seat - 2008 Saab 9-3
By SAABTX - April 14 - 11:43 amI have been a SAAB guy for 6 years now & I simply love these machines. I just bought the SAAB Turbo X only 600 out of 2,000 made it to the States & what a car. Hands down AMAZING!! I have to say the ONLY thing GM helped SAAB with was their electrical systems that are much better. And the dealer was willing to let this baby go at more then $12,000.00 off the sticker!! $32,000.00 out the door with tinted windows and front clear rock chip protection at no charge, and they went for it!! Now IS the time to buy...they are hungry. The XWD system is rock on.....I could not break this one off the road. SOLID CAR ALL AROUND!!
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Sweet Car / Good Value - 2006 Saab 9-3
By jackpinewi - April 13 - 8:53 amWeve only had the car for a short- time so take this review with grain of salt. Really like the vehicle. Nice power off the line that gets better as the turbo kicks in. Very solid on the road with nice road manners. Nice look to 9-3 Aero. Interior comfort is good. Seats are supportive and comfortable. Headrests are functional and lower back support of the seats is excellent. Back seat is usable even with decent sized adult in front (6- 0). HIDs are excellent. Finish and fit of the car are very good. No annoying rattles or other noises. Car makes commute more enjoyable. Daughter thinks the car is cool!
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Fun to drive, at a price.... - 1996 Saab 900
By Moe5555 - April 10 - 2:00 amI bought this car with 92,000 miles on it. I dont drive much (7k/yr), but the car finds a way to malfunction every 1.5-2 months. Dont get me wrong: the car is beautiful, comfortable, and performs well...but is expensive to keep up with all the problems the car has. My engine seized up just 1 month ago and I had to either ditch the car or buy a new engine. Saab need to work on reliability issues!
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Been a good car... - 2001 Saab 9-3
By Jony T Bone - April 10 - 2:00 amI just rolled 30k miles and I still love this car...Ive swapped out the stock springs with some B&G and installed the sport exhaust...The springs really toned down both body roll and the way the car reacts during acceleration...You know the push, pull sway...Im sure it has a name... A few more mods and Ill be screaming when Im on the gas (from 185 to almost 250hp/300+flbs)...And getting 30+ mpg on the highway...Crazy... I have to agree with a bunch of the
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Great Car - 2002 Saab 9-5
By Sedona - April 10 - 2:00 amAll Round Best car I ever drove. Have had MB BMW . Best for the money.
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Saab 9-3 Trumps BMW, Audi, Acura - 2004 Saab 9-3
By TNSaab9-3 - April 10 - 2:00 amThe Saab 9-3 is a fun car. It handles well and is really quick. The car is well designed and there are few on the road. You see so many BMWs that it gets old after a while. Very comfortable car too.
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Tight Car!!! - 2004 Saab 9-3
By Mr. Lover - April 10 - 2:00 amThis is my third week owning a Saab Linear. It has been wonderful. Handles great, nice power especially at the 2nd and 3rd gear. I like it as much as my old Beamer. Nice car overall.
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The Last Saab - 2003 Saab 9-3
By Pat - April 8 - 3:26 amWE have had nothing but trouble with this car from day one. The biggest complaint is the hesitation which the dealer has not repaired, we are in arbitration. All the problems with this car have not been repaired. My wife has to constantly take it back for repair
